Numerical Leak Detection in a Pipeline Network of Complex Structure with Unsteady Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aida-zade, K. R.; Ashrafova, E. R.

2017-12-01

An inverse problem for a pipeline network of complex loopback structure is solved numerically. The problem is to determine the locations and amounts of leaks from unsteady flow characteristics measured at some pipeline points. The features of the problem include impulse functions involved in a system of hyperbolic differential equations, the absence of classical initial conditions, and boundary conditions specified as nonseparated relations between the states at the endpoints of adjacent pipeline segments. The problem is reduced to a parametric optimal control problem without initial conditions, but with nonseparated boundary conditions. The latter problem is solved by applying first-order optimization methods. Results of numerical experiments are presented.

Resonances and bound states in the continuum on periodic arrays of slightly noncircular cylinders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Zhen; Lu, Ya Yan

2018-02-01

Optical bound states in the continuum (BICs), especially those on periodic structures, have interesting properties and potentially important applications. Existing theoretical and numerical studies for optical BICs are mostly for idealized structures with simple and perfect geometric features, such as circular holes, rectangular cylinders and spheres. Since small distortions are always present in actual fabricated structures, we perform a high accuracy numerical study for BICs and resonances on a simple periodic structure with small distortions, i.e., periodic arrays of slightly noncircular cylinders. Our numerical results confirm that symmetries are important not only for the so-called symmetry-protected BICs, but also for the majority of propagating BICs which do not have a symmetry mismatch with the outgoing radiation waves. Typically, the BICs continue to exist if the small distortions keep the relevant symmetries, and they become resonant modes with finite quality factors if the small distortions break a required symmetry.

Numerical-experimental investigation of resonance characteristics of a sounding board

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shlychkov, S. V.

2007-05-01

The paper presents results of numerical and experimental investigations into the vibrations of thin-walled structures, considering such their features as the complexity of geometry, the laminated structure of walls, the anisotropy of materials, the presence of stiffeners, and the initial stresses. The object of the study is the sounding board of an acoustic guitar, the main structural material of which is a three-layer birch veneer. Based on the finite-element method, a corresponding calculation model is created, and the steady-state regimes of forced vibrations of the sounding board are investigated. A good correspondence between calculation results and experimental data is found to exist.

Robust recognition of handwritten numerals based on dual cooperative network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Sukhan; Choi, Yeongwoo

1992-01-01

An approach to robust recognition of handwritten numerals using two operating parallel networks is presented. The first network uses inputs in Cartesian coordinates, and the second network uses the same inputs transformed into polar coordinates. How the proposed approach realizes the robustness to local and global variations of input numerals by handling inputs both in Cartesian coordinates and in its transformed Polar coordinates is described. The required network structures and its learning scheme are discussed. Experimental results show that by tracking only a small number of distinctive features for each teaching numeral in each coordinate, the proposed system can provide robust recognition of handwritten numerals.

A Fast, Open EEG Classification Framework Based on Feature Compression and Channel Ranking

PubMed Central

Han, Jiuqi; Zhao, Yuwei; Sun, Hongji; Chen, Jiayun; Ke, Ang; Xu, Gesen; Zhang, Hualiang; Zhou, Jin; Wang, Changyong

2018-01-01

Superior feature extraction, channel selection and classification methods are essential for designing electroencephalography (EEG) classification frameworks. However, the performance of most frameworks is limited by their improper channel selection methods and too specifical design, leading to high computational complexity, non-convergent procedure and narrow expansibility. In this paper, to remedy these drawbacks, we propose a fast, open EEG classification framework centralized by EEG feature compression, low-dimensional representation, and convergent iterative channel ranking. First, to reduce the complexity, we use data clustering to compress the EEG features channel-wise, packing the high-dimensional EEG signal, and endowing them with numerical signatures. Second, to provide easy access to alternative superior methods, we structurally represent each EEG trial in a feature vector with its corresponding numerical signature. Thus, the recorded signals of many trials shrink to a low-dimensional structural matrix compatible with most pattern recognition methods. Third, a series of effective iterative feature selection approaches with theoretical convergence is introduced to rank the EEG channels and remove redundant ones, further accelerating the EEG classification process and ensuring its stability. Finally, a classical linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model is employed to classify a single EEG trial with selected channels. Experimental results on two real world brain-computer interface (BCI) competition datasets demonstrate the promising performance of the proposed framework over state-of-the-art methods. PMID:29713262

Numerical Simulation of The Mediterranean Sea Using Diecast: Interaction Between Basin, Sub-basin and Local Scale Features and Natural Variability.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández, V.; Dietrich, D. E.; Haney, R. L.; Tintoré, J.

In situ and satellite data obtained during the last ten years have shown that the circula- tion in the Mediterranean Sea is extremely complex in space, with significant features ranging from mesoscale to sub-basin and basin scale, and highly variable in time, with mesoscale to seasonal and interannual signals. Also, the steep bottom topography and the variable atmospheric conditions from one sub-basin to another, make the circula- tion to be composed of numerous energetic and narrow coastal currents, density fronts and mesoscale structures that interact at sub-basin scale with the large scale circula- tion. To simulate numerically and better understand these features, besides high grid resolution, a low numerical dispersion and low physical dissipation ocean model is required. We present the results from a 1/8z horizontal resolution numerical simula- tion of the Mediterranean Sea using DieCAST ocean model, which meets the above requirements since it is stable with low general dissipation and uses accurate fourth- order-accurate approximations with low numerical dispersion. The simulations are carried out with climatological surface forcing using monthly mean winds and relax- ation towards climatological values of temperature and salinity. The model reproduces the main features of the large basin scale circulation, as well as the seasonal variabil- ity of sub-basin scale currents that are well documented by observations in straits and channels. In addition, DieCAST brings out natural fronts and eddies that usually do not appear in numerical simulations of the Mediterranean and that lead to a natural interannual variability. The role of this intrinsic variability in the general circulation will be discussed.

RNA-TVcurve: a Web server for RNA secondary structure comparison based on a multi-scale similarity of its triple vector curve representation.

PubMed

Li, Ying; Shi, Xiaohu; Liang, Yanchun; Xie, Juan; Zhang, Yu; Ma, Qin

2017-01-21

RNAs have been found to carry diverse functionalities in nature. Inferring the similarity between two given RNAs is a fundamental step to understand and interpret their functional relationship. The majority of functional RNAs show conserved secondary structures, rather than sequence conservation. Those algorithms relying on sequence-based features usually have limitations in their prediction performance. Hence, integrating RNA structure features is very critical for RNA analysis. Existing algorithms mainly fall into two categories: alignment-based and alignment-free. The alignment-free algorithms of RNA comparison usually have lower time complexity than alignment-based algorithms. An alignment-free RNA comparison algorithm was proposed, in which novel numerical representations RNA-TVcurve (triple vector curve representation) of RNA sequence and corresponding secondary structure features are provided. Then a multi-scale similarity score of two given RNAs was designed based on wavelet decomposition of their numerical representation. In support of RNA mutation and phylogenetic analysis, a web server (RNA-TVcurve) was designed based on this alignment-free RNA comparison algorithm. It provides three functional modules: 1) visualization of numerical representation of RNA secondary structure; 2) detection of single-point mutation based on secondary structure; and 3) comparison of pairwise and multiple RNA secondary structures. The inputs of the web server require RNA primary sequences, while corresponding secondary structures are optional. For the primary sequences alone, the web server can compute the secondary structures using free energy minimization algorithm in terms of RNAfold tool from Vienna RNA package. RNA-TVcurve is the first integrated web server, based on an alignment-free method, to deliver a suite of RNA analysis functions, including visualization, mutation analysis and multiple RNAs structure comparison. The comparison results with two popular RNA comparison tools, RNApdist and RNAdistance, showcased that RNA-TVcurve can efficiently capture subtle relationships among RNAs for mutation detection and non-coding RNA classification. All the relevant results were shown in an intuitive graphical manner, and can be freely downloaded from this server. RNA-TVcurve, along with test examples and detailed documents, are available at: http://ml.jlu.edu.cn/tvcurve/ .

Performance comparison of the Prophecy (forecasting) Algorithm in FFT form for unseen feature and time-series prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaenisch, Holger; Handley, James

2013-06-01

We introduce a generalized numerical prediction and forecasting algorithm. We have previously published it for malware byte sequence feature prediction and generalized distribution modeling for disparate test article analysis. We show how non-trivial non-periodic extrapolation of a numerical sequence (forecast and backcast) from the starting data is possible. Our ancestor-progeny prediction can yield new options for evolutionary programming. Our equations enable analytical integrals and derivatives to any order. Interpolation is controllable from smooth continuous to fractal structure estimation. We show how our generalized trigonometric polynomial can be derived using a Fourier transform.

iFeature: a python package and web server for features extraction and selection from protein and peptide sequences.

PubMed

Chen, Zhen; Zhao, Pei; Li, Fuyi; Leier, André; Marquez-Lago, Tatiana T; Wang, Yanan; Webb, Geoffrey I; Smith, A Ian; Daly, Roger J; Chou, Kuo-Chen; Song, Jiangning

2018-03-08

Structural and physiochemical descriptors extracted from sequence data have been widely used to represent sequences and predict structural, functional, expression and interaction profiles of proteins and peptides as well as DNAs/RNAs. Here, we present iFeature, a versatile Python-based toolkit for generating various numerical feature representation schemes for both protein and peptide sequences. iFeature is capable of calculating and extracting a comprehensive spectrum of 18 major sequence encoding schemes that encompass 53 different types of feature descriptors. It also allows users to extract specific amino acid properties from the AAindex database. Furthermore, iFeature integrates 12 different types of commonly used feature clustering, selection, and dimensionality reduction algorithms, greatly facilitating training, analysis, and benchmarking of machine-learning models. The functionality of iFeature is made freely available via an online web server and a stand-alone toolkit. http://iFeature.erc.monash.edu/; https://github.com/Superzchen/iFeature/. jiangning.song@monash.edu; kcchou@gordonlifescience.org; roger.daly@monash.edu. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baghram, Shant; Abolhasani, Ali Akbar; Firouzjahi, Hassan

We study the predictions of anomalous inflationary models on the abundance of structures in large scale structure observations. The anomalous features encoded in primordial curvature perturbation power spectrum are (a): localized feature in momentum space, (b): hemispherical asymmetry and (c): statistical anisotropies. We present a model-independent expression relating the number density of structures to the changes in the matter density variance. Models with localized feature can alleviate the tension between observations and numerical simulations of cold dark matter structures on galactic scales as a possible solution to the missing satellite problem. In models with hemispherical asymmetry we show that themore » abundance of structures becomes asymmetric depending on the direction of observation to sky. In addition, we study the effects of scale-dependent dipole amplitude on the abundance of structures. Using the quasars data and adopting the power-law scaling k{sup n{sub A}-1} for the amplitude of dipole we find the upper bound n{sub A} < 0.6 for the spectral index of the dipole asymmetry. In all cases there is a critical mass scale M{sub c} in which for M M{sub c}) the enhancement in variance induced from anomalous feature decreases (increases) the abundance of dark matter structures in Universe.« less

Studies of planetary upper atmospheres through occultations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elliot, J. L.

1982-01-01

The structure, composition, dynamics and energy balance of planetary upper atmospheres through interpretation of steller occultation data from Uranus is discussed. The wave-optical problem of modelling strong scintillation for arbitrary turbulent atmospheres is studied, as well as influence of turbulence. It was concluded that quasi-global features of atmospheric structure are accurately determined by numerical inversion. Horizontally inhomogeneous structures are filtered out and have little effect on temperature profiles.

A human body model for efficient numerical characterization of UWB signal propagation in wireless body area networks.

PubMed

Lim, Hooi Been; Baumann, Dirk; Li, Er-Ping

2011-03-01

Wireless body area network (WBAN) is a new enabling system with promising applications in areas such as remote health monitoring and interpersonal communication. Reliable and optimum design of a WBAN system relies on a good understanding and in-depth studies of the wave propagation around a human body. However, the human body is a very complex structure and is computationally demanding to model. This paper aims to investigate the effects of the numerical model's structure complexity and feature details on the simulation results. Depending on the application, a simplified numerical model that meets desired simulation accuracy can be employed for efficient simulations. Measurements of ultra wideband (UWB) signal propagation along a human arm are performed and compared to the simulation results obtained with numerical arm models of different complexity levels. The influence of the arm shape and size, as well as tissue composition and complexity is investigated.

Combustion and Magnetohydrodynamic Processes in Advanced Pulse Detonation Rocket Engines

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

use of high-order numerical methods can also be a powerful tool in the analysis of such complex flows, but we need to understand the interaction of...computational physics, 43(2):357372, 1981. [47] B. Einfeldt. On godunov-type methods for gas dynamics . SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis , pages 294...dimensional effects with complex reaction kinetics, the simple one-dimensional detonation structure provides a rich spectrum of dynamical features which are

Prediction of Protein-Protein Interaction Sites by Random Forest Algorithm with mRMR and IFS

PubMed Central

Li, Bi-Qing; Feng, Kai-Yan; Chen, Lei; Huang, Tao; Cai, Yu-Dong

2012-01-01

Prediction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) sites is one of the most challenging problems in computational biology. Although great progress has been made by employing various machine learning approaches with numerous characteristic features, the problem is still far from being solved. In this study, we developed a novel predictor based on Random Forest (RF) algorithm with the Minimum Redundancy Maximal Relevance (mRMR) method followed by incremental feature selection (IFS). We incorporated features of physicochemical/biochemical properties, sequence conservation, residual disorder, secondary structure and solvent accessibility. We also included five 3D structural features to predict protein-protein interaction sites and achieved an overall accuracy of 0.672997 and MCC of 0.347977. Feature analysis showed that 3D structural features such as Depth Index (DPX) and surface curvature (SC) contributed most to the prediction of protein-protein interaction sites. It was also shown via site-specific feature analysis that the features of individual residues from PPI sites contribute most to the determination of protein-protein interaction sites. It is anticipated that our prediction method will become a useful tool for identifying PPI sites, and that the feature analysis described in this paper will provide useful insights into the mechanisms of interaction. PMID:22937126

Model-Based Heterogeneous Data Fusion for Reliable Force Estimation in Dynamic Structures under Uncertainties

PubMed Central

Khodabandeloo, Babak; Melvin, Dyan; Jo, Hongki

2017-01-01

Direct measurements of external forces acting on a structure are infeasible in many cases. The Augmented Kalman Filter (AKF) has several attractive features that can be utilized to solve the inverse problem of identifying applied forces, as it requires the dynamic model and the measured responses of structure at only a few locations. But, the AKF intrinsically suffers from numerical instabilities when accelerations, which are the most common response measurements in structural dynamics, are the only measured responses. Although displacement measurements can be used to overcome the instability issue, the absolute displacement measurements are challenging and expensive for full-scale dynamic structures. In this paper, a reliable model-based data fusion approach to reconstruct dynamic forces applied to structures using heterogeneous structural measurements (i.e., strains and accelerations) in combination with AKF is investigated. The way of incorporating multi-sensor measurements in the AKF is formulated. Then the formulation is implemented and validated through numerical examples considering possible uncertainties in numerical modeling and sensor measurement. A planar truss example was chosen to clearly explain the formulation, while the method and formulation are applicable to other structures as well. PMID:29149088

The structure of supersonic jet flow and its radiated sound

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mankbadi, Reda R.; Hayder, M. E.; Povinelli, Louis A.

1993-01-01

Large-eddy simulation of a supersonic jet is presented with emphasis on capturing the unsteady features of the flow pertinent to sound emission. A high-accuracy numerical scheme is used to solve the filtered, unsteady, compressible Navier-Stokes equations while modelling the subgrid-scale turbulence. For random inflow disturbance, the wave-like feature of the large-scale structure is demonstrated. The large-scale structure was then enhanced by imposing harmonic disturbances to the inflow. The limitation of using the full Navier-Stokes equation to calculate the far-field sound is discussed. Application of Lighthill's acoustic analogy is given with the objective of highlighting the difficulties that arise from the non-compactness of the source term.

An enhancement of NASTRAN for the seismic analysis of structures. [nuclear power plants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burroughs, J. W.

1980-01-01

New modules, bulk data cards and DMAP sequence were added to NASTRAN to aid in the seismic analysis of nuclear power plant structures. These allow input consisting of acceleration time histories and result in the generation of acceleration floor response spectra. The resulting system contains numerous user convenience features, as well as being reasonably efficient.

Fifteenth NASTRAN (R) Users' Colloquium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

Numerous applications of the NASA Structural Analysis (NASTRAN) computer program, a general purpose finite element code, are discussed. Additional features that can be added to NASTRAN, interactive plotting of NASTRAN data on microcomputers, mass modeling for bars, the design of wind tunnel models, the analysis of ship structures subjected to underwater explosions, and buckling analysis of radio antennas are among the topics discussed.

Significant Centers of Tectonic Activity as Identified by Wrinkle Ridges for the Western Hemisphere of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, R.C.; Haldemann, A. F. C.; Golombek, M. P.; Franklin, B. J.; Dohm, J. M.; Lias, J.

2000-01-01

The western hemisphere region of Mars has been the site of numerous scientific investigations regarding its tectonic evolution. For this region of Mars, the dominant tectonic region is the Tharsis province. Tharsis is characterized by an enormous system of radiating grabens and a circumferential system of wrinkle ridges. Past investigations of grabens associated with Tharsis have identified specific centers of tectonic activity. A recent structural analysis of the western hemisphere region of Mars which includes the Tharsis region, utilized 25,000 structures to determine the history of local and regional centers of tectonic activity based primarily on the spatial and temporal relationships of extensional features. This investigation revealed that Tharsis is more structurally complex (heterogeneous) than has been previously identified: it consists of numerous regional and local centers of tectonic activity (some are more dominant and/or more long lived than others). Here we use the same approach as Anderson et al. to determine whether the centers of tectonic activity that formed the extensional features also contributed to wrinkle ridge (compressional) formation.

Graph theory approach to the eigenvalue problem of large space structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reddy, A. S. S. R.; Bainum, P. M.

1981-01-01

Graph theory is used to obtain numerical solutions to eigenvalue problems of large space structures (LSS) characterized by a state vector of large dimensions. The LSS are considered as large, flexible systems requiring both orientation and surface shape control. Graphic interpretation of the determinant of a matrix is employed to reduce a higher dimensional matrix into combinations of smaller dimensional sub-matrices. The reduction is implemented by means of a Boolean equivalent of the original matrices formulated to obtain smaller dimensional equivalents of the original numerical matrix. Computation time becomes less and more accurate solutions are possible. An example is provided in the form of a free-free square plate. Linearized system equations and numerical values of a stiffness matrix are presented, featuring a state vector with 16 components.

Numerical investigation of separated nozzle flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, C. L.; Chakravarthy, S. R.; Hung, C. M.

1994-01-01

A numerical study of axisymmetric overexpanded nozzle is presented. The flow structure of the startup and throttle-down processes are examined. During the impulsive startup process, observed flow features include the Mach disk, separation shock, Mach stem, vortex core, contact surface, slip stream, initial shock front, and shocklet. Also the movement of the Mach disk is not monotonical in the downstream direction. For a range of pressure ratios, hysteresis phenomenon occurs; different solutions were obtained depending on different processes. Three types of flow structures were observed. The location of separation point and the lower end turning point of hysteresis are closely predicted. A high peak of pressure is associated with the nozzle flow reattachment. The reversed vortical structure and affects engine performance.

Nonlinear dispersion effects in elastic plates: numerical modelling and validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kijanka, Piotr; Radecki, Rafal; Packo, Pawel; Staszewski, Wieslaw J.; Uhl, Tadeusz; Leamy, Michael J.

2017-04-01

Nonlinear features of elastic wave propagation have attracted significant attention recently. The particular interest herein relates to complex wave-structure interactions, which provide potential new opportunities for feature discovery and identification in a variety of applications. Due to significant complexity associated with wave propagation in nonlinear media, numerical modeling and simulations are employed to facilitate design and development of new measurement, monitoring and characterization systems. However, since very high spatio- temporal accuracy of numerical models is required, it is critical to evaluate their spectral properties and tune discretization parameters for compromise between accuracy and calculation time. Moreover, nonlinearities in structures give rise to various effects that are not present in linear systems, e.g. wave-wave interactions, higher harmonics generation, synchronism and | recently reported | shifts to dispersion characteristics. This paper discusses local computational model based on a new HYBRID approach for wave propagation in nonlinear media. The proposed approach combines advantages of the Local Interaction Simulation Approach (LISA) and Cellular Automata for Elastodynamics (CAFE). The methods are investigated in the context of their accuracy for predicting nonlinear wavefields, in particular shifts to dispersion characteristics for finite amplitude waves and secondary wavefields. The results are validated against Finite Element (FE) calculations for guided waves in copper plate. Critical modes i.e., modes determining accuracy of a model at given excitation frequency - are identified and guidelines for numerical model parameters are proposed.

NERBio: using selected word conjunctions, term normalization, and global patterns to improve biomedical named entity recognition.

PubMed

Tsai, Richard Tzong-Han; Sung, Cheng-Lung; Dai, Hong-Jie; Hung, Hsieh-Chuan; Sung, Ting-Yi; Hsu, Wen-Lian

2006-12-18

Biomedical named entity recognition (Bio-NER) is a challenging problem because, in general, biomedical named entities of the same category (e.g., proteins and genes) do not follow one standard nomenclature. They have many irregularities and sometimes appear in ambiguous contexts. In recent years, machine-learning (ML) approaches have become increasingly common and now represent the cutting edge of Bio-NER technology. This paper addresses three problems faced by ML-based Bio-NER systems. First, most ML approaches usually employ singleton features that comprise one linguistic property (e.g., the current word is capitalized) and at least one class tag (e.g., B-protein, the beginning of a protein name). However, such features may be insufficient in cases where multiple properties must be considered. Adding conjunction features that contain multiple properties can be beneficial, but it would be infeasible to include all conjunction features in an NER model since memory resources are limited and some features are ineffective. To resolve the problem, we use a sequential forward search algorithm to select an effective set of features. Second, variations in the numerical parts of biomedical terms (e.g., "2" in the biomedical term IL2) cause data sparseness and generate many redundant features. In this case, we apply numerical normalization, which solves the problem by replacing all numerals in a term with one representative numeral to help classify named entities. Third, the assignment of NE tags does not depend solely on the target word's closest neighbors, but may depend on words outside the context window (e.g., a context window of five consists of the current word plus two preceding and two subsequent words). We use global patterns generated by the Smith-Waterman local alignment algorithm to identify such structures and modify the results of our ML-based tagger. This is called pattern-based post-processing. To develop our ML-based Bio-NER system, we employ conditional random fields, which have performed effectively in several well-known tasks, as our underlying ML model. Adding selected conjunction features, applying numerical normalization, and employing pattern-based post-processing improve the F-scores by 1.67%, 1.04%, and 0.57%, respectively. The combined increase of 3.28% yields a total score of 72.98%, which is better than the baseline system that only uses singleton features. We demonstrate the benefits of using the sequential forward search algorithm to select effective conjunction feature groups. In addition, we show that numerical normalization can effectively reduce the number of redundant and unseen features. Furthermore, the Smith-Waterman local alignment algorithm can help ML-based Bio-NER deal with difficult cases that need longer context windows.

A viscous flow study of shock-boundary layer interaction, radial transport, and wake development in a transonic compressor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hah, Chunill; Reid, Lonnie

1991-01-01

A numerical study based on the 3D Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation has been conducted to investigate the detailed flow physics inside a transonic compressor. 3D shock structure, shock-boundary layer interaction, flow separation, radial mixing, and wake development are all investigated at design and off-design conditions. Experimental data based on laser anemometer measurements are used to assess the overall quality of the numerical solution. An additional experimental study to investigate end-wall flow with a hot-film was conducted, and these results are compared with the numerical results. Detailed comparison with experimental data indicates that the overall features of the 3D shock structure, the shock-boundary layer interaction, and the wake development are all calculated very well in the numerical solution. The numerical results are further analyzed to examine the radial mixing phenomena in the transonic compressor. A thin sheet of particles is injected in the numerical solution upstream of the compressor. The movement of particles is traced with a 3D plotting package. This numerical survey of tracer concentration reveals the fundamental mechanisms of radial transport in this transonic compressor.

Putting the "th" in Tenths: Providing Place-Value Labels Helps Reveal the Structure of Our Base-10 Numeral System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loehr, Abbey M.; Rittle-Johnson, Bethany

2017-01-01

Research has demonstrated that providing labels helps children notice key features of examples. Much less is known about how different labels impact children's ability to make inferences about the structure underlying mathematical notation. We tested the impact of labeling decimals such as 0.34 using formal place-value labels ("3 tenths and 4…

Inherited structure and coupled crust-mantle lithosphere evolution: Numerical models of Central Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heron, Philip J.; Pysklywec, Russell N.

2016-05-01

Continents have a rich tectonic history that have left lasting crustal impressions. In analyzing Central Australian intraplate orogenesis, complex continental features make it difficult to identify the controls of inherited structure. Here the tectonics of two types of inherited structures (e.g., a thermally enhanced or a rheologically strengthened region) are compared in numerical simulations of continental compression with and without "glacial buzzsaw" erosion. We find that although both inherited structures produce deformation in the upper crust that is confined to areas where material contrasts, patterns of deformation in the deep lithosphere differ significantly. Furthermore, our models infer that glacial buzzsaw erosion has little impact at depth. This tectonic isolation of the mantle lithosphere from glacial processes may further assist in the identification of a controlling inherited structure in intraplate orogenesis. Our models are interpreted in the context of Central Australian tectonics (specifically the Petermann and Alice Springs orogenies).

Theoretical and experimental studies of hyperreflective polymer-network cholesteric liquid crystal structures with helicity inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tasolamprou, A. C.; Mitov, M.; Zografopoulos, D. C.; Kriezis, E. E.

2009-03-01

Single-layer cholesteric liquid crystals exhibit a reflection coefficient which is at most 50% for unpolarized incident light. We give theoretical and experimental evidence of single-layer polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid-crystalline structures that demonstrate hyper-reflective properties. Such original features are derived by the concurrent and randomly interlaced presence of both helicities. The fundamental properties of such structures are revealed by detailed numerical simulations based on a stochastic approach.

Lagrangian motion, coherent structures, and lines of persistent material strain.

PubMed

Samelson, R M

2013-01-01

Lagrangian motion in geophysical fluids may be strongly influenced by coherent structures that support distinct regimes in a given flow. The problems of identifying and demarcating Lagrangian regime boundaries associated with dynamical coherent structures in a given velocity field can be studied using approaches originally developed in the context of the abstract geometric theory of ordinary differential equations. An essential insight is that when coherent structures exist in a flow, Lagrangian regime boundaries may often be indicated as material curves on which the Lagrangian-mean principal-axis strain is large. This insight is the foundation of many numerical techniques for identifying such features in complex observed or numerically simulated ocean flows. The basic theoretical ideas are illustrated with a simple, kinematic traveling-wave model. The corresponding numerical algorithms for identifying candidate Lagrangian regime boundaries and lines of principal Lagrangian strain (also called Lagrangian coherent structures) are divided into parcel and bundle schemes; the latter include the finite-time and finite-size Lyapunov exponent/Lagrangian strain (FTLE/FTLS and FSLE/FSLS) metrics. Some aspects and results of oceanographic studies based on these approaches are reviewed, and the results are discussed in the context of oceanographic observations of dynamical coherent structures.

Group Therapy Techniques for Sexually Abused Preteen Girls.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berman, Pearl

1990-01-01

Describes an open-ended, structured, highly intensive therapy group for sexually abused preteen girls that was the primary mode of treatment for 11 girls from low-income, rural White families with numerous problems. Unique features of the group included simultaneous group and individualized goals. (Author/BB)

Numerical Simulation of Flow Features and Energy Exchange Physics in Near-Wall Region with Fluid-Structure Interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lixiang; Wang, Wenquan; Guo, Yakun

Large eddy simulation is used to explore flow features and energy exchange physics between turbulent flow and structure vibration in the near-wall region with fluid-structure interaction (FSI). The statistical turbulence characteristics in the near-wall region of a vibrating wall, such as the skin frictional coefficient, velocity, pressure, vortices, and the coherent structures have been studied for an aerofoil blade passage of a true three-dimensional hydroturbine. The results show that (i) FSI greatly strengthens the turbulence in the inner region of y+ < 25; and (ii) the energy exchange mechanism between the flow and the vibration depends strongly on the vibration-induced vorticity in the inner region. The structural vibration provokes a frequent action between the low- and high-speed streaks to balance the energy deficit caused by the vibration. The velocity profile in the inner layer near the vibrating wall has a significant distinctness, and the viscosity effect of the fluid in the inner region decreases due to the vibration. The flow features in the inner layer are altered by a suitable wall vibration.

The normative structure of mathematization in systematic biology.

PubMed

Sterner, Beckett; Lidgard, Scott

2014-06-01

We argue that the mathematization of science should be understood as a normative activity of advocating for a particular methodology with its own criteria for evaluating good research. As a case study, we examine the mathematization of taxonomic classification in systematic biology. We show how mathematization is a normative activity by contrasting its distinctive features in numerical taxonomy in the 1960s with an earlier reform advocated by Ernst Mayr starting in the 1940s. Both Mayr and the numerical taxonomists sought to formalize the work of classification, but Mayr introduced a qualitative formalism based on human judgment for determining the taxonomic rank of populations, while the numerical taxonomists introduced a quantitative formalism based on automated procedures for computing classifications. The key contrast between Mayr and the numerical taxonomists is how they conceptualized the temporal structure of the workflow of classification, specifically where they allowed meta-level discourse about difficulties in producing the classification. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Volcanic features of Hawaii. A basis for comparison with Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carr, M. H.; Greeley, R.

1980-01-01

Despite the difference in size Martian and Hawaiian volcanoes have numerous characteristics in common. Specific features such as lava channels, collapsed lava tubes, levees and flow fronts, all very common in Hawaii, are also abundant on the flanks of some of the Martian volcanoes. Striking differences also exist, such as the apparent lack of radial rift zones on some Martian volcanoes and the paucity of cinder and spatter cones. Some of the best photographs of Martian and Hawaiian volcanic features are presented. Descriptive legends are provided for each picture. An overview of the geological processes and structures depicted is included.

A reduced amino acid alphabet for understanding and designing protein adaptation to mutation.

PubMed

Etchebest, C; Benros, C; Bornot, A; Camproux, A-C; de Brevern, A G

2007-11-01

Protein sequence world is considerably larger than structure world. In consequence, numerous non-related sequences may adopt similar 3D folds and different kinds of amino acids may thus be found in similar 3D structures. By grouping together the 20 amino acids into a smaller number of representative residues with similar features, sequence world simplification may be achieved. This clustering hence defines a reduced amino acid alphabet (reduced AAA). Numerous works have shown that protein 3D structures are composed of a limited number of building blocks, defining a structural alphabet. We previously identified such an alphabet composed of 16 representative structural motifs (5-residues length) called Protein Blocks (PBs). This alphabet permits to translate the structure (3D) in sequence of PBs (1D). Based on these two concepts, reduced AAA and PBs, we analyzed the distributions of the different kinds of amino acids and their equivalences in the structural context. Different reduced sets were considered. Recurrent amino acid associations were found in all the local structures while other were specific of some local structures (PBs) (e.g Cysteine, Histidine, Threonine and Serine for the alpha-helix Ncap). Some similar associations are found in other reduced AAAs, e.g Ile with Val, or hydrophobic aromatic residues Trp with Phe and Tyr. We put into evidence interesting alternative associations. This highlights the dependence on the information considered (sequence or structure). This approach, equivalent to a substitution matrix, could be useful for designing protein sequence with different features (for instance adaptation to environment) while preserving mainly the 3D fold.

Numerical analysis of stiffened shells of revolution. Volume 3: Users' manual for STARS-2B, 2V, shell theory automated for rotational structures, 2 (buckling, vibrations), digital computer programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Svalbonas, V.

1973-01-01

The User's manual for the shell theory automated for rotational structures (STARS) 2B and 2V (buckling, vibrations) is presented. Several features of the program are: (1) arbitrary branching of the shell meridians, (2) arbitrary boundary conditions, (3) minimum input requirements to describe a complex, practical shell of revolution structure, and (4) accurate analysis capability using a minimum number of degrees of freedom.

Selection of basic data for numerical modeling of rock mass stress state at Mirny Mining and Processing Works, Alrosa Group of Companies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bokiy, IB; Zoteev, OV; Pul, VV; Pul, EK

2018-03-01

The influence of structural features on the strength and elasticity modulus is studied in rock mass in the area of Mirny Mining and Processing Works. The authors make recommendations on the values of physical properties of rocks.

Local numerical modelling of ultrasonic guided waves in linear and nonlinear media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Packo, Pawel; Radecki, Rafal; Kijanka, Piotr; Staszewski, Wieslaw J.; Uhl, Tadeusz; Leamy, Michael J.

2017-04-01

Nonlinear ultrasonic techniques provide improved damage sensitivity compared to linear approaches. The combination of attractive properties of guided waves, such as Lamb waves, with unique features of higher harmonic generation provides great potential for characterization of incipient damage, particularly in plate-like structures. Nonlinear ultrasonic structural health monitoring techniques use interrogation signals at frequencies other than the excitation frequency to detect changes in structural integrity. Signal processing techniques used in non-destructive evaluation are frequently supported by modeling and numerical simulations in order to facilitate problem solution. This paper discusses known and newly-developed local computational strategies for simulating elastic waves, and attempts characterization of their numerical properties in the context of linear and nonlinear media. A hybrid numerical approach combining advantages of the Local Interaction Simulation Approach (LISA) and Cellular Automata for Elastodynamics (CAFE) is proposed for unique treatment of arbitrary strain-stress relations. The iteration equations of the method are derived directly from physical principles employing stress and displacement continuity, leading to an accurate description of the propagation in arbitrarily complex media. Numerical analysis of guided wave propagation, based on the newly developed hybrid approach, is presented and discussed in the paper for linear and nonlinear media. Comparisons to Finite Elements (FE) are also discussed.

What are the structural features that drive partitioning of proteins in aqueous two-phase systems?

PubMed

Wu, Zhonghua; Hu, Gang; Wang, Kui; Zaslavsky, Boris Yu; Kurgan, Lukasz; Uversky, Vladimir N

2017-01-01

Protein partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) represents a convenient, inexpensive, and easy to scale-up protein separation technique. Since partition behavior of a protein dramatically depends on an ATPS composition, it would be highly beneficial to have reliable means for (even qualitative) prediction of partitioning of a target protein under different conditions. Our aim was to understand which structural features of proteins contribute to partitioning of a query protein in a given ATPS. We undertook a systematic empirical analysis of relations between 57 numerical structural descriptors derived from the corresponding amino acid sequences and crystal structures of 10 well-characterized proteins and the partition behavior of these proteins in 29 different ATPSs. This analysis revealed that just a few structural characteristics of proteins can accurately determine behavior of these proteins in a given ATPS. However, partition behavior of proteins in different ATPSs relies on different structural features. In other words, we could not find a unique set of protein structural features derived from their crystal structures that could be used for the description of the protein partition behavior of all proteins in all ATPSs analyzed in this study. We likely need to gain better insight into relationships between protein-solvent interactions and protein structure peculiarities, in particular given limitations of the used here crystal structures, to be able to construct a model that accurately predicts protein partition behavior across all ATPSs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Uncertain viscoelastic models with fractional order: A new spectral tau method to study the numerical simulations of the solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadian, A.; Ismail, F.; Salahshour, S.; Baleanu, D.; Ghaemi, F.

2017-12-01

The analysis of the behaviors of physical phenomena is important to discover significant features of the character and the structure of mathematical models. Frequently the unknown parameters involve in the models are assumed to be unvarying over time. In reality, some of them are uncertain and implicitly depend on several factors. In this study, to consider such uncertainty in variables of the models, they are characterized based on the fuzzy notion. We propose here a new model based on fractional calculus to deal with the Kelvin-Voigt (KV) equation and non-Newtonian fluid behavior model with fuzzy parameters. A new and accurate numerical algorithm using a spectral tau technique based on the generalized fractional Legendre polynomials (GFLPs) is developed to solve those problems under uncertainty. Numerical simulations are carried out and the analysis of the results highlights the significant features of the new technique in comparison with the previous findings. A detailed error analysis is also carried out and discussed.

Asymmetric bagging and feature selection for activities prediction of drug molecules.

PubMed

Li, Guo-Zheng; Meng, Hao-Hua; Lu, Wen-Cong; Yang, Jack Y; Yang, Mary Qu

2008-05-28

Activities of drug molecules can be predicted by QSAR (quantitative structure activity relationship) models, which overcomes the disadvantages of high cost and long cycle by employing the traditional experimental method. With the fact that the number of drug molecules with positive activity is rather fewer than that of negatives, it is important to predict molecular activities considering such an unbalanced situation. Here, asymmetric bagging and feature selection are introduced into the problem and asymmetric bagging of support vector machines (asBagging) is proposed on predicting drug activities to treat the unbalanced problem. At the same time, the features extracted from the structures of drug molecules affect prediction accuracy of QSAR models. Therefore, a novel algorithm named PRIFEAB is proposed, which applies an embedded feature selection method to remove redundant and irrelevant features for asBagging. Numerical experimental results on a data set of molecular activities show that asBagging improve the AUC and sensitivity values of molecular activities and PRIFEAB with feature selection further helps to improve the prediction ability. Asymmetric bagging can help to improve prediction accuracy of activities of drug molecules, which can be furthermore improved by performing feature selection to select relevant features from the drug molecules data sets.

Stability and growth of continental shields in mantle convection models including recurrent melt production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Smet, J. H.; van den Berg, A. P.; Vlaar, N. J.

1998-10-01

The long-term growth and stability of compositionally layered continental upper mantle has been investigated by numerical modelling. We present the first numerical model of a convecting mantle including differentiation through partial melting resulting in a stable compositionally layered continental upper mantle structure. This structure includes a continental root extending to a depth of about 200 km. The model covers the upper mantle including the crust and incorporates physical features important for the study of the continental upper mantle during secular cooling of the Earth since the Archaean. Among these features are: a partial melt generation mechanism allowing consistent recurrent melting, time-dependent non-uniform radiogenic heat production, and a temperature- and pressure-dependent rheology. The numerical results reveal a long-term growth mechanism of the continental compositional root. This mechanism operates through episodical injection of small diapiric upwellings from the deep layer of undepleted mantle into the continental root which consists of compositionally distinct depleted mantle material. Our modelling results show the layered continental structure to remain stable during at least 1.5 Ga. After this period mantle differentiation through partial melting ceases due to the prolonged secular cooling and small-scale instabilities set in through continental delamination. This stable period of 1.5 Ga is related to a number of limitations in our model. By improving on these limitations in the future this stable period will be extended to more realistic values.

Numerical investigation of a tunable band-pass plasmonic filter with a hollow-core ring resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setayesh, Amir; Mirnaziry, S. Reza; Sadegh Abrishamian, Mohammad

2011-03-01

In this study, a compact nanoscale plasmonic filter which consists of two metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides coupled to each other by a rectangular ring resonator is presented and investigated numerically. The propagating modes of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are studied in this structure. By replacing a portion of the ring core with air, while the outer dimensions of the structure are kept constant, we illustrate the possibility of the redshift of resonant wavelengths in order to tune the resonance modes. This feature is useful for integrated circuits in which we have limitations on the outer dimensions of the filter structure and it is not possible to enlarge the dimension of the ring resonator to reach longer resonant wavelengths. The corresponding results are illustrated by the 2D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The proposed structure has potential applications in plasmonic integrated circuits and can be simply fabricated.

Dynamic fiber Bragg gratings based health monitoring system of composite aerospace structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panopoulou, A.; Loutas, T.; Roulias, D.; Fransen, S.; Kostopoulos, V.

2011-09-01

The main purpose of the current work is to develop a new system for structural health monitoring of composite aerospace structures based on real-time dynamic measurements, in order to identify the structural state condition. Long-gauge Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) optical sensors were used for monitoring the dynamic response of the composite structure. The algorithm that was developed for structural damage detection utilizes the collected dynamic response data, analyzes them in various ways and through an artificial neural network identifies the damage state and its location. Damage was simulated by slightly varying locally the mass of the structure (by adding a known mass) at different zones of the structure. Lumped masses in different locations upon the structure alter the eigen-frequencies in a way similar to actual damage. The structural dynamic behaviour has been numerically simulated and experimentally verified by means of modal testing on two different composite aerospace structures. Advanced digital signal processing techniques, e.g. the wavelet transform (WT), were used for the analysis of the dynamic response for feature extraction. WT's capability of separating the different frequency components in the time domain without loosing frequency information makes it a versatile tool for demanding signal processing applications. The use of WT is also suggested by the no-stationary nature of dynamic response signals and the opportunity of evaluating the temporal evolution of their frequency contents. Feature extraction is the first step of the procedure. The extracted features are effective indices of damage size and location. The classification step comprises of a feed-forward back propagation network, whose output determines the simulated damage location. Finally, dedicated training and validation activities were carried out by means of numerical simulations and experimental procedures. Experimental validation was performed initially on a flat stiffened panel, representing a section of a typical aeronautical structure, manufactured and tested in the lab and, as a second step, on a scaled up space oriented structure, which is a composite honeycomb plate, used as a deployment base for antenna arrays. An integrated FBG sensor network, based on the advantage of multiplexing, was mounted on both structures and different excitation positions and boundary conditions were used. The analysis of operational dynamic responses was employed to identify both the damage and its position. The system that was designed and tested initially on the thin composite panel, was successfully validated on the larger honeycomb structure. Numerical simulation of both structures was used as a support tool at all the steps of the work providing among others the location of the optical sensors used. The proposed work will be the base for the whole system qualification and validation on an antenna reflector in future work.

The evolution of cosmic-ray-mediated magnetohydrodynamic shocks: A two-fluid approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jun, Byung-Il; Clarke, David A.; Norman, Michael L.

1994-07-01

We study the shock structure and acceleration efficiency of cosmic-ray mediated Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) shocks both analytically and numerically by using a two-fluid model. Our model includes the dynamical effect of magnetic fields and cosmic rays on a background thermal fluid. The steady state solution is derived by following the technique of Drury & Voelk (1981) and compared to numerical results. We explore the time evolution of plane-perpendicular, piston-driven shocks. From the results of analytical and numerical studies, we conclude that the mean magnetic field plays an important role in the structure and acceleration efficiency of cosmic-ray mediated MHD shocks. The acceleration of cosmic-ray particles becomes less efficient in the presence of strong magnetic pressure since the field makes the shock less compressive. This feature is more prominent at low Mach numbers than at high Mach numbers.

The evolution of cosmic-ray-mediated magnetohydrodynamic shocks: A two-fluid approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jun, Byung-Il; Clarke, David A.; Norman, Michael L.

1994-01-01

We study the shock structure and acceleration efficiency of cosmic-ray mediated Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) shocks both analytically and numerically by using a two-fluid model. Our model includes the dynamical effect of magnetic fields and cosmic rays on a background thermal fluid. The steady state solution is derived by following the technique of Drury & Voelk (1981) and compared to numerical results. We explore the time evolution of plane-perpendicular, piston-driven shocks. From the results of analytical and numerical studies, we conclude that the mean magnetic field plays an important role in the structure and acceleration efficiency of cosmic-ray mediated MHD shocks. The acceleration of cosmic-ray particles becomes less efficient in the presence of strong magnetic pressure since the field makes the shock less compressive. This feature is more prominent at low Mach numbers than at high Mach numbers.

Numerical simulation of hydrodynamic processes beneath a wind-driven water surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Wu-ting

Turbulent flow driven by a constant wind stress acting at the water surface was simulated numerically to gain a better understanding of the hydrodynamic processes governing the transfer of slightly soluble gases across the atmosphere-water interfaces. Simulation results show that two distinct flow features, attributed to subsurface surface renewal eddies, appear at the water surface. The first characteristic feature is surface streaming, which consists of high-speed streaks aligned with the wind stress. Floating Lagrangian particles, which are distributed uniformly at the water surface, merge to the predominantly high-speed streaks and form elongated streets immediately after they are released. The second characteristic surface signatures are localized low-speed spots which emerge randomly at the water surface. A high-speed streak bifurcates and forms a dividing flow when it encounters a low-speed surface spot. These coherent surface flow structures are qualitatively identical to those observed in the experiment of Melville et al. [1998]. The persistence of these surface features also suggests that there must exist organized subsurface vortical structures that undergo autonomous generation cycles maintained by self-sustaining mechanisms. These coherent vortical flows serve as the renewal eddies that pump the submerged fluids toward the water surface and bring down the upper fluids, and therefore enhance the scalar exchange between the atmosphere and the water body.

Conventional Radiology in Crystal Arthritis: Gout, Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition, and Basic Calcium Phosphate Crystals.

PubMed

Jacques, Thibaut; Michelin, Paul; Badr, Sammy; Nasuto, Michelangelo; Lefebvre, Guillaume; Larkman, Neal; Cotten, Anne

2017-09-01

This article reviews the main radiographic features of crystal deposition diseases. Gout is linked to monosodium urate crystals. Classic radiographic features include subcutaneous tophi, large and well-circumscribed paraarticular bone erosions, and exuberant bone hyperostosis. Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) can involve numerous structures, such as hyaline cartilages, fibrocartilages, or tendons. CPPD arthropathy involves joints usually spared by osteoarthritis. Basic calcium phosphate deposits are periarticular or intraarticular. Periarticular calcifications are amorphous, dense, and round or oval with well-limited borders, and most are asymptomatic. When resorbing, they become cloudy and less dense with an ill-defined shape and can migrate into adjacent structures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Everett, J.R.; Russell, O.R.; Staskowski, R.J.

Analysis of 38 contiguous Landsat Multispectral Scanner scenes acquired over Myanmar (Burma) reveals numerous large-scale features associated with margins of the Burman plate, previously unidentified northeast-southwest-trending discontinuities, important extensions of previously mapped fault trends, and numerous structural features that appear favorable for petroleum exploration. A mosaic of these scenes at 1:1,000,000 scale shows a large number of tectonic elements and their spatial relationships. Within the area of investigation are portions of the Indian, Burman, Lhasa, and Shan-Thai plates, and perhaps other, smaller plates. The Himalayan front and Indo-Burman Ranges manifest effects of current and recently past plate movement. The complexitymore » of the kinematic history accounts for the diversity of structural features in the area. The last major event in this long and violent saga, which began in middle Miocene (approximately 11 Ma) time and continues to the present, is the recent change from a collisional to a right-lateral strike-slip transform margin between the Indian and Burman plates. The complexity of the structures visible is the product of multiple plate collisions, rotation of the Indian plate and parts of the Asian plate, and long-continued convergence that changed velocity and direction tbrough time. The most obvious evidence of this complexity, which is immediately apparent on geologic maps or the Landsat mosaic of the region, is the almost right-angle relationship of the folds of the Indo-Burman Ranges and the frontal thrusts and suture zones of the Himalaya. These two sets of compressive features imply maximum compressive stress axes that lie at right angles to each other. The implications are either that the orientation of the stress field changes rapidly over a short distance or that the stress field has changed through time. Both occurrences seem to be true.« less

Decorrelation dynamics and spectra in drift-Alfven turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandez Garcia, Eduardo

Motivated by the inability of one-fluid magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) to explain key turbulence characteristics in systems ranging from the solar wind and interstellar medium to fusion devices like the reversed field pinch, this thesis studies magnetic turbulence using a drift-Alfven model that extends MHD by including electron density dynamics. Electron effects play a significant role in the dynamics by changing the structure of turbulent decorrelation in the Alfvenic regime (where fast Alfvenic propagation provides the fastest decorrelation of the system): besides the familiar counter-propagating Alfvenic branches of MHD, an additional branch tied to the diamagnetic and eddy-turn- over rates enters in the turbulent response. This kinematic branch gives hydrodynamic features to turbulence that is otherwise strongly magnetic. Magnetic features are observed in the RMS frequency, energy partitions, cross-field energy transfer and in the turbulent response, whereas hydrodynamic features appear in the average frequency, self-field transfer, turbulent response and finally the wavenumber spectrum. These features are studied via renormalized closure theory and numerical simulation. The closure calculation naturally incorporates the eigenmode structure of the turbulent response in specifying spectral energy balance equations for the magnetic, kinetic and internal (density) energies. Alfvenic terms proportional to cross correlations and involved in cross field transfer compete with eddy-turn-over, self transfer, auto-correlation terms. In the steady state, the kinematic terms dominate the energy balances and yield a 5/3 Kolmogorov spectrum (as observed in the interstellar medium) for the three field energies in the strong turbulence, long wavelength limit. Alfvenic terms establish equipartition of kinetic and magnetic energies. In the limit where wavelengths are short compared to the gyroradius, the Alfvenic terms equipartition the internal and magnetic energies resulting in a steep (-2) spectrum fall-off for those energies while the largely uncoupled kinetic modes still obey a 5/3 law. From the numerical simulations, the response function of drift-Alfven turbulence is measured. Here, a statistical ensemble is constructed from small perturbations of the turbulent amplitudes at fixed wavenumber. The decorrelation structure born out of the eigenmode calculation is verified in the numerical measurement.

The South Scandinavian crust: Structural complexities from seismic reflection and refraction profiling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinck, J. J.; Husebye, E. S.; Lund, C.-E.

1991-04-01

Pioneering work on mapping the Scandinavian crust commenced in the early 1960s and since then numerous profiling surveys have been undertaken, particularly as part of the on-going EUGENO-S project. However, the most significant contribution to mapping crustal structural details came from the M.V. Mobil Search cruises in the Skagerrak and off the West coast of Norway (16 s TWT reflection profiling). All past and present crustal profiling results have been integrated to produce detailed maps of Moho depths and crustal thicknesses for South Scandinavia. The thinnest crust is found in the North Sea and Skagerrak (approximately 20 km), while East-central Sweden features very thick crust (approximately 50 km). Other interesting features are the apparent correlation between crustal thinning and sedimentation/subsidence, magmatic activity, earthquake occurrences and the tectonic age of the crust. Moho depths and the crustal thicknesses clearly reflect the tectonic evolution and the present structural features of the region investigated.

Catalytic Isonitrile Insertions and Condensations Initiated by RNC–X Complexation

PubMed Central

Fleming, Fraser F.

2014-01-01

Isonitriles are delicately poised chemical entities capable of being coaxed to react as nucleophiles or electrophiles. Directing this tunable reactivity with metal and non-metal catalysts provides rapid access to a large array of complex nitrogenous structures ideally functionalized for medicinal applications. Isonitrile insertion into transition metal complexes has featured in numerous synthetic and mechanistic studies, leading to rapid deployment of isonitriles in numerous catalytic processes, including multicomponent reactions (MCR). Covering the literature from 1990–2014, the present review collates reaction types to highlight reactivity trends and allow catalyst comparison. PMID:25484847

The vanishing cryovolcanoes of Ceres

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sori, Michael M.; Byrne, Shane; Bland, Michael T.; Bramson, Ali; Ermakov, Anton; Hamilton, Christoper; Otto, Katharina; Ruesch, Ottaviano; Russell, Christopher

2017-01-01

Ahuna Mons is a 4 km tall mountain on Ceres interpreted as a geologically young cryovolcanic dome. Other possible cryovolcanic features are more ambiguous, implying that cryovolcanism is only a recent phenomenon or that other cryovolcanic structures have been modified beyond easy identification. We test the hypothesis that Cerean cryovolcanic domes viscously relax, precluding ancient domes from recognition. We use numerical models to predict flow velocities of Ahuna Mons to be 10–500 m/Myr, depending upon assumptions about ice content, rheology, grain size, and thermal parameters. Slower flow rates in this range are sufficiently fast to induce extensive relaxation of cryovolcanic structures over 108–109 years, but gradual enough for Ahuna Mons to remain identifiable today. Positive topographic features, including a tholus underlying Ahuna Mons, may represent relaxed cryovolcanic structures. A composition for Ahuna Mons of >40% ice explains the observed distribution of cryovolcanic structures because viscous relaxation renders old cryovolcanoes unrecognizable.

Numerical analysis of light extraction enhancement of GaN-based thin-film flip-chip light-emitting diodes with high-refractive-index buckling nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Qing-Yang; Yang, Yang; Cheng, Zhen-Jia; Guo, Cheng-Shan

2018-06-01

In this work, the light extraction efficiency enhancement of GaN-based thin-film flip-chip (TFFC) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with high-refractive-index (TiO2) buckling nanostructures was studied using the three-dimensional finite difference time domain method. Compared with 2-D photonic crystals, the buckling structures have the advantages of a random directionality and a broad distribution in periodicity, which can effectively extract the guided light propagating in all azimuthal directions over a wide spectrum. Numerical studies revealed that the light extraction efficiency of buckling-structured LEDs reaches 1.1 times that of triangular lattice photonic crystals. The effects of the buckling structure feature sizes and the thickness of the N-GaN layer on the light extraction efficiency for TFFC LEDs were also investigated systematically. With optimized structural parameters, a significant light extraction enhancement of about 2.6 times was achieved for TiO2 buckling-structured TFFC LEDs compared with planar LEDs.

Structural zooming research and development of an interactive computer graphical interface for stress analysis of cracks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gerstle, Walter

1989-01-01

Engineering problems sometimes involve the numerical solution of boundary value problems over domains containing geometric feature with widely varying scales. Often, a detailed solution is required at one or more of these features. Small details in large structures may have profound effects upon global performance. Conversely, large-scale conditions may effect local performance. Many man-hours and CPU-hours are currently spent in modeling such problems. With the structural zooming technique, it is now possible to design an integrated program which allows the analyst to interactively focus upon a small region of interest, to modify the local geometry, and then to obtain highly accurate responses in that region which reflect both the properties of the overall structure and the local detail. A boundary integral equation analysis program, called BOAST, was recently developed for the stress analysis of cracks. This program can accurately analyze two-dimensional linear elastic fracture mechanics problems with far less computational effort than existing finite element codes. An interactive computer graphical interface to BOAST was written. The graphical interface would have several requirements: it would be menu-driven, with mouse input; all aspects of input would be entered graphically; the results of a BOAST analysis would be displayed pictorially but also the user would be able to probe interactively to get numerical values of displacement and stress at desired locations within the analysis domain; the entire procedure would be integrated into a single, easy to use package; and it would be written using calls to the graphic package called HOOPS. The program is nearing completion. All of the preprocessing features are working satisfactorily and were debugged. The postprocessing features are under development, and rudimentary postprocessing should be available by the end of the summer. The program was developed and run on a VAX workstation, and must be ported to the SUN workstation. This activity is currently underway.

Purely Structural Protein Scoring Functions Using Support Vector Machine and Ensemble Learning.

PubMed

Mirzaei, Shokoufeh; Sidi, Tomer; Keasar, Chen; Crivelli, Silvia

2016-08-24

The function of a protein is determined by its structure, which creates a need for efficient methods of protein structure determination to advance scientific and medical research. Because current experimental structure determination methods carry a high price tag, computational predictions are highly desirable. Given a protein sequence, computational methods produce numerous 3D structures known as decoys. However, selection of the best quality decoys is challenging as the end users can handle only a few ones. Therefore, scoring functions are central to decoy selection. They combine measurable features into a single number indicator of decoy quality. Unfortunately, current scoring functions do not consistently select the best decoys. Machine learning techniques offer great potential to improve decoy scoring. This paper presents two machine-learning based scoring functions to predict the quality of proteins structures, i.e., the similarity between the predicted structure and the experimental one without knowing the latter. We use different metrics to compare these scoring functions against three state-of-the-art scores. This is a first attempt at comparing different scoring functions using the same non-redundant dataset for training and testing and the same features. The results show that adding informative features may be more significant than the method used.

Structure-activity relationship of karrikin germination stimulants.

PubMed

Flematti, Gavin R; Scaffidi, Adrian; Goddard-Borger, Ethan D; Heath, Charles H; Nelson, David C; Commander, Lucy E; Stick, Robert V; Dixon, Kingsley W; Smith, Steven M; Ghisalberti, Emilio L

2010-08-11

Karrikins (2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-ones) are potent smoke-derived germination promoters for a diverse range of plant species but, to date, their mode of action remains unknown. This paper reports the structure-activity relationship of numerous karrikin analogues to increase understanding of the key structural features of the molecule that are required for biological activity. The results demonstrate that modification at the C5 position is preferred over modification at the C3, C4, or C7 positions for retaining the highest bioactivity.

Structural classification of proteins using texture descriptors extracted from the cellular automata image.

PubMed

Kavianpour, Hamidreza; Vasighi, Mahdi

2017-02-01

Nowadays, having knowledge about cellular attributes of proteins has an important role in pharmacy, medical science and molecular biology. These attributes are closely correlated with the function and three-dimensional structure of proteins. Knowledge of protein structural class is used by various methods for better understanding the protein functionality and folding patterns. Computational methods and intelligence systems can have an important role in performing structural classification of proteins. Most of protein sequences are saved in databanks as characters and strings and a numerical representation is essential for applying machine learning methods. In this work, a binary representation of protein sequences is introduced based on reduced amino acids alphabets according to surrounding hydrophobicity index. Many important features which are hidden in these long binary sequences can be clearly displayed through their cellular automata images. The extracted features from these images are used to build a classification model by support vector machine. Comparing to previous studies on the several benchmark datasets, the promising classification rates obtained by tenfold cross-validation imply that the current approach can help in revealing some inherent features deeply hidden in protein sequences and improve the quality of predicting protein structural class.

Nonlinear mechanics of non-rigid origami: an efficient computational approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, K.; Paulino, G. H.

2017-10-01

Origami-inspired designs possess attractive applications to science and engineering (e.g. deployable, self-assembling, adaptable systems). The special geometric arrangement of panels and creases gives rise to unique mechanical properties of origami, such as reconfigurability, making origami designs well suited for tunable structures. Although often being ignored, origami structures exhibit additional soft modes beyond rigid folding due to the flexibility of thin sheets that further influence their behaviour. Actual behaviour of origami structures usually involves significant geometric nonlinearity, which amplifies the influence of additional soft modes. To investigate the nonlinear mechanics of origami structures with deformable panels, we present a structural engineering approach for simulating the nonlinear response of non-rigid origami structures. In this paper, we propose a fully nonlinear, displacement-based implicit formulation for performing static/quasi-static analyses of non-rigid origami structures based on `bar-and-hinge' models. The formulation itself leads to an efficient and robust numerical implementation. Agreement between real models and numerical simulations demonstrates the ability of the proposed approach to capture key features of origami behaviour.

Nonlinear mechanics of non-rigid origami: an efficient computational approach.

PubMed

Liu, K; Paulino, G H

2017-10-01

Origami-inspired designs possess attractive applications to science and engineering (e.g. deployable, self-assembling, adaptable systems). The special geometric arrangement of panels and creases gives rise to unique mechanical properties of origami, such as reconfigurability, making origami designs well suited for tunable structures. Although often being ignored, origami structures exhibit additional soft modes beyond rigid folding due to the flexibility of thin sheets that further influence their behaviour. Actual behaviour of origami structures usually involves significant geometric nonlinearity, which amplifies the influence of additional soft modes. To investigate the nonlinear mechanics of origami structures with deformable panels, we present a structural engineering approach for simulating the nonlinear response of non-rigid origami structures. In this paper, we propose a fully nonlinear, displacement-based implicit formulation for performing static/quasi-static analyses of non-rigid origami structures based on 'bar-and-hinge' models. The formulation itself leads to an efficient and robust numerical implementation. Agreement between real models and numerical simulations demonstrates the ability of the proposed approach to capture key features of origami behaviour.

Numerical modeling of the acoustic wave propagation across a homogenized rigid microstructure in the time domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lombard, Bruno; Maurel, Agnès; Marigo, Jean-Jacques

2017-04-01

Homogenization of a thin micro-structure yields effective jump conditions that incorporate the geometrical features of the scatterers. These jump conditions apply across a thin but nonzero thickness interface whose interior is disregarded. This paper aims (i) to propose a numerical method able to handle the jump conditions in order to simulate the homogenized problem in the time domain, (ii) to inspect the validity of the homogenized problem when compared to the real one. For this purpose, we adapt the Explicit Simplified Interface Method originally developed for standard jump conditions across a zero-thickness interface. Doing so allows us to handle arbitrary-shaped interfaces on a Cartesian grid with the same efficiency and accuracy of the numerical scheme than those obtained in a homogeneous medium. Numerical experiments are performed to test the properties of the numerical method and to inspect the validity of the homogenization problem.

Numerical and experimental study of expiratory flow in the case of major upper airway obstructions with fluid structure interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chouly, F.; van Hirtum, A.; Lagrée, P.-Y.; Pelorson, X.; Payan, Y.

2008-02-01

This study deals with the numerical prediction and experimental description of the flow-induced deformation in a rapidly convergent divergent geometry which stands for a simplified tongue, in interaction with an expiratory airflow. An original in vitro experimental model is proposed, which allows measurement of the deformation of the artificial tongue, in condition of major initial airway obstruction. The experimental model accounts for asymmetries in geometry and tissue properties which are two major physiological upper airway characteristics. The numerical method for prediction of the fluid structure interaction is described. The theory of linear elasticity in small deformations has been chosen to compute the mechanical behaviour of the tongue. The main features of the flow are taken into account using a boundary layer theory. The overall numerical method entails finite element solving of the solid problem and finite differences solving of the fluid problem. First, the numerical method predicts the deformation of the tongue with an overall error of the order of 20%, which can be seen as a preliminary successful validation of the theory and simulations. Moreover, expiratory flow limitation is predicted in this configuration. As a result, both the physical and numerical models could be useful to understand this phenomenon reported in heavy snorers and apneic patients during sleep.

Structural optimization under overhang constraints imposed by additive manufacturing technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allaire, G.; Dapogny, C.; Estevez, R.; Faure, A.; Michailidis, G.

2017-12-01

This article addresses one of the major constraints imposed by additive manufacturing processes on shape optimization problems - that of overhangs, i.e. large regions hanging over void without sufficient support from the lower structure. After revisiting the 'classical' geometric criteria used in the literature, based on the angle between the structural boundary and the build direction, we propose a new mechanical constraint functional, which mimics the layer by layer construction process featured by additive manufacturing technologies, and thereby appeals to the physical origin of the difficulties caused by overhangs. This constraint, as well as some variants, is precisely defined; their shape derivatives are computed in the sense of Hadamard's method, and numerical strategies are extensively discussed, in two and three space dimensions, to efficiently deal with the appearance of overhang features in the course of shape optimization processes.

Numerical equilibrium analysis for structured consumer resource models.

PubMed

de Roos, A M; Diekmann, O; Getto, P; Kirkilionis, M A

2010-02-01

In this paper, we present methods for a numerical equilibrium and stability analysis for models of a size structured population competing for an unstructured resource. We concentrate on cases where two model parameters are free, and thus existence boundaries for equilibria and stability boundaries can be defined in the (two-parameter) plane. We numerically trace these implicitly defined curves using alternatingly tangent prediction and Newton correction. Evaluation of the maps defining the curves involves integration over individual size and individual survival probability (and their derivatives) as functions of individual age. Such ingredients are often defined as solutions of ODE, i.e., in general only implicitly. In our case, the right-hand sides of these ODE feature discontinuities that are caused by an abrupt change of behavior at the size where juveniles are assumed to turn adult. So, we combine the numerical solution of these ODE with curve tracing methods. We have implemented the algorithms for "Daphnia consuming algae" models in C-code. The results obtained by way of this implementation are shown in the form of graphs.

Complex crater formation: Insights from combining observations of shock pressure distribution with numerical models at the West Clearwater Lake impact structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rae, A. S. P.; Collins, G. S.; Grieve, R. A. F.; Osinski, G. R.; Morgan, J. V.

2017-07-01

Large impact structures have complex morphologies, with zones of structural uplift that can be expressed topographically as central peaks and/or peak rings internal to the crater rim. The formation of these structures requires transient strength reduction in the target material and one of the proposed mechanisms to explain this behavior is acoustic fluidization. Here, samples of shock-metamorphosed quartz-bearing lithologies at the West Clearwater Lake impact structure, Canada, are used to estimate the maximum recorded shock pressures in three dimensions across the crater. These measurements demonstrate that the currently observed distribution of shock metamorphism is strongly controlled by the formation of the structural uplift. The distribution of peak shock pressures, together with apparent crater morphology and geological observations, is compared with numerical impact simulations to constrain parameters used in the block-model implementation of acoustic fluidization. The numerical simulations produce craters that are consistent with morphological and geological observations. The results show that the regeneration of acoustic energy must be an important feature of acoustic fluidization in crater collapse, and should be included in future implementations. Based on the comparison between observational data and impact simulations, we conclude that the West Clearwater Lake structure had an original rim (final crater) diameter of 35-40 km and has since experienced up to 2 km of differential erosion.

Numerical Simulations of a Jovian Ribbon-like Feature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales-Juberias, R.; Simon-Miller, A. A.; Dowling, T. E.; Sayanagi, K. M.; Choi, D. S.

2013-12-01

HST observations show the presence of a Ribbon like feature in Jupiter's atmosphere at ≈ 30 degrees North. The presence of this feature seems to correlate with periods when the jet amplitude velocities are highest. Studies of motions can help to determine the nature of the feature. Its detailed structure will be studied using Hubble data at multiple wavelengths and it may be possible to reprocess the long global movies of the Voyager era to study motions at this latitude. Preliminary model results without forcing show that the morphology of the produced instabilities is dependent on the conditions of the background flow and static stability of the atmosphere. Different forcing terms will be used to study the variable nature of this feature. We use numerical simulations to investigate the instabilities produced by different kinds of forcing on the westward jet centered at ≈ 30 degrees North in Jupiter's atmosphere as well as in its two flanking eastward jets to the north and south. Our goal is to understand how the background flow and static stability of the atmosphere affect the ability of the model to reproduce the Ribbon-like cloud pattern observed in Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images of that latitude taken in support of the 2007 New Horizons Jupiter flyby.

Numerical Simulations of Chromospheric Anemone Jets Associated with Moving Magnetic Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Liping; He, Jiansen; Peter, Hardi; Tu, Chuanyi; Zhang, Lei; Feng, Xueshang; Zhang, Shaohua

2013-11-01

Observations with the space-based solar observatory Hinode show that small-scale magnetic structures in the photosphere are found to be associated with a particular class of jets of plasma in the chromosphere called anemone jets. The goal of our study is to conduct a numerical experiment of such chromospheric anemone jets related to the moving magnetic features (MMFs). We construct a 2.5 dimensional numerical MHD model to describe the process of magnetic reconnection between the MMFs and the pre-existing ambient magnetic field, which is driven by the horizontal motion of the magnetic structure in the photosphere. We include thermal conduction parallel to the magnetic field and optically thin radiative losses in the corona to account for a self-consistent description of the evaporation process during the heating of the plasma due to the reconnection process. The motion of the MMFs leads to the expected jet and our numerical results can reproduce many observed characteristics of chromospheric anemone jets, topologically and quantitatively. As a result of the tearing instability, plasmoids are generated in the reconnection process that are consistent with the observed bright moving blobs in the anemone jets. An increase in the thermal pressure at the base of the jet is also driven by the reconnection, which induces a train of slow-mode shocks propagating upward. These shocks are a secondary effect, and only modulate the outflow of the anemone jet. The jet itself is driven by the energy input due to the reconnection of the MMFs and the ambient magnetic field.

Observations and Numerical Modeling of the Jovian Ribbon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cosentino, R. G.; Simon, A.; Morales-Juberias, R.; Sayanagi, K. M.

2015-01-01

Multiple wavelength observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope in early 2007 show the presence of a wavy, high-contrast feature in Jupiter's atmosphere near 30 degrees North. The "Jovian Ribbon," best seen at 410 nanometers, irregularly undulates in latitude and is time-variable in appearance. A meridional intensity gradient algorithm was applied to the observations to track the Ribbon's contour. Spectral analysis of the contour revealed that the Ribbon's structure is a combination of several wavenumbers ranging from k equals 8-40. The Ribbon is a dynamic structure that has been observed to have spectral power for dominant wavenumbers which vary over a time period of one month. The presence of the Ribbon correlates with periods when the velocity of the westward jet at the same location is highest. We conducted numerical simulations to investigate the stability of westward jets of varying speed, vertical shear, and background static stability to different perturbations. A Ribbon-like morphology was best reproduced with a 35 per millisecond westward jet that decreases in amplitude for pressures greater than 700 hectopascals and a background static stability of N equals 0.005 per second perturbed by heat pulses constrained to latitudes south of 30 degrees North. Additionally, the simulated feature had wavenumbers that qualitatively matched observations and evolved throughout the simulation reproducing the Jovian Ribbon's dynamic structure.

Theoretical study of platonic crystals with periodically structured N-beam resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Penglin; Climente, Alfonso; Sánchez-Dehesa, José; Wu, Linzhi

2018-03-01

A multiple scattering theory is applied to study the properties of flexural waves propagating in a plate with periodically structured N-beam resonators. Each resonator consists of a circular hole containing an inner disk connected to background plate with N rectangular beams. The Bloch theorem is employed to obtain the band structure of a two-dimensional lattice containing a single resonator per unit cell. Also, a numerical algorithm has been developed to get the transmittance through resonator slabs infinitely long in the direction perpendicular to the incident wave. For the numerical validation, a square lattice of 2-beam resonators has been comprehensively analyzed. Its band structure exhibits several flat bands, indicating the existence of local resonances embedded in the structure. Particularly, the one featured as the fundamental mode of the inner disk opens a bandgap at low frequencies. This mode has been fully described in terms of a simple spring-mass model. As a practical application of the results obtained, a homogenization approach has been employed to design a focusing lens for flexural waves, where the index gradient is obtained by adjusting the orientation of the resonators beams. Numerical experiments performed within the framework of a three-dimensional finite element method have been employed to discuss the accuracy of the models described here.

ASTROS: A multidisciplinary automated structural design tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neill, D. J.

1989-01-01

ASTROS (Automated Structural Optimization System) is a finite-element-based multidisciplinary structural optimization procedure developed under Air Force sponsorship to perform automated preliminary structural design. The design task is the determination of the structural sizes that provide an optimal structure while satisfying numerous constraints from many disciplines. In addition to its automated design features, ASTROS provides a general transient and frequency response capability, as well as a special feature to perform a transient analysis of a vehicle subjected to a nuclear blast. The motivation for the development of a single multidisciplinary design tool is that such a tool can provide improved structural designs in less time than is currently needed. The role of such a tool is even more apparent as modern materials come into widespread use. Balancing conflicting requirements for the structure's strength and stiffness while exploiting the benefits of material anisotropy is perhaps an impossible task without assistance from an automated design tool. Finally, the use of a single tool can bring the design task into better focus among design team members, thereby improving their insight into the overall task.

Low-angle normal faulting and isostatic response in the Gulf of Suez: Evidence from seismic interpretation and geometric reconstruction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, S. K.; Schamel, S.

1985-01-01

Tectonic extension within continental crust creates a variety of major features best classed as extensional orogens. These features have come under increasing attention in recent years, with the welding of field observation and theoretical concepts. Most recent advances have come from the Basin and Range Province of the southwestern United States and from the North Sea. Application of these geometric and isostatic concepts, in combination with seismic interpretation, to the southern Gulf of Suez, an active extensional orogen, allows generation of detailed structural maps and geometrically balanced sections which suggest a regional structural model. Geometric models which should prove to be a valuable adjunct to numerical and thermal models for the rifting process are discussed.

The Role of Feature Selection and Statistical Weighting in Predicting In Vivo Toxicity Using In Vitro Assay and QSAR Data (SOT)

EPA Science Inventory

Our study assesses the value of both in vitro assay and quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) data in predicting in vivo toxicity using numerous statistical models and approaches to process the data. Our models are built on datasets of (i) 586 chemicals for which bo...

Innovative Language-Based & Object-Oriented Structured AMR Using Fortran 90 and OpenMP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norton, C.; Balsara, D.

1999-01-01

Parallel adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) is an important numerical technique that leads to the efficient solution of many physical and engineering problems. In this paper, we describe how AMR programing can be performed in an object-oreinted way using the modern aspects of Fortran 90 combined with the parallelization features of OpenMP.

Optical coherence tomography angiography of normal skin and inflammatory dermatologic conditions.

PubMed

Deegan, Anthony J; Talebi-Liasi, Faezeh; Song, Shaozhen; Li, Yuandong; Xu, Jingjiang; Men, Shaojie; Shinohara, Michi M; Flowers, Mary E; Lee, Stephanie J; Wang, Ruikang K

2018-03-01

In clinical dermatology, the identification of subsurface vascular and structural features known to be associated with numerous cutaneous pathologies remains challenging without the use of invasive diagnostic tools. To present an advanced optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) method to directly visualize capillary-level vascular and structural features within skin in vivo. An advanced OCTA system with a 1310 nm wavelength was used to image the microvascular and structural features of various skin conditions. Subjects were enrolled and OCTA imaging was performed with a field of view of approximately 10 × 10 mm. Skin blood flow was identified using an optical microangiography (OMAG) algorithm. Depth-resolved microvascular networks and structural features were derived from segmented volume scans, representing tissue slabs of 0-132, 132-330, and 330-924 μm, measured from the surface of the skin. Subjects with both healthy and pathological conditions, such as benign skin lesions, psoriasis, chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGvHD), and scleroderma, were OCTA scanned. Our OCTA results detailed variations in vascularization and local anatomical characteristics, for example, depth-dependent vascular, and structural alterations in psoriatic skin, alongside their resolve over time; vascular density changes and distribution irregularities, together with corresponding structural depositions in the skin of cGvHD patients; and vascular abnormalities in the nail folds of a patient with scleroderma. OCTA can image capillary blood flow and structural features within skin in vivo, which has the potential to provide new insights into the pathophysiology, as well as dynamic changes of skin diseases, valuable for diagnoses, and non-invasive monitoring of disease progression and treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:183-193, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Detection and characterization of submesoscale eddies off the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pomales, L.; Morell, J. M.

2016-02-01

Ubiquitous submesoscale eddies (SE) have been reported to play a major role in upper ocean stirring, mixing and littoral water circulation. Remotely sensed ocean color imagery provided the first views of coherent submesoscale features all around the Puerto Rico coast. Operational numerical models for the region such as NCOM AMSEAS (3km and 3-hours) and global HYCOM (9km and 3-hours) are not able to resolve these. Deployments of High-Frequency Radars (HFRs) off the southwest coast of Puerto Rico now make possible hourly surface current observations which allow detection and characterization of the two dimensional structure of these submesoscale features. Numerical detection of these features has been achieved by the implementation of a vector geometry identification scheme on the HFR data, which has recently led to an exploratory analysis of a cyclonic persistent SE structure. The detected cyclone had a strong well-defined inner core structure coherency and a 13.86km radius, SE was manually confirmed using USF's Alternative Floating Algae Index satellite imagery (1km and daily), which showed the detected eddy center location had an offset of <8km from the real eddy center which was estimated thanks to a patch of floating algae, presumably Sargassum sp., entrained in its center. NCOM AMSEAS or HYCOM did not resolve the observed SE. Further work will focus on the 3D description of these SEs. HFR vector fields, XBT's, CTD's and Glider profile data will be used to characterize the horizontal and vertical extent of the dynamics involved with these SEs.

A deep learning framework for modeling structural features of RNA-binding protein targets

PubMed Central

Zhang, Sai; Zhou, Jingtian; Hu, Hailin; Gong, Haipeng; Chen, Ligong; Cheng, Chao; Zeng, Jianyang

2016-01-01

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play important roles in the post-transcriptional control of RNAs. Identifying RBP binding sites and characterizing RBP binding preferences are key steps toward understanding the basic mechanisms of the post-transcriptional gene regulation. Though numerous computational methods have been developed for modeling RBP binding preferences, discovering a complete structural representation of the RBP targets by integrating their available structural features in all three dimensions is still a challenging task. In this paper, we develop a general and flexible deep learning framework for modeling structural binding preferences and predicting binding sites of RBPs, which takes (predicted) RNA tertiary structural information into account for the first time. Our framework constructs a unified representation that characterizes the structural specificities of RBP targets in all three dimensions, which can be further used to predict novel candidate binding sites and discover potential binding motifs. Through testing on the real CLIP-seq datasets, we have demonstrated that our deep learning framework can automatically extract effective hidden structural features from the encoded raw sequence and structural profiles, and predict accurate RBP binding sites. In addition, we have conducted the first study to show that integrating the additional RNA tertiary structural features can improve the model performance in predicting RBP binding sites, especially for the polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTB), which also provides a new evidence to support the view that RBPs may own specific tertiary structural binding preferences. In particular, the tests on the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) segments yield satisfiable results with experimental support from the literature and further demonstrate the necessity of incorporating RNA tertiary structural information into the prediction model. The source code of our approach can be found in https://github.com/thucombio/deepnet-rbp. PMID:26467480

Numerical Study of Periodic Traveling Wave Solutions for the Predator-Prey Model with Landscape Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, Ana; Shin, Jaemin; Li, Yibao; Lee, Seunggyu; Kim, Junseok

We numerically investigate periodic traveling wave solutions for a diffusive predator-prey system with landscape features. The landscape features are modeled through the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition which is imposed at the edge of the obstacle domain. To effectively treat the Dirichlet boundary condition, we employ a robust and accurate numerical technique by using a boundary control function. We also propose a robust algorithm for calculating the numerical periodicity of the traveling wave solution. In numerical experiments, we show that periodic traveling waves which move out and away from the obstacle are effectively generated. We explain the formation of the traveling waves by comparing the wavelengths. The spatial asynchrony has been shown in quantitative detail for various obstacles. Furthermore, we apply our numerical technique to the complicated real landscape features.

Dynamical Mechanism of Scaling Behaviors in Multifractal Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kyungsik; Jung, Jae Won; Kim, Soo Yong

2010-03-01

The pattern of stone distribution in the game of Go (Baduk, Weiqi, or Igo) can be treated in the mathematical and physical languages of multifractals. The concepts of fractals and multifractals have relevance to many fields of science and even arts. A significant and fascinating feature of this approach is that it provides a proper interpretation for the pattern of the two-colored (black and white) stones in terms of the numerical values of the generalized dimension and the scaling exponent. For our case, these statistical quantities can be estimated numerically from the black, white, and mixed stones, assuming the excluded edge effect that the cell form of the Go game has the self-similar structure. The result from the multifractal structure allows us to find a definite and reliable fractal dimension, and it precisely verifies that the fractal dimension becomes larger, as the cell of grids increases. We also find the strength of multifractal structures from the difference in the scaling exponents in the black, white, and mixed stones.

Akhmediev Breather dynamics and the nonlinear modulation instability spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Genty, Go"ry; Dias, Frederic; Kibler, Bertrand; Akhmediev, Nail; Dudley, John M.

2010-06-01

We consider various aspects of supercontinuum generation in the quasi-CW regime through analysis, numerical simulations and experiments. A new interpretation of certain features of the developing spectrum in terms of localized periodic structures known as "Akhmediev Breathers" is proposed. We also briefly consider the role of breather collisions and turbulence in the presence of higher order dispersion and show that they lead to the formation of very large amplitude localized structures that may be analogous to the infamous oceanic rogue waves.

Fractal free energy landscapes in structural glasses.

PubMed

Charbonneau, Patrick; Kurchan, Jorge; Parisi, Giorgio; Urbani, Pierfrancesco; Zamponi, Francesco

2014-04-24

Glasses are amorphous solids whose constituent particles are caged by their neighbours and thus cannot flow. This sluggishness is often ascribed to the free energy landscape containing multiple minima (basins) separated by high barriers. Here we show, using theory and numerical simulation, that the landscape is much rougher than is classically assumed. Deep in the glass, it undergoes a 'roughness transition' to fractal basins, which brings about isostaticity and marginal stability on approaching jamming. Critical exponents for the basin width, the weak force distribution and the spatial spread of quasi-contacts near jamming can be analytically determined. Their value is found to be compatible with numerical observations. This advance incorporates the jamming transition of granular materials into the framework of glass theory. Because temperature and pressure control what features of the landscape are experienced, glass mechanics and transport are expected to reflect the features of the topology we discuss here.

Features of the accretion in the EX Hydrae system: Results of numerical simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isakova, P. B.; Zhilkin, A. G.; Bisikalo, D. V.; Semena, A. N.; Revnivtsev, M. G.

2017-07-01

A two-dimensional numerical model in the axisymmetric approximation that describes the flow structure in the magnetosphere of the white dwarf in the EX Hya system has been developed. Results of simulations show that the accretion in EX Hya proceeds via accretion columns, which are not closed and have curtain-like shapes. The thickness of the accretion curtains depends only weakly on the thickness of the accretion disk. This thickness developed in the simulations does not agree with observations. It is concluded that the main reason for the formation of thick accretion curtains in the model is the assumption that the magnetic field penetrates fully into the plasma of the disk. An analysis based on simple estimates shows that a diamagnetic disk that fully or partially shields the magnetic field of the star may be a more attractive explanation for the observed features of the accretion in EX Hya.

Recent advances in flexible low power cholesteric LCDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Asad; Shiyanovskaya, Irina; Montbach, Erica; Schneider, Tod; Nicholson, Forrest; Miller, Nick; Marhefka, Duane; Ernst, Todd; Doane, J. W.

2006-05-01

Bistable reflective cholesteric displays are a liquid crystal display technology developed to fill a market need for very low power displays. Their unique look, high reflectivity, bistability, and simple structure make them an ideal flat panel display choice for handheld or other portable devices where small lightweight batteries with long lifetimes are important. Applications ranging from low resolution large signs to ultra high resolution electronic books can utilize cholesteric displays to not only benefit from the numerous features, but also create enabling features that other flat panel display technologies cannot. Flexible displays are the focus of attention of numerous research groups and corporations worldwide. Cholesteric displays have been demonstrated to be highly amenable to flexible substrates. This paper will review recent advances in flexible cholesteric displays including both phase separation and emulsification approaches to encapsulation. Both approaches provide unique benefits to various aspects of manufacturability, processes, flexibility, and conformability.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, C.; Yu, G.; Wang, K.

The physical designs of the new concept reactors which have complex structure, various materials and neutronic energy spectrum, have greatly improved the requirements to the calculation methods and the corresponding computing hardware. Along with the widely used parallel algorithm, heterogeneous platforms architecture has been introduced into numerical computations in reactor physics. Because of the natural parallel characteristics, the CPU-FPGA architecture is often used to accelerate numerical computation. This paper studies the application and features of this kind of heterogeneous platforms used in numerical calculation of reactor physics through practical examples. After the designed neutron diffusion module based on CPU-FPGA architecturemore » achieves a 11.2 speed up factor, it is proved to be feasible to apply this kind of heterogeneous platform into reactor physics. (authors)« less

Crystal Growth and Fluid Mechanics Problems in Directional Solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanveer, Saleh A.; Baker, Gregory R.; Foster, Michael R.

2001-01-01

Our work in directional solidification has been in the following areas: (1) Dynamics of dendrites including rigorous mathematical analysis of the resulting equations; (2) Examination of the near-structurally unstable features of the mathematically related Hele-Shaw dynamics; (3) Numerical studies of steady temperature distribution in a vertical Bridgman device; (4) Numerical study of transient effects in a vertical Bridgman device; (5) Asymptotic treatment of quasi-steady operation of a vertical Bridgman furnace for large Rayleigh numbers and small Biot number in 3D; and (6) Understanding of Mullins-Sererka transition in a Bridgman device with fluid dynamics is accounted for.

Numerical simulation of multicellular natural convection in air-filled vertical cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunaeva, A. I.; Ivanov, N. G.

2017-11-01

The paper deals with 2D laminar natural convection in vertical air-filled cavities of aspect ratio 20, 30 and 40 with differentially heated sidewalls. The airflow and heat transfer were simulated numerically with an in-house Navier-Stokes code SINF. The focus is on the appearance of stationary vortex structures, “cat’s eyes”, and their transition to unsteady regime in the Rayleigh number range from 4.8×103 to 1.3×104. The dependence of the predicted flow features and the local and integral heat transfer on the aspect ratio value is analysed.

Can responses to basic non-numerical visual features explain neural numerosity responses?

PubMed

Harvey, Ben M; Dumoulin, Serge O

2017-04-01

Humans and many animals can distinguish between stimuli that differ in numerosity, the number of objects in a set. Human and macaque parietal lobes contain neurons that respond to changes in stimulus numerosity. However, basic non-numerical visual features can affect neural responses to and perception of numerosity, and visual features often co-vary with numerosity. Therefore, it is debated whether numerosity or co-varying low-level visual features underlie neural and behavioral responses to numerosity. To test the hypothesis that non-numerical visual features underlie neural numerosity responses in a human parietal numerosity map, we analyze responses to a group of numerosity stimulus configurations that have the same numerosity progression but vary considerably in their non-numerical visual features. Using ultra-high-field (7T) fMRI, we measure responses to these stimulus configurations in an area of posterior parietal cortex whose responses are believed to reflect numerosity-selective activity. We describe an fMRI analysis method to distinguish between alternative models of neural response functions, following a population receptive field (pRF) modeling approach. For each stimulus configuration, we first quantify the relationships between numerosity and several non-numerical visual features that have been proposed to underlie performance in numerosity discrimination tasks. We then determine how well responses to these non-numerical visual features predict the observed fMRI responses, and compare this to the predictions of responses to numerosity. We demonstrate that a numerosity response model predicts observed responses more accurately than models of responses to simple non-numerical visual features. As such, neural responses in cognitive processing need not reflect simpler properties of early sensory inputs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A programing system for research and applications in structural optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, J.; Rogers, J. L., Jr.

1981-01-01

The flexibility necessary for such diverse utilizations is achieved by combining, in a modular manner, a state-of-the-art optimization program, a production level structural analysis program, and user supplied and problem dependent interface programs. Standard utility capabilities in modern computer operating systems are used to integrate these programs. This approach results in flexibility of the optimization procedure organization and versatility in the formulation of constraints and design variables. Features shown in numerical examples include: variability of structural layout and overall shape geometry, static strength and stiffness constraints, local buckling failure, and vibration constraints.

Integrating prior information into microwave tomography Part 1: Impact of detail on image quality.

PubMed

Kurrant, Douglas; Baran, Anastasia; LoVetri, Joe; Fear, Elise

2017-12-01

The authors investigate the impact that incremental increases in the level of detail of patient-specific prior information have on image quality and the convergence behavior of an inversion algorithm in the context of near-field microwave breast imaging. A methodology is presented that uses image quality measures to characterize the ability of the algorithm to reconstruct both internal structures and lesions embedded in fibroglandular tissue. The approach permits key aspects that impact the quality of reconstruction of these structures to be identified and quantified. This provides insight into opportunities to improve image reconstruction performance. Patient-specific information is acquired using radar-based methods that form a regional map of the breast. This map is then incorporated into a microwave tomography algorithm. Previous investigations have demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach to improve image quality when applied to data generated with two-dimensional (2D) numerical models. The present study extends this work by generating prior information that is customized to vary the degree of structural detail to facilitate the investigation of the role of prior information in image formation. Numerical 2D breast models constructed from magnetic resonance (MR) scans, and reconstructions formed with a three-dimensional (3D) numerical breast model are used to assess if trends observed for the 2D results can be extended to 3D scenarios. For the blind reconstruction scenario (i.e., no prior information), the breast surface is not accurately identified and internal structures are not clearly resolved. A substantial improvement in image quality is achieved by incorporating the skin surface map and constraining the imaging domain to the breast. Internal features within the breast appear in the reconstructed image. However, it is challenging to discriminate between adipose and glandular regions and there are inaccuracies in both the structural properties of the glandular region and the dielectric properties reconstructed within this structure. Using a regional map with a skin layer only marginally improves this situation. Increasing the structural detail in the prior information to include internal features leads to reconstructions for which the interface that delineates the fat and gland regions can be inferred. Different features within the glandular region corresponding to tissues with varying relative permittivity values, such as a lesion embedded within glandular structure, emerge in the reconstructed images. Including knowledge of the breast surface and skin layer leads to a substantial improvement in image quality compared to the blind case, but the images have limited diagnostic utility for applications such as tumor response tracking. The diagnostic utility of the reconstruction technique is improved considerably when patient-specific structural information is used. This qualitative observation is supported quantitatively with image metrics. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Aging and Circadian Rhythms

PubMed Central

Duffy, Jeanne F.; Zitting, Kirsi-Marja; Chinoy, Evan D.

2015-01-01

Aging is associated with numerous changes, including changes in sleep timing, duration, and quality. The circadian timing system interacts with a sleep-wake homeostatic system to regulate human sleep, including sleep timing and structure. Here, we review key features of the human circadian timing system, age-related changes in the circadian timing system, and how those changes may contribute to the observed alterations in sleep. PMID:26568120

DNS study on bursting and intermittency in late boundary layer transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, YiQian; Liu, ChaoQun

2017-11-01

Experimental and numerical investigations have suggested the existence of a strong correlation between the passage of coherent structures and events of bursting and intermittency. However, a detailed cause-and-effect study on the subject is rarely found in the literature due to the complexity and the nonlinear multiscale nature of turbulent flows. The primary goal of this research is to explore the motion and evolution of coherent structures during late transition, whose structure is much more ordered than that of fully developed turbulence, and their relationship with events of bursting and intermittency based on a verified high-order direct numerical simulation (DNS). The computation was carried out on a flat plate at Reynolds number 1000 (based on the inflow displacement thickness) with an inflow Mach number 0.5. It is concluded that bursting and intermittency detected by stationary sensors in a transitional boundary layer actually result from the passage and development of vortical structures, and it would be more rational to design transitional turbulence models based on modelling the moving vortical structures rather than the statistical features and experimental experiences.

Modeling Stokes flow in real pore geometries derived by high resolution micro CT imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halisch, M.; Müller, C.

2012-04-01

Meanwhile, numerical modeling of rock properties forms an important part of modern petrophysics. Substantially, equivalent rock models are used to describe and assess specific properties and phenomena, like fluid transport or complex electrical properties. In recent years, non-destructive computed X-ray tomography got more and more important - not only to take a quick and three dimensional look into rock samples but also to get access to in-situ sample information for highly accurate modeling purposes. Due to - by now - very high resolution of the 3D CT data sets (micron- to submicron range) also very small structures and sample features - e.g. micro porosity - can be visualized and used for numerical models of very high accuracy. Special demands even arise before numerical modeling can take place. Inappropriate filter applications (e.g. improper type of filter, wrong kernel, etc.) may lead to a significant corruption of spatial sample structure and / or even sample or void space volume. Because of these difficulties, especially small scale mineral- and pore space textures are very often lost and valuable in-situ information is erased. Segmentation of important sample features - porosity as well as rock matrix - based upon grayscale values strongly depends upon the scan quality and upon the experience of the application engineer, respectively. If the threshold for matrix-porosity separation is set too low, porosity can be quickly (and even more, due to restrictions of scanning resolution) underestimated. Contrary to this, a too high threshold over-determines porosity and small void space features as well as interfaces are changed and falsified. Image based phase separation in close combination with "conventional" analytics, as scanning electron microscopy or thin sectioning, greatly increase the reliability of this preliminary work. For segmentation and quantification purposes, a special CT imaging and processing software (Avizo Fire) has been used. By using this tool, 3D rock data can be assessed and interpreted by petrophysical means. Furthermore, pore structures can be directly segmented and hence could be used for so called image based modeling approach. The special XLabHydro module grants a finite volume solver for the direct assessment of Stokes flow (incompressible fluid, constant dynamic viscosity, stationary conditions and laminar flow) in real pore geometries. Nevertheless, also pore network extraction and numerical modeling with standard FE or lattice Boltzmann solvers is possible. By using the achieved voxel resolution as smallest node distance, fluid flow properties can be analyzed even in very small sample structures and hence with very high accuracy, especially with interaction to bigger parts of the pore network. The so derived results in combination with a direct 3D visualization within the structures offer great new insights and understanding in range of meso- and microscopic pore space phenomena.

3DNALandscapes: a database for exploring the conformational features of DNA.

PubMed

Zheng, Guohui; Colasanti, Andrew V; Lu, Xiang-Jun; Olson, Wilma K

2010-01-01

3DNALandscapes, located at: http://3DNAscapes.rutgers.edu, is a new database for exploring the conformational features of DNA. In contrast to most structural databases, which archive the Cartesian coordinates and/or derived parameters and images for individual structures, 3DNALandscapes enables searches of conformational information across multiple structures. The database contains a wide variety of structural parameters and molecular images, computed with the 3DNA software package and known to be useful for characterizing and understanding the sequence-dependent spatial arrangements of the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone, sugar-base side groups, base pairs, base-pair steps, groove structure, etc. The data comprise all DNA-containing structures--both free and bound to proteins, drugs and other ligands--currently available in the Protein Data Bank. The web interface allows the user to link, report, plot and analyze this information from numerous perspectives and thereby gain insight into DNA conformation, deformability and interactions in different sequence and structural contexts. The data accumulated from known, well-resolved DNA structures can serve as useful benchmarks for the analysis and simulation of new structures. The collective data can also help to understand how DNA deforms in response to proteins and other molecules and undergoes conformational rearrangements.

Generic features of the primary relaxation in glass-forming materials (Review Article)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokshenev, Valery B.

2017-08-01

We discuss structural relaxation in molecular and polymeric supercooled liquids, metallic alloys and orientational glass crystals. The study stresses especially the relationships between observables raised from underlying constraints imposed on degrees of freedom of vitrification systems. A self-consistent parametrization of the α-timescale on macroscopic level results in the material-and-model independent universal equation, relating three fundamental temperatures, characteristic of the primary relaxation, that is numerically proven in all studied glass formers. During the primary relaxation, the corresponding small and large mesoscopic clusters modify their size and structure in a self-similar way, regardless of underlying microscopic realizations. We show that cluster-shape similarity, instead of cluster-size fictive divergence, gives rise to universal features observed in primary relaxation. In all glass formers with structural disorder, including orientational-glass materials (with the exception of plastic crystals), structural relaxation is shown to be driven by local random fields. Within the dynamic stochastic approach, the universal subdiffusive dynamics corresponds to random walks on small and large fractals.

Numerical simulation of CTE mismatch and thermal-structural stresses in the design of interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peter, Geoffrey John M.

With the ever-increasing chip complexity, interconnects have to be designed to meet the new challenges. Advances in optical lithography have made chip feature sizes available today at 70 nm dimensions. With advances in Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography, X-ray Lithography, and Ion Projection Lithography it is expected that the line width will further decrease to 20 nm or less. With the decrease in feature size, the number of active devices on the chip increases. With higher levels of circuit integration, the challenge is to dissipate the increased heat flux from the chip surface area. Thermal management considerations include coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matching to prevent failure between the chip and the board. This in turn calls for improved system performance and reliability of the electronic structural systems. Experience has shown that in most electronic systems, failures are mostly due to CTE mismatch between the chip, board, and the solder joint (solder interconnect). The resulting high thermal-structural stress and strain due to CTE mismatch produces cracks in the solder joints with eventual failure of the electronic component. In order to reduce the thermal stress between the chip, board, and the solder joint, this dissertation examines the effect of inserting wire bundle (wire interconnect) between the chip and the board. The flexibility of the wires or fibers would reduce the stress at the rigid joints. Numerical simulations of two, and three-dimensional models of the solder and wire interconnects are examined. The numerical simulation is linear in nature and is based on linear isotropic material properties. The effect of different wire material properties is examined. The effect of varying the wire diameter is studied by changing the wire diameter. A major cause of electronic equipment failure is due to fatigue failure caused by thermal cycling, and vibrations. A two-dimensional modal and harmonic analysis was simulated for the wire interconnect and the solder interconnect. The numerical model simulated using ANSYS program was validated with the numerical/experimental results of other published researchers. In addition the results were cross-checked by IDEAS program. A prototype non-working wire interconnect is proposed to emphasize practical application. The numerical analysis, in this dissertation is based on a U.S. Patent granted to G. Peter(42).

Inhomogeneous kinetic effects related to intermittent magnetic discontinuities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greco, A.; Valentini, F.; Servidio, S.; Matthaeus, W. H.

2012-12-01

A connection between kinetic processes and two-dimensional intermittent plasma turbulence is observed using direct numerical simulations of a hybrid Vlasov-Maxwell model, in which the Vlasov equation is solved for protons, while the electrons are described as a massless fluid. During the development of turbulence, the proton distribution functions depart from the typical configuration of local thermodynamic equilibrium, displaying statistically significant non-Maxwellian features. In particular, temperature anisotropy and distortions are concentrated near coherent structures, generated as the result of the turbulent cascade, such as current sheets, which are nonuniformly distributed in space. Here, the partial variance of increments (PVI) method has been employed to identify high magnetic stress regions within a two-dimensional turbulent pattern. A quantitative association between non-Maxwellian features and coherent structures is established.

The core contribution of transmission electron microscopy to functional nanomaterials engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carenco, Sophie; Moldovan, Simona; Roiban, Lucian; Florea, Ileana; Portehault, David; Vallé, Karine; Belleville, Philippe; Boissière, Cédric; Rozes, Laurence; Mézailles, Nicolas; Drillon, Marc; Sanchez, Clément; Ersen, Ovidiu

2016-01-01

Research on nanomaterials and nanostructured materials is burgeoning because their numerous and versatile applications contribute to solve societal needs in the domain of medicine, energy, environment and STICs. Optimizing their properties requires in-depth analysis of their structural, morphological and chemical features at the nanoscale. In a transmission electron microscope (TEM), combining tomography with electron energy loss spectroscopy and high-magnification imaging in high-angle annular dark-field mode provides access to all features of the same object. Today, TEM experiments in three dimensions are paramount to solve tough structural problems associated with nanoscale matter. This approach allowed a thorough morphological description of silica fibers. Moreover, quantitative analysis of the mesoporous network of binary metal oxide prepared by template-assisted spray-drying was performed, and the homogeneity of amino functionalized metal-organic frameworks was assessed. Besides, the morphology and internal structure of metal phosphide nanoparticles was deciphered, providing a milestone for understanding phase segregation at the nanoscale. By extrapolating to larger classes of materials, from soft matter to hard metals and/or ceramics, this approach allows probing small volumes and uncovering materials characteristics and properties at two or three dimensions. Altogether, this feature article aims at providing (nano)materials scientists with a representative set of examples that illustrates the capabilities of modern TEM and tomography, which can be transposed to their own research.Research on nanomaterials and nanostructured materials is burgeoning because their numerous and versatile applications contribute to solve societal needs in the domain of medicine, energy, environment and STICs. Optimizing their properties requires in-depth analysis of their structural, morphological and chemical features at the nanoscale. In a transmission electron microscope (TEM), combining tomography with electron energy loss spectroscopy and high-magnification imaging in high-angle annular dark-field mode provides access to all features of the same object. Today, TEM experiments in three dimensions are paramount to solve tough structural problems associated with nanoscale matter. This approach allowed a thorough morphological description of silica fibers. Moreover, quantitative analysis of the mesoporous network of binary metal oxide prepared by template-assisted spray-drying was performed, and the homogeneity of amino functionalized metal-organic frameworks was assessed. Besides, the morphology and internal structure of metal phosphide nanoparticles was deciphered, providing a milestone for understanding phase segregation at the nanoscale. By extrapolating to larger classes of materials, from soft matter to hard metals and/or ceramics, this approach allows probing small volumes and uncovering materials characteristics and properties at two or three dimensions. Altogether, this feature article aims at providing (nano)materials scientists with a representative set of examples that illustrates the capabilities of modern TEM and tomography, which can be transposed to their own research. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr05460e

Generalized epidemic process on modular networks.

PubMed

Chung, Kihong; Baek, Yongjoo; Kim, Daniel; Ha, Meesoon; Jeong, Hawoong

2014-05-01

Social reinforcement and modular structure are two salient features observed in the spreading of behavior through social contacts. In order to investigate the interplay between these two features, we study the generalized epidemic process on modular networks with equal-sized finite communities and adjustable modularity. Using the analytical approach originally applied to clique-based random networks, we show that the system exhibits a bond-percolation type continuous phase transition for weak social reinforcement, whereas a discontinuous phase transition occurs for sufficiently strong social reinforcement. Our findings are numerically verified using the finite-size scaling analysis and the crossings of the bimodality coefficient.

SPAR improved structural-fluid dynamic analysis capability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearson, M. L.

1985-01-01

The results of a study whose objective was to improve the operation of the SPAR computer code by improving efficiency, user features, and documentation is presented. Additional capability was added to the SPAR arithmetic utility system, including trigonometric functions, numerical integration, interpolation, and matrix combinations. Improvements were made in the EIG processor. A processor was created to compute and store principal stresses in table-format data sets. An additional capability was developed and incorporated into the plot processor which permits plotting directly from table-format data sets. Documentation of all these features is provided in the form of updates to the SPAR users manual.

Numerical algorithm comparison for the accurate and efficient computation of high-incidence vortical flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chaderjian, Neal M.

1991-01-01

Computations from two Navier-Stokes codes, NSS and F3D, are presented for a tangent-ogive-cylinder body at high angle of attack. Features of this steady flow include a pair of primary vortices on the leeward side of the body as well as secondary vortices. The topological and physical plausibility of this vortical structure is discussed. The accuracy of these codes are assessed by comparison of the numerical solutions with experimental data. The effects of turbulence model, numerical dissipation, and grid refinement are presented. The overall efficiency of these codes are also assessed by examining their convergence rates, computational time per time step, and maximum allowable time step for time-accurate computations. Overall, the numerical results from both codes compared equally well with experimental data, however, the NSS code was found to be significantly more efficient than the F3D code.

Cosmic-ray propagation with DRAGON2: I. numerical solver and astrophysical ingredients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evoli, Carmelo; Gaggero, Daniele; Vittino, Andrea; Di Bernardo, Giuseppe; Di Mauro, Mattia; Ligorini, Arianna; Ullio, Piero; Grasso, Dario

2017-02-01

We present version 2 of the DRAGON code designed for computing realistic predictions of the CR densities in the Galaxy. The code numerically solves the interstellar CR transport equation (including inhomogeneous and anisotropic diffusion, either in space and momentum, advective transport and energy losses), under realistic conditions. The new version includes an updated numerical solver and several models for the astrophysical ingredients involved in the transport equation. Improvements in the accuracy of the numerical solution are proved against analytical solutions and in reference diffusion scenarios. The novel features implemented in the code allow to simulate the diverse scenarios proposed to reproduce the most recent measurements of local and diffuse CR fluxes, going beyond the limitations of the homogeneous galactic transport paradigm. To this end, several applications using DRAGON2 are presented as well. This new version facilitates the users to include their own physical models by means of a modular C++ structure.

Nonlocal sparse model with adaptive structural clustering for feature extraction of aero-engine bearings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Han; Chen, Xuefeng; Du, Zhaohui; Li, Xiang; Yan, Ruqiang

2016-04-01

Fault information of aero-engine bearings presents two particular phenomena, i.e., waveform distortion and impulsive feature frequency band dispersion, which leads to a challenging problem for current techniques of bearing fault diagnosis. Moreover, although many progresses of sparse representation theory have been made in feature extraction of fault information, the theory also confronts inevitable performance degradation due to the fact that relatively weak fault information has not sufficiently prominent and sparse representations. Therefore, a novel nonlocal sparse model (coined NLSM) and its algorithm framework has been proposed in this paper, which goes beyond simple sparsity by introducing more intrinsic structures of feature information. This work adequately exploits the underlying prior information that feature information exhibits nonlocal self-similarity through clustering similar signal fragments and stacking them together into groups. Within this framework, the prior information is transformed into a regularization term and a sparse optimization problem, which could be solved through block coordinate descent method (BCD), is formulated. Additionally, the adaptive structural clustering sparse dictionary learning technique, which utilizes k-Nearest-Neighbor (kNN) clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) learning, is adopted to further enable sufficient sparsity of feature information. Moreover, the selection rule of regularization parameter and computational complexity are described in detail. The performance of the proposed framework is evaluated through numerical experiment and its superiority with respect to the state-of-the-art method in the field is demonstrated through the vibration signals of experimental rig of aircraft engine bearings.

Covariance of dynamic strain responses for structural damage detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, X. Y.; Wang, L. X.; Law, S. S.; Nie, Z. H.

2017-10-01

A new approach to address the practical problems with condition evaluation/damage detection of structures is proposed based on the distinct features of a new damage index. The covariance of strain response function (CoS) is a function of modal parameters of the structure. A local stiffness reduction in structure would cause monotonous increase in the CoS. Its sensitivity matrix with respect to local damages of structure is negative and narrow-banded. The damage extent can be estimated with an approximation to the sensitivity matrix to decouple the identification equations. The CoS sensitivity can be calibrated in practice from two previous states of measurements to estimate approximately the damage extent of a structure. A seven-storey plane frame structure is numerically studied to illustrate the features of the CoS index and the proposed method. A steel circular arch in the laboratory is tested. Natural frequencies changed due to damage in the arch and the damage occurrence can be judged. However, the proposed CoS method can identify not only damage happening but also location, even damage extent without need of an analytical model. It is promising for structural condition evaluation of selected components.

Beam Flutter and Energy Harvesting in Internal Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tosi, Luis Phillipe; Colonius, Tim; Sherrit, Stewart; Lee, Hyeong Jae

2017-11-01

Aeroelastic flutter, largely studied for causing engineering failures, has more recently been used as a means of extracting energy from the flow. Particularly, flutter of a cantilever or an elastically mounted plate in a converging-diverging flow passage has shown promise as an energy harvesting concept for internal flow applications. The instability onset is observed as a function of throat velocity, internal wall geometry, fluid and structure material properties. To enable these devices, our work explores features of the fluid-structure coupled dynamics as a function of relevant nondimensional parameters. The flutter boundary is examined through stability analysis of a reduced order model, and corroborated with numerical simulations at low Reynolds number. Experiments for an energy harvester design are qualitatively compared to results from analytical and numerical work, suggesting a robust limit cycle ensues due to a subcritical Hopf bifurcation. Bosch Corporation.

Numerical investigation of turbulent channel flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moin, P.; Kim, J.

1981-01-01

Fully developed turbulent channel flow was simulated numerically at Reynolds number 13800, based on centerline velocity and channel halt width. The large-scale flow field was obtained by directly integrating the filtered, three dimensional, time dependent, Navier-Stokes equations. The small-scale field motions were simulated through an eddy viscosity model. The calculations were carried out on the ILLIAC IV computer with up to 516,096 grid points. The computed flow field was used to study the statistical properties of the flow as well as its time dependent features. The agreement of the computed mean velocity profile, turbulence statistics, and detailed flow structures with experimental data is good. The resolvable portion of the statistical correlations appearing in the Reynolds stress equations are calculated. Particular attention is given to the examination of the flow structure in the vicinity of the wall.

An optical fiber spool for laser stabilization with reduced acceleration sensitivity to 10-12/g

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yong-Qi; Dong, Jing; Huang, Jun-Chao; Li, Tang; Liu, Liang

2015-10-01

Environmental vibration causes mechanical deformation in optical fibers, which induces excess frequency noise in fiber-stabilized lasers. In order to solve such a problem, we propose an ultralow acceleration sensitivity fiber spool with symmetrically mounted structure. By numerical analysis with the finite element method, we obtain the optimal geometry parameters of the spool with which the horizontal and vertical acceleration sensitivity can be reduced to 3.25 × 10-12/g and 5.38 × 10-12/g respectively. Moreover, the structure features the insensitivity to the variation of geometry parameters, which will minimize the influence from numerical simulation error and manufacture tolerance. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11034008 and 11274324) and the Key Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KJZD-EW-W02).

Numerical investigation of nonlinear interactions between multimodal guided waves and delamination in composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yanfeng

2017-04-01

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the nonlinear interactions between multimodal guided waves and delamination in composite structures. The elastodynamic wave equations for anisotropic composite laminate were formulated using an explicit Local Interaction Simulation Approach (LISA). The contact dynamics was modeled using the penalty method. In order to capture the stick-slip contact motion, a Coulomb friction law was integrated into the computation procedure. A random gap function was defined for the contact pairs to model distributed initial closures or openings to approximate the nature of rough delamination interfaces. The LISA procedure was coded using the Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA), which enables the highly parallelized computation on powerful graphic cards. Several guided wave modes centered at various frequencies were investigated as the incident wave. Numerical case studies of different delamination locations across the thickness were carried out. The capability of different wave modes at various frequencies to trigger the Contact Acoustic Nonlinearity (CAN) was studied. The correlation between the delamination size and the signal nonlinearity was also investigated. Furthermore, the influence from the roughness of the delamination interfaces was discussed as well. The numerical investigation shows that the nonlinear features of wave delamination interactions can enhance the evaluation capability of guided wave Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system. This paper finishes with discussion, concluding remarks, and suggestions for future work.

Vibration and Stability of Pretwisted Spinning Thin-Walled Composite Beams Featuring BENDING-BENDING Elastic Coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

SONG, O.; JEONG, N.-H.; LIBRESCU, L.

2000-10-01

A number of issues related to the modelling, vibration and stability of anisotropic pretwisted beams rotating at constant angular speed about the longitudinal body-axis fixed in the inertial space are investigated. The analysis is carried out in the framework of a refined theory of thin-walled anisotropic composite beams featuring bending-bending elastic coupling, and encompassing a number of non-classical features such as transverse-shear, anisotropy and pretwist. Special attention is paid to the effect of the spinning speed, pretwist angle, axial compressive load and symmetry/non-symmetry of the beam cross-section on natural frequencies and instability of the structural system. Numerical illustrations highlighting their implication on vibration and stability are displayed and pertinent conclusions are outlined.

Triggering effect of mining at different horizons in the rock mass with excavations. Mathematical modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eremin, M. O.; Makarov, P. V.

2017-12-01

On the basis of a quite simple structural model of rock mass, containing coal seams on two horizons, coal mining is numerically modeled. A finite difference numerical technique is applied. At first, mining starts at the upper horizon and then moves to the lower horizon. It is shown that a mining process at the lower horizon has a significant triggering influence on the growth of damage zones in the roof and floor at the upper horizon. The features of spatiotemporal migration of deformation activity are studied numerically. Foci of large-scale fracture are located at the boundary of the seismic silence zone and the zone where the deformation activity migrates. This boundary has an additional characteristic: the maximum gradient of rock pressure is observed in this zone.

New geomorphic data on the active Taiwan orogen: A multisource approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deffontaines, B.; Lee, J.-C.; Angelier, J.; Carvalho, J.; Rudant, J.-P.

1994-01-01

A multisource and multiscale approach of Taiwan morphotectonics combines different complementary geomorphic analyses based on a new elevation model (DEM), side-looking airborne radar (SLAR), and satellite (SPOT) imagery, aerial photographs, and control from independent field data. This analysis enables us not only to present an integrated geomorphic description of the Taiwan orogen but also to highlight some new geodynamic aspects. Well-known, major geological structures such as the Longitudinal Valley, Lishan, Pingtung, and the Foothills fault zones are of course clearly recognized, but numerous, previously unrecognized structures appear distributed within different regions of Taiwan. For instance, transfer fault zones within the Western Foothills and the Central Range are identified based on analyses of lineaments and general morphology. In many cases, the existence of geomorphic features identified in general images is supported by the results of geological field analyses carried out independently. In turn, the field analyses of structures and mechanisms at some sites provide a key for interpreting similar geomorphic featues in other areas. Examples are the conjugate pattern of strike-slip faults within the Central Range and the oblique fold-and-thrust pattern of the Coastal Range. Furthermore, neotectonic and morphological analyses (drainage and erosional surfaces) has been combined in order to obtain a more comprehensive description and interpretation of neotectonic features in Taiwan, such as for the Longitudinal Valley Fault. Next, at a more general scale, numerical processing of digital elevation models, resulting in average topography, summit level or base level maps, allows identification of major features related to the dynamics of uplift and erosion and estimates of erosion balance. Finally, a preliminary morphotectonic sketch map of Taiwan, combining information from all the sources listed above, is presented.

Electrostatic similarity of proteins: Application of three dimensional spherical harmonic decomposition

PubMed Central

Długosz, Maciej; Trylska, Joanna

2008-01-01

We present a method for describing and comparing global electrostatic properties of biomolecules based on the spherical harmonic decomposition of electrostatic potential data. Unlike other approaches our method does not require any prior three dimensional structural alignment. The electrostatic potential, given as a volumetric data set from a numerical solution of the Poisson or Poisson–Boltzmann equation, is represented with descriptors that are rotation invariant. The method can be applied to large and structurally diverse sets of biomolecules enabling to cluster them according to their electrostatic features. PMID:18624502

III-V semiconductor resonators: A new strategy for broadband light perfect absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiaoshan; Chen, Jian; Liu, Jiasong; Huang, Zhenping; Yu, Meidong; Pan, Pingping; Liu, Zhengqi

2017-11-01

Broadband light perfect absorbers (BPAs) are desirable for applications in numerous optoelectronics devices. In this work, a semiconductor-based broadband light perfect absorber (S-BPA) has been numerically demonstrated by utilizing plasmonlike resonances of high-index semiconductor resonators. A maximal absorption of 99.7% is observed in the near-infrared region. By taking the absorption above 80% into account, the spectral bandwidth reaches 340 nm. The absorption properties mainly originate from the optical cavity modes induced by the cylinder resonators and ultrathin semiconductor film. These optical properties and simple structural features can maintain the absorber platform with wide applications in semiconductor optoelectronics.

Anisotropic failure and size effects in periodic honeycomb materials: A gradient-elasticity approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Réthoré, Julien; Dang, Thi Bach Tuyet; Kaltenbrunner, Christine

2017-02-01

This paper proposes a fracture mechanics model for the analysis of crack propagation in periodic honeycomb materials. The model is based on gradient-elasticity which enables us to account for the effect of the material structure at the macroscopic scale. For simulating the propagation of cracks along an arbitrary path, the numerical implementation is elaborated based on an extended finite element method with the required level of continuity. The two main features captured by the model are directionality and size effect. The numerical predictions are consistent with experimental results on honeycomb materials but also with results reported in the literature for microstructurally short cracks in metals.

Analysis of the effects of simulated synergistic LEO environment on solar panels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allegri, G.; Corradi, S.; Marchetti, M.; Scaglione, S.

2007-02-01

The effects due to the LEO environment exposure of a solar array primary structure are here presented and discussed in detail. The synergistic damaging components featuring LEO environment are high vacuum, thermal cycling, neutral gas, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and cold plasma. The synergistic effects due to these environmental elements are simulated by "on ground" tests, performed in the Space Environment Simulator (SAS) at the University of Rome "La Sapienza"; numerical simulations are performed by the Space Environment Information System (SPENVIS), developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). A "safe life" design for a solar array primary structure is developed, taking into consideration the combined damaging action of the LEO environment components; therefore results from both numerical and experimental simulations are coupled within the framework of a standard finite element method (FEM) based design. The expected durability of the solar array primary structure, made of laminated sandwich composite, is evaluated assuming that the loads exerted on the structure itself are essentially dependent on thermo-elastic stresses. The optical degradation of surface materials and the stiffness and strength degradation of structural elements are taken into account to assess the global structural durability of the solar array under characteristic operative conditions in LEO environment.

Formation of temperature front in stably stratified turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimura, Yoshifumi; Sullivan, Peter; Herring, Jackson

2016-11-01

An important feature of stably stratified turbulence is the significant influence of internal gravity waves which makes stably stratified turbulence unique compared to homogeneous isotropic turbulence. In this paper, we investigate the genesis of temperature fronts-a crucial subject both practically and fundamentally-in stably stratified turbulence using Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of the Navier-Stokes equation under the Boussinesq approximation with 10243 grid points. Vertical profiles of temperature fluctuations show almost vertically periodic sawtooth wavy structures with negative and positive layers stacked together with clear boundaries implying a sharp temperature fronts. The sawtooth waves consist of gradual decreasing temperature fluctuations with rapid recovery to a positive value as the frontal boundary is crossed vertically. This asymmetry of gradients comes from the structure that warm temperature region lies on top of cool temperature region, and can be verified in the skewed probability density function (PDF) of vertical temperature gradient. We try to extract the flow structures and mechanism for the formation and maintenance of the strong temperature front numerically.

The influence of anisotropy on the core structure of Shockley partial dislocations within FCC materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szajewski, B. A.; Hunter, A.; Luscher, D. J.; Beyerlein, I. J.

2018-01-01

Both theoretical and numerical models of dislocations often necessitate the assumption of elastic isotropy to retain analytical tractability in addition to reducing computational load. As dislocation based models evolve towards physically realistic material descriptions, the assumption of elastic isotropy becomes increasingly worthy of examination. We present an analytical dislocation model for calculating the full dissociated core structure of dislocations within anisotropic face centered cubic (FCC) crystals as a function of the degree of material elastic anisotropy, two misfit energy densities on the γ-surface ({γ }{{isf}}, {γ }{{usf}}) and the remaining elastic constants. Our solution is independent of any additional features of the γ-surface. Towards this pursuit, we first demonstrate that the dependence of the anisotropic elasticity tensor on the orientation of the dislocation line within the FCC crystalline lattice is small and may be reasonably neglected for typical materials. With this approximation, explicit analytic solutions for the anisotropic elasticity tensor {B} for both nominally edge and screw dislocations within an FCC crystalline lattice are devised, and employed towards defining a set of effective isotropic elastic constants which reproduce fully anisotropic results, however do not retain the bulk modulus. Conversely, Hill averaged elastic constants which both retain the bulk modulus and reasonably approximate the dislocation core structure are employed within subsequent numerical calculations. We examine a wide range of materials within this study, and the features of each partial dislocation core are sufficiently localized that application of discrete linear elasticity accurately describes the separation of each partial dislocation core. In addition, the local features (the partial dislocation core distribution) are well described by a Peierls-Nabarro dislocation model. We develop a model for the displacement profile which depends upon two disparate dislocation length scales which describe the core structure; (i) the equilibrium stacking fault width between two Shockley partial dislocations, R eq and (ii) the maximum slip gradient, χ, of each Shockley partial dislocation. We demonstrate excellent agreement between our own analytic predictions, numerical calculations, and R eq computed directly by both ab-initio and molecular statics methods found elsewhere within the literature. The results suggest that understanding of various plastic mechanisms, e.g., cross-slip and nucleation may be augmented with the inclusion of elastic anisotropy.

Adaptivity and smart algorithms for fluid-structure interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oden, J. Tinsley

1990-01-01

This paper reviews new approaches in CFD which have the potential for significantly increasing current capabilities of modeling complex flow phenomena and of treating difficult problems in fluid-structure interaction. These approaches are based on the notions of adaptive methods and smart algorithms, which use instantaneous measures of the quality and other features of the numerical flowfields as a basis for making changes in the structure of the computational grid and of algorithms designed to function on the grid. The application of these new techniques to several problem classes are addressed, including problems with moving boundaries, fluid-structure interaction in high-speed turbine flows, flow in domains with receding boundaries, and related problems.

The contributions of numerical acuity and non-numerical stimulus features to the development of the number sense and symbolic math achievement.

PubMed

Starr, Ariel; DeWind, Nicholas K; Brannon, Elizabeth M

2017-11-01

Numerical acuity, frequently measured by a Weber fraction derived from nonsymbolic numerical comparison judgments, has been shown to be predictive of mathematical ability. However, recent findings suggest that stimulus controls in these tasks are often insufficiently implemented, and the proposal has been made that alternative visual features or inhibitory control capacities may actually explain this relation. Here, we use a novel mathematical algorithm to parse the relative influence of numerosity from other visual features in nonsymbolic numerical discrimination and to examine the strength of the relations between each of these variables, including inhibitory control, and mathematical ability. We examined these questions developmentally by testing 4-year-old children, 6-year-old children, and adults with a nonsymbolic numerical comparison task, a symbolic math assessment, and a test of inhibitory control. We found that the influence of non-numerical features decreased significantly over development but that numerosity was a primary determinate of decision making at all ages. In addition, numerical acuity was a stronger predictor of math achievement than either non-numerical bias or inhibitory control in children. These results suggest that the ability to selectively attend to number contributes to the maturation of the number sense and that numerical acuity, independent of inhibitory control, contributes to math achievement in early childhood. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prediction of active sites of enzymes by maximum relevance minimum redundancy (mRMR) feature selection.

PubMed

Gao, Yu-Fei; Li, Bi-Qing; Cai, Yu-Dong; Feng, Kai-Yan; Li, Zhan-Dong; Jiang, Yang

2013-01-27

Identification of catalytic residues plays a key role in understanding how enzymes work. Although numerous computational methods have been developed to predict catalytic residues and active sites, the prediction accuracy remains relatively low with high false positives. In this work, we developed a novel predictor based on the Random Forest algorithm (RF) aided by the maximum relevance minimum redundancy (mRMR) method and incremental feature selection (IFS). We incorporated features of physicochemical/biochemical properties, sequence conservation, residual disorder, secondary structure and solvent accessibility to predict active sites of enzymes and achieved an overall accuracy of 0.885687 and MCC of 0.689226 on an independent test dataset. Feature analysis showed that every category of the features except disorder contributed to the identification of active sites. It was also shown via the site-specific feature analysis that the features derived from the active site itself contributed most to the active site determination. Our prediction method may become a useful tool for identifying the active sites and the key features identified by the paper may provide valuable insights into the mechanism of catalysis.

Generation and investigation of terahertz Airy beam realized using parallel-plate waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Mengru; Lang, Tingting; Shi, Guohua; Han, Zhanghua

2018-03-01

In this paper, the launching of Airy beam in the terahertz region using waveguiding structures was proposed, designed and numerically characterized. By properly designing the waveguide slit width and the packing number in different sections of parallel-plate waveguides (PPWGs) array, arbitrary phase delay and lateral position-dependent amplitude transmission through the structure, required to realize the target Airy beam profile, can be easily fulfilled. Airy beams working at the frequency of 0.3 THz with good non-diffracting, self-bending, and self-healing features are demonstrated. This study represents a new alternative to scattering-based metasurface structures, and can be utilized in many modern applications.

Collectivity, Distributivity, and the Interpretation of Plural Numerical Expressions in Child and Adult Language

PubMed Central

Musolino, Julien

2013-01-01

Sentences containing plural numerical expressions (e.g., two boys) can give rise to two interpretations (collective and distributive), arising from the fact that their representation admits of a part-whole structure. We present the results of a series of experiments designed to explore children’s understanding of this distinction and its implications for the acquisition of linguistic expressions with number words. We show that preschoolers access both interpretations, indicating that they have the requisite linguistic and conceptual machinery to generate the corresponding representations. Furthermore, they can shift their interpretation in response to structural and lexical manipulations. However, they are not fully adult-like: unlike adults, they are drawn to the distributive interpretation, and are not yet aware of the lexical semantics of each and together, which should favor one or another interpretation. This research bridges a gap between a well-established body of work in cognitive psychology on the acquisition of number words and more recent work investigating children’s knowledge of the syntactic and semantic properties of sentences featuring numerical expressions. PMID:24223477

Collectivity, Distributivity, and the Interpretation of Plural Numerical Expressions in Child and Adult Language.

PubMed

Syrett, Kristen; Musolino, Julien

2013-01-01

Sentences containing plural numerical expressions (e.g., two boys ) can give rise to two interpretations (collective and distributive), arising from the fact that their representation admits of a part-whole structure. We present the results of a series of experiments designed to explore children's understanding of this distinction and its implications for the acquisition of linguistic expressions with number words. We show that preschoolers access both interpretations, indicating that they have the requisite linguistic and conceptual machinery to generate the corresponding representations. Furthermore, they can shift their interpretation in response to structural and lexical manipulations. However, they are not fully adult-like: unlike adults, they are drawn to the distributive interpretation, and are not yet aware of the lexical semantics of each and together , which should favor one or another interpretation. This research bridges a gap between a well-established body of work in cognitive psychology on the acquisition of number words and more recent work investigating children's knowledge of the syntactic and semantic properties of sentences featuring numerical expressions.

Predicting DNA binding proteins using support vector machine with hybrid fractal features.

PubMed

Niu, Xiao-Hui; Hu, Xue-Hai; Shi, Feng; Xia, Jing-Bo

2014-02-21

DNA-binding proteins play a vitally important role in many biological processes. Prediction of DNA-binding proteins from amino acid sequence is a significant but not fairly resolved scientific problem. Chaos game representation (CGR) investigates the patterns hidden in protein sequences, and visually reveals previously unknown structure. Fractal dimensions (FD) are good tools to measure sizes of complex, highly irregular geometric objects. In order to extract the intrinsic correlation with DNA-binding property from protein sequences, CGR algorithm, fractal dimension and amino acid composition are applied to formulate the numerical features of protein samples in this paper. Seven groups of features are extracted, which can be computed directly from the primary sequence, and each group is evaluated by the 10-fold cross-validation test and Jackknife test. Comparing the results of numerical experiments, the group of amino acid composition and fractal dimension (21-dimension vector) gets the best result, the average accuracy is 81.82% and average Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC) is 0.6017. This resulting predictor is also compared with existing method DNA-Prot and shows better performances. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.

3D for Geosciences: Interactive Tangibles and Virtual Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pippin, J. E.; Matheney, M.; Kitsch, N.; Rosado, G.; Thompson, Z.; Pierce, S. A.

2016-12-01

Point cloud processing provides a method of studying and modelling geologic features relevant to geoscience systems and processes. Here, software including Skanect, MeshLab, Blender, PDAL, and PCL are used in conjunction with 3D scanning hardware, including a Structure scanner and a Kinect camera, to create and analyze point cloud images of small scale topography, karst features, tunnels, and structures at high resolution. This project successfully scanned internal karst features ranging from small stalactites to large rooms, as well as an external waterfall feature. For comparison purposes, multiple scans of the same object were merged into single object files both automatically, using commercial software, and manually using open source libraries and code. Files with format .ply were manually converted into numeric data sets to be analyzed for similar regions between files in order to match them together. We can assume a numeric process would be more powerful and efficient than the manual method, however it could lack other useful features that GUI's may have. The digital models have applications in mining as efficient means of replacing topography functions such as measuring distances and areas. Additionally, it is possible to make simulation models such as drilling templates and calculations related to 3D spaces. Advantages of using methods described here for these procedures include the relatively quick time to obtain data and the easy transport of the equipment. With regard to openpit mining, obtaining 3D images of large surfaces and with precision would be a high value tool by georeferencing scan data to interactive maps. The digital 3D images obtained from scans may be saved as printable files to create physical 3D-printable models to create tangible objects based on scientific information, as well as digital "worlds" able to be navigated virtually. The data, models, and algorithms explored here can be used to convey complex scientific ideas to a range of professionals and audiences.

Design of a handheld optical coherence microscopy endoscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korde, Vrushali R.; Liebmann, Erica; Barton, Jennifer K.

2011-06-01

Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) combines coherence gating, high numerical aperture optics, and a fiber-core pinhole to provide high axial and lateral resolution with relatively large depth of imaging. We present a handheld rigid OCM endoscope designed for small animal surgical imaging, with a 6-mm diam tip, 1-mm scan width, and 1-mm imaging depth. X-Y scanning is performed distally with mirrors mounted to micro galvonometer scanners incorporated into the endoscope handle. The endoscope optical design consists of scanning doublets, an afocal Hopkins relay lens system, a 0.4 numerical aperture water immersion objective, and a cover glass. This endoscope can resolve laterally a 1.4-μm line pair feature and has an axial resolution (full width half maximum) of 5.4 μm. Images taken with this endoscope of fresh ex-vivo mouse ovaries show structural features, such as corpus luteum, primary follicles, growing follicles, and fallopian tubes. This rigid handheld OCM endoscope can be useful for a variety of minimally invasive and surgical imaging applications.

Hydrologic connectivity: Quantitative assessments of hydrologic-enforced drainage structures in an elevation model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Poppenga, Sandra K.; Worstell, Bruce B.

2016-01-01

Elevation data derived from light detection and ranging present challenges for hydrologic modeling as the elevation surface includes bridge decks and elevated road features overlaying culvert drainage structures. In reality, water is carried through these structures; however, in the elevation surface these features impede modeled overland surface flow. Thus, a hydrologically-enforced elevation surface is needed for hydrodynamic modeling. In the Delaware River Basin, hydrologic-enforcement techniques were used to modify elevations to simulate how constructed drainage structures allow overland surface flow. By calculating residuals between unfilled and filled elevation surfaces, artificially pooled depressions that formed upstream of constructed drainage structure features were defined, and elevation values were adjusted by generating transects at the location of the drainage structures. An assessment of each hydrologically-enforced drainage structure was conducted using field-surveyed culvert and bridge coordinates obtained from numerous public agencies, but it was discovered the disparate drainage structure datasets were not comprehensive enough to assess all remotely located depressions in need of hydrologic-enforcement. Alternatively, orthoimagery was interpreted to define drainage structures near each depression, and these locations were used as reference points for a quantitative hydrologic-enforcement assessment. The orthoimagery-interpreted reference points resulted in a larger corresponding sample size than the assessment between hydrologic-enforced transects and field-surveyed data. This assessment demonstrates the viability of rules-based hydrologic-enforcement that is needed to achieve hydrologic connectivity, which is valuable for hydrodynamic models in sensitive coastal regions. Hydrologic-enforced elevation data are also essential for merging with topographic/bathymetric elevation data that extend over vulnerable urbanized areas and dynamic coastal regions.

Feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: A review of a novel non-invasive cardiac imaging technique

PubMed Central

Rahman, Zia Ur; Sethi, Pooja; Murtaza, Ghulam; Virk, Hafeez Ul Hassan; Rai, Aitzaz; Mahmod, Masliza; Schoondyke, Jeffrey; Albalbissi, Kais

2017-01-01

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Early diagnostic markers are gaining popularity for better patient care disease outcomes. There is an increasing interest in noninvasive cardiac imaging biomarkers to diagnose subclinical cardiac disease. Feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is a novel post-processing technique that is increasingly being employed to assess global and regional myocardial function. This technique has numerous applications in structural and functional diagnostics. It has been validated in multiple studies, although there is still a long way to go for it to become routine standard of care. PMID:28515849

Study of Some Planetary Atmospheres Features by Probe Entry and Descent Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gil, P. J. S.; Rosa, P. M. B.

2005-01-01

Characterization of planetary atmospheres is analyzed by its effects in the entry and descent trajectories of probes. Emphasis is on the most important variables that characterize atmospheres e.g. density profile with altitude. Probe trajectories are numerically determined with ENTRAP, a developing multi-purpose computational tool for entry and descent trajectory simulations capable of taking into account many features and perturbations. Real data from Mars Pathfinder mission is used. The goal is to be able to determine more accurately the atmosphere structure by observing real trajectories and what changes are to expect in probe descent trajectories if atmospheres have different properties than the ones assumed initially.

Structural organization of G-protein-coupled receptors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lomize, Andrei L.; Pogozheva, Irina D.; Mosberg, Henry I.

1999-07-01

Atomic-resolution structures of the transmembrane 7-α-helical domains of 26 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) (including opsins, cationic amine, melatonin, purine, chemokine, opioid, and glycoprotein hormone receptors and two related proteins, retinochrome and Duffy erythrocyte antigen) were calculated by distance geometry using interhelical hydrogen bonds formed by various proteins from the family and collectively applied as distance constraints, as described previously [Pogozheva et al., Biophys. J., 70 (1997) 1963]. The main structural features of the calculated GPCR models are described and illustrated by examples. Some of the features reflect physical interactions that are responsible for the structural stability of the transmembrane α-bundle: the formation of extensive networks of interhelical H-bonds and sulfur-aromatic clusters that are spatially organized as 'polarity gradients' the close packing of side-chains throughout the transmembrane domain; and the formation of interhelical disulfide bonds in some receptors and a plausible Zn2+ binding center in retinochrome. Other features of the models are related to biological function and evolution of GPCRs: the formation of a common 'minicore' of 43 evolutionarily conserved residues; a multitude of correlated replacements throughout the transmembrane domain; an Na+-binding site in some receptors, and excellent complementarity of receptor binding pockets to many structurally dissimilar, conformationally constrained ligands, such as retinal, cyclic opioid peptides, and cationic amine ligands. The calculated models are in good agreement with numerous experimental data.

Bio-Inspired Functional Surfaces Based on Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures

PubMed Central

Müller, Frank A.; Kunz, Clemens; Gräf, Stephan

2016-01-01

Nature developed numerous solutions to solve various technical problems related to material surfaces by combining the physico-chemical properties of a material with periodically aligned micro/nanostructures in a sophisticated manner. The utilization of ultra-short pulsed lasers allows mimicking numerous of these features by generating laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). In this review paper, we describe the physical background of LIPSS generation as well as the physical principles of surface related phenomena like wettability, reflectivity, and friction. Then we introduce several biological examples including e.g., lotus leafs, springtails, dessert beetles, moth eyes, butterfly wings, weevils, sharks, pangolins, and snakes to illustrate how nature solves technical problems, and we give a comprehensive overview of recent achievements related to the utilization of LIPSS to generate superhydrophobic, anti-reflective, colored, and drag resistant surfaces. Finally, we conclude with some future developments and perspectives related to forthcoming applications of LIPSS-based surfaces. PMID:28773596

Bio-Inspired Functional Surfaces Based on Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures.

PubMed

Müller, Frank A; Kunz, Clemens; Gräf, Stephan

2016-06-15

Nature developed numerous solutions to solve various technical problems related to material surfaces by combining the physico-chemical properties of a material with periodically aligned micro/nanostructures in a sophisticated manner. The utilization of ultra-short pulsed lasers allows mimicking numerous of these features by generating laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). In this review paper, we describe the physical background of LIPSS generation as well as the physical principles of surface related phenomena like wettability, reflectivity, and friction. Then we introduce several biological examples including e.g., lotus leafs, springtails, dessert beetles, moth eyes, butterfly wings, weevils, sharks, pangolins, and snakes to illustrate how nature solves technical problems, and we give a comprehensive overview of recent achievements related to the utilization of LIPSS to generate superhydrophobic, anti-reflective, colored, and drag resistant surfaces. Finally, we conclude with some future developments and perspectives related to forthcoming applications of LIPSS-based surfaces.

Numerical modeling of the thin shallow solar dynamo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Bryan, J. B.; Jarboe, T. R.

2017-10-01

Nonlinear, numerical computation with the NIMROD code is used to explore and validate the thin shallow solar dynamo model [T.R. Jarboe et al. 2017], which explains the observed global temporal evolution (e.g. magnetic field reversal) and local surface structures (e.g. sunspots) of the sun. The key feature of this model is the presence and magnetic self-organization of global magnetic structures (GMS) lying just below the surface of the sun, which resemble 1D radial Taylor states of size comparable to the supergranule convection cells. First, we seek to validate the thin shallow solar dynamo model by reproducing the 11 year timescale for reversal of the solar magnetic field. Then, we seek to model formation of GMS from convection zone turbulence. Our computations simulate a slab covering a radial depth 3Mm and include differential rotation and gravity. Density, temperature, and resistivity profiles are taken from the Christensen-Dalsgaard model.

Hypervelocity impact of mm-size plastic projectile on thin aluminum plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poniaev, S. A.; Kurakin, R. O.; Sedov, A. I.; Bobashev, S. V.; Zhukov, B. G.; Nechunaev, A. F.

2017-06-01

The experimental studies of the process of hypervelocity (up to 6 km/s) impact of a mm-size projectile on a thin aluminum plate is described. The numerical simulation of this process is presented. The data on the evolution, structure, and composition of the debris cloud formed as a result of the impact are reported. Basic specific features of the debris cloud formation are revealed.

An Alternative to Farmer Age as an Indicator of Life-Cycle Stage: The Case for a Farm Family Age Index

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burton, Rob J. F.

2006-01-01

In studies of farming, the age of the principal decision-maker (PDM) has been associated with numerous farm structural and managerial features and has been widely accepted as a good indicator of the influence of life-cycle factors on decision-making. As such, it has become an important aspect of many quantitative studies of agricultural change.…

Electronic laboratory notebook: the academic point of view.

PubMed

Rudolphi, Felix; Goossen, Lukas J

2012-02-27

Based on a requirement analysis and alternative design considerations, a platform-independent electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) has been developed that specifically targets academic users. Its intuitive design and numerous productivity features motivate chemical researchers and students to record their data electronically. The data are stored in a highly structured form that offers substantial benefits over laboratory notebooks written on paper with regard to data retrieval, data mining, and exchange of results.

Coma morphology of comet 67P controlled by insolation over irregular nucleus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, X.; Hu, X.; Mottola, S.; Sierks, H.; Keller, H. U.; Rose, M.; Güttler, C.; Fulle, M.; Fornasier, S.; Agarwal, J.; Pajola, M.; Tubiana, C.; Bodewits, D.; Barbieri, C.; Lamy, P. L.; Rodrigo, R.; Koschny, D.; Barucci, M. A.; Bertaux, J.-L.; Bertini, I.; Boudreault, S.; Cremonese, G.; Da Deppo, V.; Davidsson, B.; Debei, S.; De Cecco, M.; Deller, J.; Groussin, O.; Gutiérrez, P. J.; Hviid, S. F.; Ip, W.-H.; Jorda, L.; Knollenberg, J.; Kovacs, G.; Kramm, J.-R.; Kührt, E.; Küppers, M.; Lara, L. M.; Lazzarin, M.; Lopez-Moreno, J. J.; Marzari, F.; Naletto, G.; Oklay, N.; Toth, I.; Vincent, J.-B.

2018-05-01

While the structural complexity of cometary comae is already recognizable from telescopic observations1, the innermost region, within a few radii of the nucleus, was not resolved until spacecraft exploration became a reality2,3. The dust coma displays jet-like features of enhanced brightness superposed on a diffuse background1,4,5. Some features can be traced to specific areas on the nucleus, and result conceivably from locally enhanced outgassing and/or dust emission6-8. However, diffuse or even uniform activity over topographic concavity can converge to produce jet-like features9,10. Therefore, linking observed coma morphology to the distribution of activity on the nucleus is difficult11,12. Here, we study the emergence of dust activity at sunrise on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko using high-resolution, stereo images from the OSIRIS camera onboard the Rosetta spacecraft, where the sources and formation of the jet-like features are resolved. We perform numerical simulations to show that the ambient dust coma is driven by pervasive but non-uniform water outgassing from the homogeneous surface layer. Physical collimations of gas and dust flows occur at local maxima of insolation and also via topographic focusing. Coma structures are projected to exhibit jet-like features that vary with the perspective of the observer. For an irregular comet such as 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, near-nucleus coma structures can be concealed in the shadow of the nucleus, which further complicates the picture.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yasuda, H.; Chong, C.; Charalampidis, E. G.

Here, we investigate the nonlinear wave dynamics of origami-based metamaterials composed of Tachi-Miura polyhedron (TMP) unit cells. These cells exhibit strain softening behavior under compression, which can be tuned by modifying their geometrical configurations or initial folded conditions. We assemble these TMP cells into a cluster of origami-based metamaterials, and we theoretically model and numerically analyze their wave transmission mechanism under external impact. Numerical simulations show that origami-based metamaterials can provide a prototypical platform for the formation of nonlinear coherent structures in the form of rarefaction waves, which feature a tensile wavefront upon the application of compression to the system.more » We also demonstrate the existence of numerically exact traveling rarefaction waves in an effective lumped-mass model. Origami-based metamaterials can be highly useful for mitigating shock waves, potentially enabling a wide variety of engineering applications.« less

Formation of rarefaction waves in origami-based metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuda, H.; Chong, C.; Charalampidis, E. G.; Kevrekidis, P. G.; Yang, J.

2016-04-01

We investigate the nonlinear wave dynamics of origami-based metamaterials composed of Tachi-Miura polyhedron (TMP) unit cells. These cells exhibit strain softening behavior under compression, which can be tuned by modifying their geometrical configurations or initial folded conditions. We assemble these TMP cells into a cluster of origami-based metamaterials, and we theoretically model and numerically analyze their wave transmission mechanism under external impact. Numerical simulations show that origami-based metamaterials can provide a prototypical platform for the formation of nonlinear coherent structures in the form of rarefaction waves, which feature a tensile wavefront upon the application of compression to the system. We also demonstrate the existence of numerically exact traveling rarefaction waves in an effective lumped-mass model. Origami-based metamaterials can be highly useful for mitigating shock waves, potentially enabling a wide variety of engineering applications.

Freeform manufacturing of a microoptical lens array on a steep curved substrate by use of a voice coil fast tool servo.

PubMed

Scheiding, Sebastian; Yi, Allen Y; Gebhardt, Andreas; Li, Lei; Risse, Stefan; Eberhardt, Ramona; Tünnermann, Andreas

2011-11-21

We report what is to our knowledge the first approach to diamond turn microoptical lens array on a steep curved substrate by use of a voice coil fast tool servo. In recent years ultraprecision machining has been employed to manufacture accurate optical components with 3D structure for beam shaping, imaging and nonimaging applications. As a result, geometries that are difficult or impossible to manufacture using lithographic techniques might be fabricated using small diamond tools with well defined cutting edges. These 3D structures show no rotational symmetry, but rather high frequency asymmetric features thus can be treated as freeform geometries. To transfer the 3D surface data with the high frequency freeform features into a numerical control code for machining, the commonly piecewise differentiable surfaces are represented as a cloud of individual points. Based on this numeric data, the tool radius correction is calculated to account for the cutting-edge geometry. Discontinuities of the cutting tool locations due to abrupt slope changes on the substrate surface are bridged using cubic spline interpolation.When superimposed with the trajectory of the rotationally symmetric substrate the complete microoptical geometry in 3D space is established. Details of the fabrication process and performance evaluation are described. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Computerized structural mechanics for 1990's: Advanced aircraft needs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Viswanathan, A. V.; Backman, B. F.

1989-01-01

The needs for computerized structural mechanics (CSM) as seen from the standpoint of the aircraft industry are discussed. These needs are projected into the 1990's with special focus on the new advanced materials. Preliminary design/analysis, research, and detail design/analysis are identified as major areas. The role of local/global analyses in these different areas is discussed. The lessons learned in the past are used as a basis for the design of a CSM framework that could modify and consolidate existing technology and include future developments in a rational and useful way. A philosophy is stated, and a set of analyses needs driven by the emerging advanced composites is enumerated. The roles of NASA, the universities, and the industry are identified. Finally, a set of rational research targets is recommended based on both the new types of computers and the increased complexity the industry faces. Computerized structural mechanics should be more than new methods in structural mechanics and numerical analyses. It should be a set of engineering applications software products that combines innovations in structural mechanics, numerical analysis, data processing, search and display features, and recent hardware advances and is organized in a framework that directly supports the design process.

Semantic memory: a feature-based analysis and new norms for Italian.

PubMed

Montefinese, Maria; Ambrosini, Ettore; Fairfield, Beth; Mammarella, Nicola

2013-06-01

Semantic norms for properties produced by native speakers are valuable tools for researchers interested in the structure of semantic memory and in category-specific semantic deficits in individuals following brain damage. The aims of this study were threefold. First, we sought to extend existing semantic norms by adopting an empirical approach to category (Exp. 1) and concept (Exp. 2) selection, in order to obtain a more representative set of semantic memory features. Second, we extensively outlined a new set of semantic production norms collected from Italian native speakers for 120 artifactual and natural basic-level concepts, using numerous measures and statistics following a feature-listing task (Exp. 3b). Finally, we aimed to create a new publicly accessible database, since only a few existing databases are publicly available online.

Universal composition-structure-property maps for natural and biomimetic platelet-matrix composites and stacked heterostructures.

PubMed

Sakhavand, Navid; Shahsavari, Rouzbeh

2015-03-16

Many natural and biomimetic platelet-matrix composites--such as nacre, silk, and clay-polymer-exhibit a remarkable balance of strength, toughness and/or stiffness, which call for a universal measure to quantify this outstanding feature given the structure and material characteristics of the constituents. Analogously, there is an urgent need to quantify the mechanics of emerging electronic and photonic systems such as stacked heterostructures. Here we report the development of a unified framework to construct universal composition-structure-property diagrams that decode the interplay between various geometries and inherent material features in both platelet-matrix composites and stacked heterostructures. We study the effects of elastic and elastic-perfectly plastic matrices, overlap offset ratio and the competing mechanisms of platelet versus matrix failures. Validated by several 3D-printed specimens and a wide range of natural and synthetic materials across scales, the proposed universally valid diagrams have important implications for science-based engineering of numerous platelet-matrix composites and stacked heterostructures.

Bimodal pair f-KdV dynamics in star-forming clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karmakar, Pralay Kumar; Haloi, Archana; Roy, Supriya

2018-04-01

A theoretical formalism for investigating the bimodal conjugational mode dynamics of hybrid source, dictated by a unique pair of forced Korteweg-de Vries (f-KdV) equations in a complex turbo-magnetized star-forming cloud, is reported. It uses a standard multi-scale analysis executed over the cloud-governing equations in a closure form to derive the conjugated pair f-KdV system. We numerically see the structural features of two distinctive classes of eigenmode patterns stemming from the conjoint gravito-electrostatic interplay. The electrostatic compressive monotonic aperiodic shock-like patterns and gravitational compressive non-monotonic oscillatory shock-like structures are excitable. It is specifically revealed that the constitutive grain-charge (grain-mass) acts as electrostatic stabilizer (gravitational destabilizer) against the global cloud collapse dynamics. The basic features of the nonlinear coherent structures are confirmed in systematic phase-plane landscapes, indicating electrostatic irregular non-homoclinic open trajectories and gravitational atypical non-chaotic homoclinic fixed-point attractors. The relevance in the real astro-cosmic scenarios of the early phases of structure formation via wave-driven fluid-accretive transport processes is summarily emphasized.

Key structural features of nonsteroidal ligands for binding and activation of the androgen receptor.

PubMed

Yin, Donghua; He, Yali; Perera, Minoli A; Hong, Seoung Soo; Marhefka, Craig; Stourman, Nina; Kirkovsky, Leonid; Miller, Duane D; Dalton, James T

2003-01-01

The purposes of the present studies were to examine the androgen receptor (AR) binding ability and in vitro functional activity of multiple series of nonsteroidal compounds derived from known antiandrogen pharmacophores and to investigate the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of these nonsteroidal compounds. The AR binding properties of sixty-five nonsteroidal compounds were assessed by a radioligand competitive binding assay with the use of cytosolic AR prepared from rat prostates. The AR agonist and antagonist activities of high-affinity ligands were determined by the ability of the ligand to regulate AR-mediated transcriptional activation in cultured CV-1 cells, using a cotransfection assay. Nonsteroidal compounds with diverse structural features demonstrated a wide range of binding affinity for the AR. Ten compounds, mainly from the bicalutamide-related series, showed a binding affinity superior to the structural pharmacophore from which they were derived. Several SARs regarding nonsteroidal AR binding were revealed from the binding data, including stereoisomeric conformation, steric effect, and electronic effect. The functional activity of high-affinity ligands ranged from antagonist to full agonist for the AR. Several structural features were found to be determinative of agonist and antagonist activities. The nonsteroidal AR agonists identified from the present studies provided a pool of candidates for further development of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) for androgen therapy. Also, these studies uncovered or confirmed numerous important SARs governing AR binding and functional properties by nonsteroidal molecules, which would be valuable in the future structural optimization of SARMs.

Joint L2,1 Norm and Fisher Discrimination Constrained Feature Selection for Rational Synthesis of Microporous Aluminophosphates.

PubMed

Qi, Miao; Wang, Ting; Yi, Yugen; Gao, Na; Kong, Jun; Wang, Jianzhong

2017-04-01

Feature selection has been regarded as an effective tool to help researchers understand the generating process of data. For mining the synthesis mechanism of microporous AlPOs, this paper proposes a novel feature selection method by joint l 2,1 norm and Fisher discrimination constraints (JNFDC). In order to obtain more effective feature subset, the proposed method can be achieved in two steps. The first step is to rank the features according to sparse and discriminative constraints. The second step is to establish predictive model with the ranked features, and select the most significant features in the light of the contribution of improving the predictive accuracy. To the best of our knowledge, JNFDC is the first work which employs the sparse representation theory to explore the synthesis mechanism of six kinds of pore rings. Numerical simulations demonstrate that our proposed method can select significant features affecting the specified structural property and improve the predictive accuracy. Moreover, comparison results show that JNFDC can obtain better predictive performances than some other state-of-the-art feature selection methods. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Partial Variance of Increments Method in Solar Wind Observations and Plasma Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greco, A.; Matthaeus, W. H.; Perri, S.; Osman, K. T.; Servidio, S.; Wan, M.; Dmitruk, P.

2018-02-01

The method called "PVI" (Partial Variance of Increments) has been increasingly used in analysis of spacecraft and numerical simulation data since its inception in 2008. The purpose of the method is to study the kinematics and formation of coherent structures in space plasmas, a topic that has gained considerable attention, leading the development of identification methods, observations, and associated theoretical research based on numerical simulations. This review paper will summarize key features of the method and provide a synopsis of the main results obtained by various groups using the method. This will enable new users or those considering methods of this type to find details and background collected in one place.

A lightweight vibro-acoustic metamaterial demonstrator: Numerical and experimental investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Claeys, C.; Deckers, E.; Pluymers, B.; Desmet, W.

2016-03-01

In recent years metamaterials gained a lot of attention due to their superior noise and vibration insulation properties, be it at least in some targeted and tuneable frequency ranges, referred to as stopbands. These are frequency zones for which free wave propagation is prevented throughout the metamaterial, resulting in frequency zones of pronounced wave attenuation. Metamaterials are achieved due to addition of an, often periodic, grid of resonant structures to a host material or structure. The interaction between resonant inclusions and host structure can lead to a performance which is superior to the ones of any of the constituent materials. A key element in this concept is that waves can be affected by incorporating structural resonant elements of sub-wavelength sizes, i.e. features that are actually smaller than the wavelength of the waves to be affected. This paves the way towards compact and light vibro-acoustic solutions in the lower frequency ranges. This paper discusses the numerical design and experimental validation of acoustic insulation based on the concept of metamaterials: a hollow core periodic sandwich structure with added local resonant structures. In order to investigate the sensitivity to specific parameters in the metamaterial design and the robustness of the design, a set of variations on the nominal design are investigated. The stop bands are numerically predicted through unit cell modelling after which a full vibro-acoustic finite element model is applied to predict the insertion loss of the demonstrator. The results of these analyses are compared with measurements; both indicate that this metamaterials concept can be applied to combine light weight, compact volume and good acoustic behaviour.

Energy based simulation of a Timoshenko beam in non-forced rotation. Influence of the piano hammer shank flexibility on the sound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chabassier, Juliette; Duruflé, Marc

2014-12-01

A nonlinear model for a vibrating Timoshenko beam in non-forced unknown rotation is derived from the virtual work principle applied to a system of beam with mass at the end. The system represents a piano hammer shank coupled to a hammer head. An energy-based numerical scheme is then provided, obtained by non-classical approaches. A major difficulty for time discretization comes from the nonlinear behavior of the kinetic energy of the system. This new numerical scheme is then coupled to a global energy-preserving numerical solution for the whole piano. The obtained numerical simulations show that the pianistic touch clearly influences the spectrum of the piano sound of equally loud isolated notes. These differences do not come from a possible shock excitation on the structure, or from a changing impact point, or a “longitudinal rubbing motion” on the string, since neither of these features is modeled in our study.

Cosmic-ray propagation with DRAGON2: I. numerical solver and astrophysical ingredients

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Evoli, Carmelo; Gaggero, Daniele; Vittino, Andrea

2017-02-01

We present version 2 of the DRAGON code designed for computing realistic predictions of the CR densities in the Galaxy. The code numerically solves the interstellar CR transport equation (including inhomogeneous and anisotropic diffusion, either in space and momentum, advective transport and energy losses), under realistic conditions. The new version includes an updated numerical solver and several models for the astrophysical ingredients involved in the transport equation. Improvements in the accuracy of the numerical solution are proved against analytical solutions and in reference diffusion scenarios. The novel features implemented in the code allow to simulate the diverse scenarios proposed tomore » reproduce the most recent measurements of local and diffuse CR fluxes, going beyond the limitations of the homogeneous galactic transport paradigm. To this end, several applications using DRAGON2 are presented as well. This new version facilitates the users to include their own physical models by means of a modular C++ structure.« less

New computing systems, future computing environment, and their implications on structural analysis and design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K.; Housner, Jerrold M.

1993-01-01

Recent advances in computer technology that are likely to impact structural analysis and design of flight vehicles are reviewed. A brief summary is given of the advances in microelectronics, networking technologies, and in the user-interface hardware and software. The major features of new and projected computing systems, including high performance computers, parallel processing machines, and small systems, are described. Advances in programming environments, numerical algorithms, and computational strategies for new computing systems are reviewed. The impact of the advances in computer technology on structural analysis and the design of flight vehicles is described. A scenario for future computing paradigms is presented, and the near-term needs in the computational structures area are outlined.

Efficient numerical method for analyzing optical bistability in photonic crystal microcavities.

PubMed

Yuan, Lijun; Lu, Ya Yan

2013-05-20

Nonlinear optical effects can be enhanced by photonic crystal microcavities and be used to develop practical ultra-compact optical devices with low power requirements. The finite-difference time-domain method is the standard numerical method for simulating nonlinear optical devices, but it has limitations in terms of accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, a rigorous and efficient frequency-domain numerical method is developed for analyzing nonlinear optical devices where the nonlinear effect is concentrated in the microcavities. The method replaces the linear problem outside the microcavities by a rigorous and numerically computed boundary condition, then solves the nonlinear problem iteratively in a small region around the microcavities. Convergence of the iterative method is much easier to achieve since the size of the problem is significantly reduced. The method is presented for a specific two-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide-cavity system with a Kerr nonlinearity, using numerical methods that can take advantage of the geometric features of the structure. The method is able to calculate multiple solutions exhibiting the optical bistability phenomenon in the strongly nonlinear regime.

An Efficient Scheme for Crystal Structure Prediction Based on Structural Motifs

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Zizhong; Wu, Ping; Wu, Shunqing; ...

2017-05-15

An efficient scheme based on structural motifs is proposed for the crystal structure prediction of materials. The key advantage of the present method comes in two fold: first, the degrees of freedom of the system are greatly reduced, since each structural motif, regardless of its size, can always be described by a set of parameters (R, θ, φ) with five degrees of freedom; second, the motifs could always appear in the predicted structures when the energies of the structures are relatively low. Both features make the present scheme a very efficient method for predicting desired materials. The method has beenmore » applied to the case of LiFePO 4, an important cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. Numerous new structures of LiFePO 4 have been found, compared to those currently available, available, demonstrating the reliability of the present methodology and illustrating the promise of the concept of structural motifs.« less

An Efficient Scheme for Crystal Structure Prediction Based on Structural Motifs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Zizhong; Wu, Ping; Wu, Shunqing

An efficient scheme based on structural motifs is proposed for the crystal structure prediction of materials. The key advantage of the present method comes in two fold: first, the degrees of freedom of the system are greatly reduced, since each structural motif, regardless of its size, can always be described by a set of parameters (R, θ, φ) with five degrees of freedom; second, the motifs could always appear in the predicted structures when the energies of the structures are relatively low. Both features make the present scheme a very efficient method for predicting desired materials. The method has beenmore » applied to the case of LiFePO 4, an important cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. Numerous new structures of LiFePO 4 have been found, compared to those currently available, available, demonstrating the reliability of the present methodology and illustrating the promise of the concept of structural motifs.« less

Localized mold heating with the aid of selective induction for injection molding of high aspect ratio micro-features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Keun; Lee, Sang-Ik

2010-03-01

High-frequency induction is an efficient, non-contact means of heating the surface of an injection mold through electromagnetic induction. Because the procedure allows for the rapid heating and cooling of mold surfaces, it has been recently applied to the injection molding of thin-walled parts or micro/nano-structures. The present study proposes a localized heating method involving the selective use of mold materials to enhance the heating efficiency of high-frequency induction heating. For localized induction heating, a composite injection mold of ferromagnetic material and paramagnetic material is used. The feasibility of the proposed heating method is investigated through numerical analyses in terms of its heating efficiency for localized mold surfaces and in terms of the structural safety of the composite mold. The moldability of high aspect ratio micro-features is then experimentally compared under a variety of induction heating conditions.

Geologic structure in California: Three studies with ERTS-1 imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lowman, P. D., Jr.

1974-01-01

Results are presented of three early applications of imagery from the NASA Earth Resources Technology Satellite to geologic studies in California. In the Coast Ranges near Monterey Bay, numerous linear drainage features possibly indicating unmapped fracture zones were mapped within one week after launch of the satellite. A similar study of the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe revealed many drainage features probably formed along unmapped joint or faults in granitic rocks. The third study, in the Peninsular Ranges, confirmed existence of several major faults not shown on published maps. One of these, in the Sawtooth Range, crosses in Elsinore fault without lateral offset; associated Mid-Cretaceous structures have also been traced continuously across the fault without offset. It therefore appears that displacement along the Elsinore fault has been primarily of a dip-slip nature, at least in this area, despite evidence for lateral displacement elsewhere.

An investigation of chaotic Kolmogorov flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Platt, N.; Sirovich, L.; Fitzmaurice, N.

1990-01-01

A two dimensional flow governed by the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with a steady spatially periodic forcing (known as the Kolmogorov flow) is numerically simulated. The behavior of the flow and its transition states as the Reynolds number (Re) varies is investigated in detail, as well as a number of the flow features. A sequence of bifurcations is shown to take place in the flow as Re varied. Two main regimes of the flow were observed: small and large scale structure regimes corresponding to different ranges of Re. Each of the regimes includes a number of quasiperiodic, chaotic, and relaminarization windows. In addition, each range contains a chaotic window with non-ergodic chaotic attractors. Spatially disordered, but temporally steady states were discovered in large scale structure regime. Features of the diverse cases are displayed in terms of the temporal power spectrum, Poincare sections and, where possible, Lyapunov exponents and Kaplan-Yorke dimension.

Ballistic pulse propagation in quantum wire waveguides: Toward localization and control of electron wave packets in space and time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayata, K.; Tsuji, Y.; Koshiba, M.

1992-10-01

A theoretical formulation of electron pulse propagation in quantum wire structures with mesoscopic scale cross sections is presented, assuming quantum ballistic transport of electron wave packets over a certain characteristic length. As typical mesoscopic structures for realizing coherent electron transmission, two traveling-wave configurations are considered: straight quantum wire waveguides and quantum wire bend structures (quantum whispering galleries). To estimate temporal features of the pulse during propagation, the walk off, the dispersion, and the pulse coherence lengths are defined as useful characteristic lengths. Numerical results are shown for ultrashort pulse propagation through rectangular wire waveguides. Effects due to an external electric field are discussed as well.

NOBAI: a web server for character coding of geometrical and statistical features in RNA structure

PubMed Central

Knudsen, Vegeir; Caetano-Anollés, Gustavo

2008-01-01

The Numeration of Objects in Biology: Alignment Inferences (NOBAI) web server provides a web interface to the applications in the NOBAI software package. This software codes topological and thermodynamic information related to the secondary structure of RNA molecules as multi-state phylogenetic characters, builds character matrices directly in NEXUS format and provides sequence randomization options. The web server is an effective tool that facilitates the search for evolutionary history embedded in the structure of functional RNA molecules. The NOBAI web server is accessible at ‘http://www.manet.uiuc.edu/nobai/nobai.php’. This web site is free and open to all users and there is no login requirement. PMID:18448469

Static design of steel-concrete lining for traffic tunnels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vojtasik, Karel; Mohyla, Marek; Hrubesova, Eva

2017-09-01

Article summarizes the results of research focused on the structural design of traffic tunnel linings that have been achieved in the framework of a research project TE01020168 that supports The Technology Agency of Czech Republic. This research aim is to find and develop a process for design structure parameters of tunnel linings. These are now mostly build up by a shotcrete technology. The shotcrete is commonly endorsed either with steel girders or steel fibres. Since the installation a lining structure is loaded while strength and deformational parameters of shotcrete start to rise till the setting time elapses. That’s reason why conventional approaches of reinforced concrete are not suitable. As well as there are other circumstances to step in shown in this article. Problem is solved by 3D analysis using numerical model that takes into account all the significant features of a tunnel lining construction process inclusive the interaction between lining structure with rock massive. Analysis output is a view into development of stress-strain state in respective construction parts of tunnel lining the whole structure around, including impact on stability of rock massive. The proposed method comprises all features involved in tunnel fabrication including geotechnics and construction technologies.

An Analysis of Cassini Observations Regarding the Structure of Jupiter's Equatorial Atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, David S.; Simon-Miller, Amy A.

2012-01-01

A variety of intriguing atmospheric phenomena reside on both sides of Jupiter's equator. 5-micron bright hot spots and opaque plumes prominently exhibit dynamic behavior to the north, whereas compact, dark chevron-shaped features and isolated anticyclonic disturbances periodically occupy the southern equatorial latitudes. All of these phenomena are associated with the vertical and meridional perturbations of Rossby waves disturbing the mean atmospheric state. As previous observational analysis and numerical simulations have investigated the dynamics of the region, an examination of the atmosphere's vertical structure though radiative transfer analysis is necessary for improved understanding of this unique environment. Here we present preliminary analysis of a multispectral Cassini imaging data set acquired during the spacecraft's flyby of Jupiter in 2000. We evaluated multiple methane and continuum spectral channels at available viewing angles to improve constraints on the vertical structure of the haze and cloud layers comprising these interesting features. Our preliminary results indicate distinct differences in the structure for both hemispheres. Upper troposphere hazes and cloud layers are prevalent in the northern equatorial latitudes, but are not present in corresponding southern latitudes. Continued analysis will further constrain the precise structure present in these phenomena and the differences between them.

Mathematical Model Taking into Account Nonlocal Effects of Plasmonic Structures on the Basis of the Discrete Source Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eremin, Yu. A.; Sveshnikov, A. G.

2018-04-01

The discrete source method is used to develop and implement a mathematical model for solving the problem of scattering electromagnetic waves by a three-dimensional plasmonic scatterer with nonlocal effects taken into account. Numerical results are presented whereby the features of the scattering properties of plasmonic particles with allowance for nonlocal effects are demonstrated depending on the direction and polarization of the incident wave.

HSE12 implementation in libxc

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moussa, Jonathan E.

2013-05-13

This piece of software is a new feature implemented inside an existing open-source library. Specifically, it is a new implementation of a density functional (HSE, short for Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof) for a repository of density functionals, the libxc library. It fixes some numerical problems with existing implementations, as outlined in a scientific paper recently submitted for publication. Density functionals are components of electronic structure simulations, which model properties of electrons inside molecules and crystals.

Dynamic response of underpasses for high-speed train lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vega, J.; Fraile, A.; Alarcon, E.; Hermanns, L.

2012-11-01

Underpasses are common in modern railway lines. Wildlife corridors and drainage conduits often fall into this category of partially buried structures. Their dynamic behavior has received far less attention than that of other structures such as bridges, but their large number makes their study an interesting challenge from the viewpoint of safety and cost savings. Here, we present a complete study of a culvert, including on-site measurements and numerical modeling. The studied structure belongs to the high-speed railway line linking Segovia and Valladolid in Spain. The line was opened to traffic in 2004. On-site measurements were performed for the structure by recording the dynamic response at selected points of the structure during the passage of high-speed trains at speeds ranging between 200 and 300 km/h. The measurements provide not only reference values suitable for model fitting, but also a good insight into the main features of the dynamic behavior of this structure. Finite element techniques were used to model the dynamic behavior of the structure and its key features. Special attention is paid to vertical accelerations, the values of which should be limited to avoid track instability according to Eurocode. This study furthers our understanding of the dynamic response of railway underpasses to train loads.

Mesoscale numerical modeling of meteorological events in a strong topographic gradient in the northeastern part of Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pineda-Martinez, Luis F.; Carbajal, Noel

2009-08-01

A series of numerical experiments were carried out to study the effect of meteorological events such as warm and cold air masses on climatic features and variability of a understudied region with strong topographic gradients in the northeastern part of Mexico. We applied the mesoscale model MM5. We investigated the influence of soil moisture availability in the performance of the model under two representative events for winter and summer. The results showed that a better resolution in land use cover improved the agreement among observed and calculated data. The topography induces atmospheric circulation patterns that determine the spatial distribution of climate and seasonal behavior. The numerical experiments reveal regions favorable to forced convection on the eastern side of the mountain chains Eastern Sierra Madre and Sierra de Alvarez. These processes affect the vertical and horizontal structure of the meteorological variables along the topographic gradient.

Formation of rarefaction waves in origami-based metamaterials

DOE PAGES

Yasuda, H.; Chong, C.; Charalampidis, E. G.; ...

2016-04-15

Here, we investigate the nonlinear wave dynamics of origami-based metamaterials composed of Tachi-Miura polyhedron (TMP) unit cells. These cells exhibit strain softening behavior under compression, which can be tuned by modifying their geometrical configurations or initial folded conditions. We assemble these TMP cells into a cluster of origami-based metamaterials, and we theoretically model and numerically analyze their wave transmission mechanism under external impact. Numerical simulations show that origami-based metamaterials can provide a prototypical platform for the formation of nonlinear coherent structures in the form of rarefaction waves, which feature a tensile wavefront upon the application of compression to the system.more » We also demonstrate the existence of numerically exact traveling rarefaction waves in an effective lumped-mass model. Origami-based metamaterials can be highly useful for mitigating shock waves, potentially enabling a wide variety of engineering applications.« less

Review of FD-TD numerical modeling of electromagnetic wave scattering and radar cross section

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taflove, Allen; Umashankar, Korada R.

1989-01-01

Applications of the finite-difference time-domain (FD-TD) method for numerical modeling of electromagnetic wave interactions with structures are reviewed, concentrating on scattering and radar cross section (RCS). A number of two- and three-dimensional examples of FD-TD modeling of scattering and penetration are provided. The objects modeled range in nature from simple geometric shapes to extremely complex aerospace and biological systems. Rigorous analytical or experimental validatons are provided for the canonical shapes, and it is shown that FD-TD predictive data for near fields and RCS are in excellent agreement with the benchmark data. It is concluded that with continuing advances in FD-TD modeling theory for target features relevant to the RCS problems and in vector and concurrent supercomputer technology, it is likely that FD-TD numerical modeling will occupy an important place in RCS technology in the 1990s and beyond.

Plasmonic nano-sensor based on metal-dielectric-metal waveguide with the octagonal cavity ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorbani, Saeed; Dashti, Mohammad Ali; Jabbari, Masoud

2018-06-01

In this paper, a refractive index plasmonic sensor including a waveguide of metal–insulator–metal with side coupled octagonal cavity ring has been suggested. The sensory and transmission feature of the structure has been analyzed numerically using Finite Element Method numerical solution. The effect of coupling distance and changing the width of metal–insulator–metal waveguide and refractive index of the dielectric located inside octagonal cavity—which are the effective factors in determining the sensory feature—have been examined so completely that the results of the numerical simulation show a linear relation between the resonance wavelength and refractive index of the liquid/gas dielectric material inside the octagonal cavity ring. High sensitivity of the sensor in the resonance wavelength, simplicity and a compact geometry are the advantages of the refractive plasmonic sensor advised which make that possible to use it for designing high performance nano-sensor and bio-sensing devices.

Comparative 1D and 3D numerical investigation of open-channel junction flows and energy losses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Hao; Fytanidis, Dimitrios K.; Schmidt, Arthur R.; García, Marcelo H.

2018-07-01

The complexity of open channel confluences stems from flow mixing, secondary circulation, post-confluence flow separation, contraction and backwater effects. These effects in turn result in a large number of parameters required to adequately quantify the junction induced hydraulic resistance and describe mean flow pattern and turbulent flow structures due to flow merging. The recent development in computing power advances the application of 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes to visualize and understand the Confluence Hydrodynamic Zone (CHZ). Nevertheless, 1D approaches remain the mainstay in large drainage network or waterway system modeling considering computational efficiency and data availability. This paper presents (i) a modified 1D nonlinear dynamic model; (ii) a fully 3D non-hydrostatic, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes Equations (RANS)-based, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model; (iii) an analysis of changing confluence hydrodynamics and 3D turbulent flow structure under various controls; (iv) a comparison of flow features (i.e. upstream water depths, energy losses and post-confluence contraction) predicted by 1D and 3D models; and (v) parameterization of 3D flow characteristics in 1D modeling through the computation of correction coefficients associated with contraction, energy and momentum. The present comprehensive 3D numerical investigation highlights the driving mechanisms for junction induced energy losses. Moreover, the comparative 1D and 3D study quantifies the deviation of 1D approximations and associated underlying assumptions from the 'true' resultant flow field. The study may also shed light on improving the accuracy of the 1D large network modeling through the parameterization of the complex 3D feature of the flow field and correction of interior boundary conditions at junctions of larger angles and/or with substantial lateral inflows. Moreover, the enclosed numerical investigations may enhance the understanding of the primary mechanisms contributing to hydraulic structure induced turbulent flow behavior and increased hydraulic resistance.

Abstract Profiles of Structural Stability Point to Universal Tendencies, Family-Specific Factors, and Ancient Connections between Languages

PubMed Central

Dediu, Dan; Levinson, Stephen C.

2012-01-01

Language is the best example of a cultural evolutionary system, able to retain a phylogenetic signal over many thousands of years. The temporal stability (conservatism) of basic vocabulary is relatively well understood, but the stability of the structural properties of language (phonology, morphology, syntax) is still unclear. Here we report an extensive Bayesian phylogenetic investigation of the structural stability of numerous features across many language families and we introduce a novel method for analyzing the relationships between the “stability profiles” of language families. We found that there is a strong universal component across language families, suggesting the existence of universal linguistic, cognitive and genetic constraints. Against this background, however, each language family has a distinct stability profile, and these profiles cluster by geographic area and likely deep genealogical relationships. These stability profiles seem to show, for example, the ancient historical relationships between the Siberian and American language families, presumed to be separated by at least 12,000 years, and possible connections between the Eurasian families. We also found preliminary support for the punctuated evolution of structural features of language across families, types of features and geographic areas. Thus, such higher-level properties of language seen as an evolutionary system might allow the investigation of ancient connections between languages and shed light on the peopling of the world. PMID:23028843

Abstract profiles of structural stability point to universal tendencies, family-specific factors, and ancient connections between languages.

PubMed

Dediu, Dan; Levinson, Stephen C

2012-01-01

Language is the best example of a cultural evolutionary system, able to retain a phylogenetic signal over many thousands of years. The temporal stability (conservatism) of basic vocabulary is relatively well understood, but the stability of the structural properties of language (phonology, morphology, syntax) is still unclear. Here we report an extensive Bayesian phylogenetic investigation of the structural stability of numerous features across many language families and we introduce a novel method for analyzing the relationships between the "stability profiles" of language families. We found that there is a strong universal component across language families, suggesting the existence of universal linguistic, cognitive and genetic constraints. Against this background, however, each language family has a distinct stability profile, and these profiles cluster by geographic area and likely deep genealogical relationships. These stability profiles seem to show, for example, the ancient historical relationships between the Siberian and American language families, presumed to be separated by at least 12,000 years, and possible connections between the Eurasian families. We also found preliminary support for the punctuated evolution of structural features of language across families, types of features and geographic areas. Thus, such higher-level properties of language seen as an evolutionary system might allow the investigation of ancient connections between languages and shed light on the peopling of the world.

DSMC simulations of Mach 20 nitrogen flows about a 70 degree blunted cone and its wake

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moss, James N.; Dogra, Virendra K.; Wilmoth, Richard G.

1993-01-01

Numerical results obtained with the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method are presented for Mach 20 nitrogen flow about a 70-deg blunted cone. The flow conditions simulated are those that can be obtained in existing low-density hypersonic wind tunnels. Three sets of flow conditions are simulated with freestream Knudsen numbers ranging from 0.03 to 0.001. The focus is to characterize the wake flow under rarefied conditions. This is accomplished by calculating the influence of rarefaction on wake structure along with the impact that an afterbody has on flow features. This data report presents extensive information concerning flowfield features and surface quantities.

Maintenance of headland-associated linear sandbanks: modelling the secondary flows and sediment transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berthot, Alexis; Pattiaratchi, Charitha

2005-12-01

Linear sandbanks are located globally in areas where there are strong currents and an abundance of sand. In the recent years, these sandbanks have become of strategic interest as a potential source of marine aggregates (sand and gravel) and mineral deposits. They form the seaward boundary of the nearshore zone and therefore are important for the stability of the coastal system. They also commonly reach the sea surface and thus pose a threat to navigation. Headland-associated linear sandbanks are a specific type of sandbanks which are located in the lee of coastal topographic features such as headlands and islands. Interaction between tidal currents and topographic features generate complex three-dimensional circulation patterns that significantly influence the distribution of sediments in the vicinity of the feature. Field and numerical model investigations of the three-dimensional flow structure have been undertaken on the Levillain Shoal, a headland-associated linear sandbank present in the lee of Cape Levillain (Shark Bay, Western Australia). The field data indicated the presence of secondary flows near the tip of the cape and around the bank which were re-produced in the numerical simulations. Numerical results have shown that residual eddies are not representative of the sediment transport and that secondary currents enhance the convergence of sediment towards the sandbank. Maintenance processes have been investigated. Sediment transport paths near the cape and the bank indicate that the sandbank is part of a sand circulation cell where the sand is circulating around the bank with exchanges between the sandbank and the headland.

Femoral stem incorporating a diamond cubic lattice structure: Design, manufacture and testing.

PubMed

Jetté, Bruno; Brailovski, Vladimir; Dumas, Mathieu; Simoneau, Charles; Terriault, Patrick

2018-01-01

The current total hip prostheses with dense femoral stems are considerably stiffer than the host bones, which leads to such long-term complications as aseptic loosening, and eventually, the need for a revision. Consequently, the lifetime of the implantation does not match the lifetime expectation of young patients. A femoral stem design featuring a porous structure is proposed to lower its stiffness and allow bone tissue ingrowth. The porous structure is based on a diamond cubic lattice in which the pore size and the strut thickness are selected to meet the biomechanical requirements of the strength and the bone ingrowth. A porous stem and its fully dense counterpart are produced by laser powder-bed fusion using Ti-6Al-4V alloy. To evaluate the stiffness reduction, static testing based on the ISO standard 7206-4 is performed. The experimental results recorded by digital image correlation are analyzed and compared to the numerical model. The numerical and experimental force-displacement characteristics of the porous stem show a 31% lower stiffness as compared to that of its dense counterpart. Moreover, the correlation analysis of the total displacement and equivalent strain fields allows the preliminary validation of the numerical model of the porous stem. Finally, the analysis of the surface-to-volume and the strength-to-stiffness ratios of diamond lattice structures allow the assessment of their potential as biomimetic constructs for load-bearing orthopaedic implants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Classical nucleation theory in the phase-field crystal model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jreidini, Paul; Kocher, Gabriel; Provatas, Nikolas

2018-04-01

A full understanding of polycrystalline materials requires studying the process of nucleation, a thermally activated phase transition that typically occurs at atomistic scales. The numerical modeling of this process is problematic for traditional numerical techniques: commonly used phase-field methods' resolution does not extend to the atomic scales at which nucleation takes places, while atomistic methods such as molecular dynamics are incapable of scaling to the mesoscale regime where late-stage growth and structure formation takes place following earlier nucleation. Consequently, it is of interest to examine nucleation in the more recently proposed phase-field crystal (PFC) model, which attempts to bridge the atomic and mesoscale regimes in microstructure simulations. In this work, we numerically calculate homogeneous liquid-to-solid nucleation rates and incubation times in the simplest version of the PFC model, for various parameter choices. We show that the model naturally exhibits qualitative agreement with the predictions of classical nucleation theory (CNT) despite a lack of some explicit atomistic features presumed in CNT. We also examine the early appearance of lattice structure in nucleating grains, finding disagreement with some basic assumptions of CNT. We then argue that a quantitatively correct nucleation theory for the PFC model would require extending CNT to a multivariable theory.

Classical nucleation theory in the phase-field crystal model.

PubMed

Jreidini, Paul; Kocher, Gabriel; Provatas, Nikolas

2018-04-01

A full understanding of polycrystalline materials requires studying the process of nucleation, a thermally activated phase transition that typically occurs at atomistic scales. The numerical modeling of this process is problematic for traditional numerical techniques: commonly used phase-field methods' resolution does not extend to the atomic scales at which nucleation takes places, while atomistic methods such as molecular dynamics are incapable of scaling to the mesoscale regime where late-stage growth and structure formation takes place following earlier nucleation. Consequently, it is of interest to examine nucleation in the more recently proposed phase-field crystal (PFC) model, which attempts to bridge the atomic and mesoscale regimes in microstructure simulations. In this work, we numerically calculate homogeneous liquid-to-solid nucleation rates and incubation times in the simplest version of the PFC model, for various parameter choices. We show that the model naturally exhibits qualitative agreement with the predictions of classical nucleation theory (CNT) despite a lack of some explicit atomistic features presumed in CNT. We also examine the early appearance of lattice structure in nucleating grains, finding disagreement with some basic assumptions of CNT. We then argue that a quantitatively correct nucleation theory for the PFC model would require extending CNT to a multivariable theory.

Modular prediction of protein structural classes from sequences of twilight-zone identity with predicting sequences.

PubMed

Mizianty, Marcin J; Kurgan, Lukasz

2009-12-13

Knowledge of structural class is used by numerous methods for identification of structural/functional characteristics of proteins and could be used for the detection of remote homologues, particularly for chains that share twilight-zone similarity. In contrast to existing sequence-based structural class predictors, which target four major classes and which are designed for high identity sequences, we predict seven classes from sequences that share twilight-zone identity with the training sequences. The proposed MODular Approach to Structural class prediction (MODAS) method is unique as it allows for selection of any subset of the classes. MODAS is also the first to utilize a novel, custom-built feature-based sequence representation that combines evolutionary profiles and predicted secondary structure. The features quantify information relevant to the definition of the classes including conservation of residues and arrangement and number of helix/strand segments. Our comprehensive design considers 8 feature selection methods and 4 classifiers to develop Support Vector Machine-based classifiers that are tailored for each of the seven classes. Tests on 5 twilight-zone and 1 high-similarity benchmark datasets and comparison with over two dozens of modern competing predictors show that MODAS provides the best overall accuracy that ranges between 80% and 96.7% (83.5% for the twilight-zone datasets), depending on the dataset. This translates into 19% and 8% error rate reduction when compared against the best performing competing method on two largest datasets. The proposed predictor provides accurate predictions at 58% accuracy for membrane proteins class, which is not considered by majority of existing methods, in spite that this class accounts for only 2% of the data. Our predictive model is analyzed to demonstrate how and why the input features are associated with the corresponding classes. The improved predictions stem from the novel features that express collocation of the secondary structure segments in the protein sequence and that combine evolutionary and secondary structure information. Our work demonstrates that conservation and arrangement of the secondary structure segments predicted along the protein chain can successfully predict structural classes which are defined based on the spatial arrangement of the secondary structures. A web server is available at http://biomine.ece.ualberta.ca/MODAS/.

Modular prediction of protein structural classes from sequences of twilight-zone identity with predicting sequences

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Knowledge of structural class is used by numerous methods for identification of structural/functional characteristics of proteins and could be used for the detection of remote homologues, particularly for chains that share twilight-zone similarity. In contrast to existing sequence-based structural class predictors, which target four major classes and which are designed for high identity sequences, we predict seven classes from sequences that share twilight-zone identity with the training sequences. Results The proposed MODular Approach to Structural class prediction (MODAS) method is unique as it allows for selection of any subset of the classes. MODAS is also the first to utilize a novel, custom-built feature-based sequence representation that combines evolutionary profiles and predicted secondary structure. The features quantify information relevant to the definition of the classes including conservation of residues and arrangement and number of helix/strand segments. Our comprehensive design considers 8 feature selection methods and 4 classifiers to develop Support Vector Machine-based classifiers that are tailored for each of the seven classes. Tests on 5 twilight-zone and 1 high-similarity benchmark datasets and comparison with over two dozens of modern competing predictors show that MODAS provides the best overall accuracy that ranges between 80% and 96.7% (83.5% for the twilight-zone datasets), depending on the dataset. This translates into 19% and 8% error rate reduction when compared against the best performing competing method on two largest datasets. The proposed predictor provides accurate predictions at 58% accuracy for membrane proteins class, which is not considered by majority of existing methods, in spite that this class accounts for only 2% of the data. Our predictive model is analyzed to demonstrate how and why the input features are associated with the corresponding classes. Conclusions The improved predictions stem from the novel features that express collocation of the secondary structure segments in the protein sequence and that combine evolutionary and secondary structure information. Our work demonstrates that conservation and arrangement of the secondary structure segments predicted along the protein chain can successfully predict structural classes which are defined based on the spatial arrangement of the secondary structures. A web server is available at http://biomine.ece.ualberta.ca/MODAS/. PMID:20003388

Characterization of Isomeric Glycans by Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatography-Electronic Excitation Dissociation Tandem Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Yang; Wei, Juan; Costello, Catherine E.; Lin, Cheng

2018-04-01

The occurrence of numerous structural isomers in glycans from biological sources presents a severe challenge for structural glycomics. The subtle differences among isomeric structures demand analytical methods that can provide structural details while working efficiently with on-line glycan separation methods. Although liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a powerful tool for mixture analysis, the commonly utilized collision-induced dissociation (CID) method often does not generate a sufficient number of fragments at the MS2 level for comprehensive structural characterization. Here, we studied the electronic excitation dissociation (EED) behaviors of metal-adducted, permethylated glycans, and identified key spectral features that could facilitate both topology and linkage determinations. We developed an EED-based, nanoscale, reversed phase (RP)LC-MS/MS platform, and demonstrated its ability to achieve complete structural elucidation of up to five structural isomers in a single LC-MS/MS analysis. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

On mathematical modelling of flameless combustion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mancini, Marco; Schwoeppe, Patrick; Weber, Roman

2007-07-15

A further analysis of the IFRF semi-industrial-scale experiments on flameless (mild) combustion of natural gas is carried out. The experimental burner features a strong oxidizer jet and two weak natural gas jets. Numerous publications have shown the inability of various RANS-based mathematical models to predict the structure of the weak jet. We have proven that the failure is in error predictions of the entrainment and therefore is not related to any chemistry submodels, as has been postulated. (author)

Contact and Impact Dynamic Modeling Capabilities of LS-DYNA for Fluid-Structure Interaction Problems

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-02

rigid sphere in a vertical water entry,” Applied Ocean Research, 13(1), pp. 43-48. Monaghan, J.J., 1994. “ Simulating free surface flows with SPH ...The kinematic free surface condition was used to determine the intersection between the free surface and the body in the outer flow domain...and the results were compared with analytical and numerical predictions. The predictive capability of ALE and SPH features of LS-DYNA for simulation

Subwavelength resolution from multilayered structure (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Bo Han; Jen, Yi-Jun; Liu, Wei-Chih; Lin, Shan-wen; Lan, Yung-Chiang; Tsai, Din Ping

2016-10-01

Breaking optical diffraction limit is one of the most important issues needed to be overcome for the demand of high-density optoelectronic components. Here, a multilayered structure which consists of alternating semiconductor and dielectric layers for breaking optical diffraction limitation at THz frequency region are proposed and analyzed. We numerically demonstrate that such multilayered structure not only can act as a hyperbolic metamaterial but also a birefringence material via the control of the external temperature (or magnetic field). A practical approach is provided to control all the diffraction signals toward a specific direction by using transfer matrix method and effective medium theory. Numerical calculations and computer simulation (based on finite element method, FEM) are carried out, which agree well with each other. The temperature (or magnetic field) parameter can be tuned to create an effective material with nearly flat isofrequency feature to transfer (project) all the k-space signals excited from the object to be resolved to the image plane. Furthermore, this multilayered structure can resolve subwavelength structures at various incident THz light sources simultaneously. In addition, the resolution power for a fixed operating frequency also can be tuned by only changing the magnitude of external magnetic field. Such a device provides a practical route for multi-functional material, photolithography and real-time super-resolution image.

Characteristics of microstrip muscle-loaded single-arm Archimedean spiral antennas as investigated by FDTD numerical computations.

PubMed

Jacobsen, Svein; Rolfsnes, Hans Olav; Stauffer, Paul R

2005-02-01

The radiation characteristics and mode of operation of single-arm, groundplane backed, Archimedean spiral antennas are investigated by means of conformal finite difference time domain numerical analysis. It is shown that this antenna type may be categorized as a well-matched, broadband, circularly polarized traveling wave structure that can be fed directly by nonbalanced coaxial networks. The study further concentrates on relevant design and description features parameterized in terms of measures like radiation efficiency, sensing depth, directivity, and axial ratio of complementary polarizations. We document that an antenna of only 30-mm transverse size produces circularly polarized waves in a two-octave frequency span (2-8 GHz) with acceptable radiation efficiency (76%-94%) when loaded by muscle-like tissue.

Modified independent modal space control method for active control of flexible systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baz, A.; Poh, S.

1987-01-01

A modified independent modal space control (MIMSC) method is developed for designing active vibration control systems for large flexible structures. The method accounts for the interaction between the controlled and residual modes. It incorporates also optimal placement procedures for selecting the optimal locations of the actuators in the structure in order to minimize the structural vibrations as well as the actuation energy. The MIMSC method relies on an important feature which is based on time sharing of a small number of actuators, in the modal space, to control effectively a large number of modes. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the application of the method to generic flexible systems. The results obtained suggest the potential of the devised method in designing efficient active control systems for large flexible structures.

The dynamical conductance of graphene tunnelling structures.

PubMed

Zhang, Huan; Chan, K S; Lin, Zijing

2011-12-16

The dynamical conductances of graphene tunnelling structures were numerically calculated using the scattering matrix method with the interaction effect included in a phenomenological approach. The overall single-barrier dynamical conductance is capacitative. Transmission resonances in the single-barrier structure lead to dips in the capacitative imaginary part of the response. This is different from the ac responses of typical semiconductor nanostructures, where transmission resonances usually lead to inductive peaks. The features of the dips depend on the Fermi energy. When the Fermi energy is below half of the barrier height, the dips are sharper. When the Fermi energy is higher than half of the barrier height, the dips are broader. Inductive behaviours can be observed in a double-barrier structure due to the resonances formed by reflection between the two barriers.

Wavelet-like bases for thin-wire integral equations in electromagnetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francomano, E.; Tortorici, A.; Toscano, E.; Ala, G.; Viola, F.

2005-03-01

In this paper, wavelets are used in solving, by the method of moments, a modified version of the thin-wire electric field integral equation, in frequency domain. The time domain electromagnetic quantities, are obtained by using the inverse discrete fast Fourier transform. The retarded scalar electric and vector magnetic potentials are employed in order to obtain the integral formulation. The discretized model generated by applying the direct method of moments via point-matching procedure, results in a linear system with a dense matrix which have to be solved for each frequency of the Fourier spectrum of the time domain impressed source. Therefore, orthogonal wavelet-like basis transform is used to sparsify the moment matrix. In particular, dyadic and M-band wavelet transforms have been adopted, so generating different sparse matrix structures. This leads to an efficient solution in solving the resulting sparse matrix equation. Moreover, a wavelet preconditioner is used to accelerate the convergence rate of the iterative solver employed. These numerical features are used in analyzing the transient behavior of a lightning protection system. In particular, the transient performance of the earth termination system of a lightning protection system or of the earth electrode of an electric power substation, during its operation is focused. The numerical results, obtained by running a complex structure, are discussed and the features of the used method are underlined.

GRIDGEN Version 1.0: a computer program for generating unstructured finite-volume grids

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lien, Jyh-Ming; Liu, Gaisheng; Langevin, Christian D.

2015-01-01

GRIDGEN is a computer program for creating layered quadtree grids for use with numerical models, such as the MODFLOW–USG program for simulation of groundwater flow. The program begins by reading a three-dimensional base grid, which can have variable row and column widths and spatially variable cell top and bottom elevations. From this base grid, GRIDGEN will continuously divide into four any cell intersecting user-provided refinement features (points, lines, and polygons) until the desired level of refinement is reached. GRIDGEN will then smooth, or balance, the grid so that no two adjacent cells, including overlying and underlying cells, differ by more than a user-specified level tolerance. Once these gridding processes are completed, GRIDGEN saves a tree structure file so that the layered quadtree grid can be quickly reconstructed as needed. Once a tree structure file has been created, GRIDGEN can then be used to (1) export the layered quadtree grid as a shapefile, (2) export grid connectivity and cell information as ASCII text files for use with MODFLOW–USG or other numerical models, and (3) intersect the grid with shapefiles of points, lines, or polygons, and save intersection output as ASCII text files and shapefiles. The GRIDGEN program is demonstrated by creating a layered quadtree grid for the Biscayne aquifer in Miami-Dade County, Florida, using hydrologic features to control where refinement is added.

A Target-Less Vision-Based Displacement Sensor Based on Image Convex Hull Optimization for Measuring the Dynamic Response of Building Structures.

PubMed

Choi, Insub; Kim, JunHee; Kim, Donghyun

2016-12-08

Existing vision-based displacement sensors (VDSs) extract displacement data through changes in the movement of a target that is identified within the image using natural or artificial structure markers. A target-less vision-based displacement sensor (hereafter called "TVDS") is proposed. It can extract displacement data without targets, which then serve as feature points in the image of the structure. The TVDS can extract and track the feature points without the target in the image through image convex hull optimization, which is done to adjust the threshold values and to optimize them so that they can have the same convex hull in every image frame and so that the center of the convex hull is the feature point. In addition, the pixel coordinates of the feature point can be converted to physical coordinates through a scaling factor map calculated based on the distance, angle, and focal length between the camera and target. The accuracy of the proposed scaling factor map was verified through an experiment in which the diameter of a circular marker was estimated. A white-noise excitation test was conducted, and the reliability of the displacement data obtained from the TVDS was analyzed by comparing the displacement data of the structure measured with a laser displacement sensor (LDS). The dynamic characteristics of the structure, such as the mode shape and natural frequency, were extracted using the obtained displacement data, and were compared with the numerical analysis results. TVDS yielded highly reliable displacement data and highly accurate dynamic characteristics, such as the natural frequency and mode shape of the structure. As the proposed TVDS can easily extract the displacement data even without artificial or natural markers, it has the advantage of extracting displacement data from any portion of the structure in the image.

Image counter-forensics based on feature injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iuliani, M.; Rossetto, S.; Bianchi, T.; De Rosa, Alessia; Piva, A.; Barni, M.

2014-02-01

Starting from the concept that many image forensic tools are based on the detection of some features revealing a particular aspect of the history of an image, in this work we model the counter-forensic attack as the injection of a specific fake feature pointing to the same history of an authentic reference image. We propose a general attack strategy that does not rely on a specific detector structure. Given a source image x and a target image y, the adversary processes x in the pixel domain producing an attacked image ~x, perceptually similar to x, whose feature f(~x) is as close as possible to f(y) computed on y. Our proposed counter-forensic attack consists in the constrained minimization of the feature distance Φ(z) =│ f(z) - f(y)│ through iterative methods based on gradient descent. To solve the intrinsic limit due to the numerical estimation of the gradient on large images, we propose the application of a feature decomposition process, that allows the problem to be reduced into many subproblems on the blocks the image is partitioned into. The proposed strategy has been tested by attacking three different features and its performance has been compared to state-of-the-art counter-forensic methods.

Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Simulations of Two Partial-Span Flap Wing Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takalluk, M. A.; Laflin, Kelly R.

1998-01-01

Structured Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes simulations of two partial-span flap wing experiments were performed. The high-lift aerodynamic and aeroacoustic wind-tunnel experiments were conducted at both the NASA Ames 7-by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel and at the NASA Langley Quiet Flow Facility. The purpose of these tests was to accurately document the acoustic and aerodynamic characteristics associated with the principle airframe noise sources, including flap side-edge noise. Specific measurements were taken that can be used to validate analytic and computational models of the noise sources and associated aerodynamic for configurations and conditions approximating flight for transport aircraft. The numerical results are used to both calibrate a widely used CFD code, CFL3D, and to obtain details of flap side-edge flow features not discernible from experimental observations. Both experimental set-ups were numerically modeled by using multiple block structured grids. Various turbulence models, grid block-interface interaction methods and grid topologies were implemented. Numerical results of both simulations are in excellent agreement with experimental measurements and flow visualization observations. The flow field in the flap-edge region was adequately resolved to discern some crucial information about the flow physics and to substantiate the merger of the two vortical structures. As a result of these investigations, airframe noise modelers have proposed various simplified models which use the results obtained from the steady-state computations as input.

Dynamics of driven flow with exclusion in graphenelike structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stinchcombe, R. B.; de Queiroz, S. L. A.

2015-05-01

We present a mean-field theory for the dynamics of driven flow with exclusion in graphenelike structures, and numerically check its predictions. We treat first a specific combination of bond transmissivity rates, where mean field predicts, and numerics to a large extent confirms, that the sublattice structure characteristic of honeycomb networks becomes irrelevant. Dynamics, in the various regions of the phase diagram set by open boundary injection and ejection rates, is then in general identical to that of one-dimensional systems, although some discrepancies remain between mean-field theory and numerical results, in similar ways for both geometries. However, at the critical point for which the characteristic exponent is z =3 /2 in one dimension, the mean-field value z =2 is approached for very large systems with constant (finite) aspect ratio. We also treat a second combination of bond (and boundary) rates where, more typically, sublattice distinction persists. For the two rate combinations, in continuum or late-time limits, respectively, the coupled sets of mean-field dynamical equations become tractable with various techniques and give a two-band spectrum, gapless in the critical phase. While for the second rate combination quantitative discrepancies between mean-field theory and simulations increase for most properties and boundary rates investigated, theory still is qualitatively correct in general, and gives a fairly good quantitative account of features such as the late-time evolution of density profile differences from their steady-state values.

Numerical simulation of compressor endwall and casing treatment flow phenomena

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crook, A. J.; Greitzer, E. M.; Tan, C. S.; Adamczyk, J. J.

1992-01-01

A numerical study is presented of the flow in the endwall region of a compressor blade row, in conditions of operation with both smooth and grooved endwalls. The computations are first compared to velocity field measurements in a cantilevered stator/rotating hub configuration to confirm that the salient features are captured. Computations are then interrogated to examine the tip leakage flow structure since this is a dominant feature of the endwall region. In particular, the high blockage that can exist near the endwalls at the rear of a compressor blade passage appears to be directly linked to low total pressure fluid associated with the leakage flow. The fluid dynamic action of the grooved endwall, representative of the casing treatments that have been most successful in suppressing stall, is then simulated computationally and two principal effects are identified. One is suction of the low total pressure, high blockage fluid at the rear of the passage. The second is energizing of the tip leakage flow, most notably in the core of the leakage vortex, thereby suppressing the blockage at its source.

Development of the US3D Code for Advanced Compressible and Reacting Flow Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Candler, Graham V.; Johnson, Heath B.; Nompelis, Ioannis; Subbareddy, Pramod K.; Drayna, Travis W.; Gidzak, Vladimyr; Barnhardt, Michael D.

2015-01-01

Aerothermodynamics and hypersonic flows involve complex multi-disciplinary physics, including finite-rate gas-phase kinetics, finite-rate internal energy relaxation, gas-surface interactions with finite-rate oxidation and sublimation, transition to turbulence, large-scale unsteadiness, shock-boundary layer interactions, fluid-structure interactions, and thermal protection system ablation and thermal response. Many of the flows have a large range of length and time scales, requiring large computational grids, implicit time integration, and large solution run times. The University of Minnesota NASA US3D code was designed for the simulation of these complex, highly-coupled flows. It has many of the features of the well-established DPLR code, but uses unstructured grids and has many advanced numerical capabilities and physical models for multi-physics problems. The main capabilities of the code are described, the physical modeling approaches are discussed, the different types of numerical flux functions and time integration approaches are outlined, and the parallelization strategy is overviewed. Comparisons between US3D and the NASA DPLR code are presented, and several advanced simulations are presented to illustrate some of novel features of the code.

A Nonlinear Dynamic Subscale Model for Partially Resolved Numerical Simulation (PRNS)/Very Large Eddy Simulation (VLES) of Internal Non-Reacting Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, Tsan-Hsing; Liu, nan-Suey

2010-01-01

A brief introduction of the temporal filter based partially resolved numerical simulation/very large eddy simulation approach (PRNS/VLES) and its distinct features are presented. A nonlinear dynamic subscale model and its advantages over the linear subscale eddy viscosity model are described. In addition, a guideline for conducting a PRNS/VLES simulation is provided. Results are presented for three turbulent internal flows. The first one is the turbulent pipe flow at low and high Reynolds numbers to illustrate the basic features of PRNS/VLES; the second one is the swirling turbulent flow in a LM6000 single injector to further demonstrate the differences in the calculated flow fields resulting from the nonlinear model versus the pure eddy viscosity model; the third one is a more complex turbulent flow generated in a single-element lean direct injection (LDI) combustor, the calculated result has demonstrated that the current PRNS/VLES approach is capable of capturing the dynamically important, unsteady turbulent structures while using a relatively coarse grid.

Crack propagation and arrest in CFRP materials with strain softening regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dilligan, Matthew Anthony

Understanding the growth and arrest of cracks in composite materials is critical for their effective utilization in fatigue-sensitive and damage susceptible applications such as primary aircraft structures. Local tailoring of the laminate stack to provide crack arrest capacity intermediate to major structural components has been investigated and demonstrated since some of the earliest efforts in composite aerostructural design, but to date no rigorous model of the crack arrest mechanism has been developed to allow effective sizing of these features. To address this shortcoming, the previous work in the field is reviewed, with particular attention to the analysis methodologies proposed for similar arrest features. The damage and arrest processes active in such features are investigated, and various models of these processes are discussed and evaluated. Governing equations are derived based on a proposed mechanistic model of the crack arrest process. The derived governing equations are implemented in a numerical model, and a series of simulations are performed to ascertain the general characteristics of the proposed model and allow qualitative comparison to existing experimental results. The sensitivity of the model and the arrest process to various parameters is investigated, and preliminary conclusions regarding the optimal feature configuration are developed. To address deficiencies in the available material and experimental data, a series of coupon tests are developed and conducted covering a range of arrest zone configurations. Test results are discussed and analyzed, with a particular focus on identification of the proposed failure and arrest mechanisms. Utilizing the experimentally derived material properties, the tests are reproduced with both the developed numerical tool as well as a FEA-based implementation of the arrest model. Correlation between the simulated and experimental results is analyzed, and future avenues of investigation are identified. Utilizing the developed model, a sensitivity study is conducted to assess the current proposed arrest configuration. Optimum distribution and sizing of the arrest zones is investigated, and general design guidelines are developed.

Sandy beaches in a coastline vulnerable to erosion in Atlantic Canada: Macrobenthic community structure in relation to backshore and physical features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacMillan, Mitchell R.; Duarte, Cristian; Quijón, Pedro A.

2017-07-01

Most literature suggests that sandy beach macrobenthic communities are structured by physical factors. However, an aspect that has not been studied in detail is whether those physical factors change with erosion or the association of beaches to backshore features like sand dunes, till bluffs, and sandstone cliffs. We addressed this question by sampling 14 sandy beaches on the north shore of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Canada. Two null hypotheses were tested: first, there is no relationship between physical factors and community descriptors across sandy beaches, and second, there is no difference among beaches associated with distinct backshore features both in terms of physical factors and community descriptors. In order to test these hypotheses, samples of macrobenthic organisms and measurements of grain size, slope, beach deposit index and erosion rates were obtained. Our surveys collected a total of 14 taxa numerically dominated by the spionid polychaete Scolelepis squamata. With regards to the first hypothesis, regression analyses showed that community descriptors were all positively related to erosion rates while unrelated to the variation in grain size, slope and beach deposit index. As for the second hypothesis, erosion rates were significantly different among beaches associated to till bluffs (highest), dunes and sandstone cliffs (lowest). Meanwhile, the other physical factors did not significantly differ among backshore features. Species richness was highest in beaches associated to till bluffs and lowest in those associated to sandstone cliffs. Abundance values were also lowest in beaches associated to sandstone cliffs, and their community composition was significantly different to those associated to dunes and till bluffs. We suggest that the relationship between erosion rates and community descriptors is complex and may be mediated by the availability of nutrients: higher erosion levels might account for higher concentrations of nutrients for suspension feeders, the numerically dominant organisms in this system. We call for further attention to the relationship between erosion and suspended nutrients.

Plasticity-Driven Self-Organization under Topological Constraints Accounts for Non-random Features of Cortical Synaptic Wiring

PubMed Central

Miner, Daniel; Triesch, Jochen

2016-01-01

Understanding the structure and dynamics of cortical connectivity is vital to understanding cortical function. Experimental data strongly suggest that local recurrent connectivity in the cortex is significantly non-random, exhibiting, for example, above-chance bidirectionality and an overrepresentation of certain triangular motifs. Additional evidence suggests a significant distance dependency to connectivity over a local scale of a few hundred microns, and particular patterns of synaptic turnover dynamics, including a heavy-tailed distribution of synaptic efficacies, a power law distribution of synaptic lifetimes, and a tendency for stronger synapses to be more stable over time. Understanding how many of these non-random features simultaneously arise would provide valuable insights into the development and function of the cortex. While previous work has modeled some of the individual features of local cortical wiring, there is no model that begins to comprehensively account for all of them. We present a spiking network model of a rodent Layer 5 cortical slice which, via the interactions of a few simple biologically motivated intrinsic, synaptic, and structural plasticity mechanisms, qualitatively reproduces these non-random effects when combined with simple topological constraints. Our model suggests that mechanisms of self-organization arising from a small number of plasticity rules provide a parsimonious explanation for numerous experimentally observed non-random features of recurrent cortical wiring. Interestingly, similar mechanisms have been shown to endow recurrent networks with powerful learning abilities, suggesting that these mechanism are central to understanding both structure and function of cortical synaptic wiring. PMID:26866369

Ultrasonic characterization of the fiber-matrix interfacial bond in aerospace composites.

PubMed

Aggelis, D G; Kleitsa, D; Matikas, T E

2013-01-01

The properties of advanced composites rely on the quality of the fiber-matrix bonding. Service-induced damage results in deterioration of bonding quality, seriously compromising the load-bearing capacity of the structure. While traditional methods to assess bonding are destructive, herein a nondestructive methodology based on shear wave reflection is numerically investigated. Reflection relies on the bonding quality and results in discernable changes in the received waveform. The key element is the "interphase" model material with varying stiffness. The study is an example of how computational methods enhance the understanding of delicate features concerning the nondestructive evaluation of materials used in advanced structures.

Uranus - Disk structure within the 7300-A methane band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Price, M. J.; Franz, O. G.

1979-01-01

Orthogonal narrow-band (100 A) photoelectric slit scan photometry of Uranus has been used to infer the basic two-dimensional structure of the disk within the 7300-A methane band. Numerical image reconstruction and restoration techniques have been applied to quantitatively estimate the degrees of polar and limb brightening on the planet. Through partial removal of atmospheric smearing, an effective spatial resolution of approximately 0.9 arcsec has been achieved. Peak polar, limb, and central intensities on the disk are in the respective proportions 3:2:1. In addition, the bright polar feature is displaced from the geometric pole towards the equator of the planet.

Features of multifinality.

PubMed

Kruglanski, Arie W; Köpetz, Catalina; Bélanger, Jocelyn J; Chun, Woo Young; Orehek, Edward; Fishbach, Ayelet

2013-02-01

Diverse facets of the multifinality configuration in goal-directed behavior are identified and empirically explored. The multifinality construct denotes a motivational structure wherein a single means is linked to several ends. A multifinality configuration maximizes value that a given means promises to deliver while sacrificing expectancy of attainment due to a dilution effect. Several phenomena implied by multifinality theory are investigated, including an unconscious quest for multifinal means, the constraints that such quest imposes on means to a focal goal, and structural conditions under which an activity may be experienced as intrinsically motivated. Multifinality phenomena appear in numerous domains of social cognition, and the present theory offers a novel perspective on classic motivational effects.

Morphology and microstructure of composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tiwari, S. N.; Srinivansan, K.

1991-01-01

Lightweight continuous carbon fiber based polymeric composites are currently enjoying increasing acceptance as structural materials capable of replacing metals and alloys in load bearing applications. As with most new materials, these composites are undergoing trials with several competing processing techniques aimed at cost effectively producing void free consolidations with good mechanical properties. As metallic materials have been in use for several centuries, a considerable database exists on their morphology - microstructure; and the interrelationships between structure and properties have been well documented. Numerous studies on composites have established the crucial relationship between microstructure - morphology and properties. The various microstructural and morphological features of composite materials, particularly those accompanying different processing routes, are documented.

Structural health monitoring using DOG multi-scale space: an approach for analyzing damage characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Tian; Xu, Zili

2018-03-01

Measurement noise is inevitable in practice; thus, it is difficult to identify defects, cracks or damage in a structure while suppressing noise simultaneously. In this work, a novel method is introduced to detect multiple damage in noisy environments. Based on multi-scale space analysis for discrete signals, a method for extracting damage characteristics from the measured displacement mode shape is illustrated. Moreover, the proposed method incorporates a data fusion algorithm to further eliminate measurement noise-based interference. The effectiveness of the method is verified by numerical and experimental methods applied to different structural types. The results demonstrate that there are two advantages to the proposed method. First, damage features are extracted by the difference of the multi-scale representation; this step is taken such that the interference of noise amplification can be avoided. Second, a data fusion technique applied to the proposed method provides a global decision, which retains the damage features while maximally eliminating the uncertainty. Monte Carlo simulations are utilized to validate that the proposed method has a higher accuracy in damage detection.

Shock-Induced Separated Structures in Symmetric Corner Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DAmbrosio, Domenic; Marsilio, Roberto

1995-01-01

Three-dimensional supersonic viscous laminar flows over symmetric corners are considered in this paper. The characteristic features of such configurations are discussed and an historical survey on the past research work is presented. A new contribution based on a numerical technique that solves the parabolized form of the Navier-Stokes equations is presented. Such a method makes it possible to obtain very detailed descriptions of the flowfield with relatively modest CPU time and memory storage requirements. The numerical approach is based on a space-marching technique, uses a finite volume discretization and an upwind flux-difference splitting scheme (developed for the steady flow equations) for the evaluation of the inviscid fluxes. Second order accuracy is reached following the guidelines of the ENO schemes. Different free-stream conditions and geometrical configurations are considered. Primary and secondary streamwise vortical structures embedded in the boundary layer and originated by the interaction of the latter with shock waves are detected and studied. Computed results are compared with experimental data taken from literature.

Numerical modeling of the effect of heat and mass transfer in porous low-temperature heat insulation in composite material structures on the magnitude of stresses which develop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsov, G. V.; Rudzinskaya, N. V.

1997-05-01

The stressed state of multilayer low-temperature heat insulation for a cryogenic fuel tank is considered. Account is taken of heat and mass transfer in foam plastic (the main heat insulation material) occurring at cryogenic temperatures. A method is developed for solving a set of differential equations and boundary conditions. Numerical studies of the main features of these processes are performed. It is established that below 200 K the stresses which arise in foam plastic markedly exceed the ultimate strength for this material. Stresses develop as a result of both a reduction in temperature and a drop in pressure in the foam plastic pores connected with material cooling. On the basis of the results obtained it is established that the combination of thermophysical processes which occur in foam plastic during cooling to cryogenic temperatures leads to changes in the stress-strained state of structure, which should be considered in planning aerospace technology.

Hierarchy in directed random networks.

PubMed

Mones, Enys

2013-02-01

In recent years, the theory and application of complex networks have been quickly developing in a markable way due to the increasing amount of data from real systems and the fruitful application of powerful methods used in statistical physics. Many important characteristics of social or biological systems can be described by the study of their underlying structure of interactions. Hierarchy is one of these features that can be formulated in the language of networks. In this paper we present some (qualitative) analytic results on the hierarchical properties of random network models with zero correlations and also investigate, mainly numerically, the effects of different types of correlations. The behavior of the hierarchy is different in the absence and the presence of giant components. We show that the hierarchical structure can be drastically different if there are one-point correlations in the network. We also show numerical results suggesting that the hierarchy does not change monotonically with the correlations and there is an optimal level of nonzero correlations maximizing the level of hierarchy.

Numerical Investigation of the Flow Structure in a Kaplan Draft Tube at Part Load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maddahian, R.; Cervantes, M. J.; Sotoudeh, N.

2016-11-01

This research presents numerical simulation of the unsteady flow field inside the draft tube of a Kaplan turbine at part load condition. Due to curvature of streamlines, the ordinary two-equations turbulence models fail to predict the flow features. Therefore, a modification of the Shear Stress Transport (SST-SAS) model is utilized to approximate the turbulent stresses. A guide vane, complete runner and draft tube are considered to insure the real boundary conditions at the draft tube inlet. The outlet boundary is assumed to discharge into the atmosphere. The obtained pressure fluctuations inside the draft tube are in good agreement with available experimental data. In order to further investigate the RVR formation and its movement, the λ2 criterion, relating the position of the vortex core and strength to the second largest Eigen value of the velocity gradient tensor, is employed. The method used for vortex identification shows the flow structure and vortex motion inside the draft tube accurately.

Multimodal inspection in power engineering and building industries: new challenges and solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kujawińska, Małgorzata; Malesa, Marcin; Malowany, Krzysztof

2013-09-01

Recently the demand and number of applications of full-field, optical measurement methods based on noncoherent light sources increased significantly. They include traditional image processing, thermovision, digital image correlation (DIC) and structured light methods. However, there are still numerous challenges connected with implementation of these methods to in-situ, long-term monitoring in industrial, civil engineering and cultural heritage applications, multimodal measurements of a variety of object features or simply adopting instruments to work in hard environmental conditions. In this paper we focus on 3D DIC method and present its enhancements concerning software modifications (new visualization methods and a method for automatic merging of data distributed in time) and hardware improvements. The modified 3D DIC system combined with infrared camera system is applied in many interesting cases: measurements of boiler drum during annealing and of pipelines in heat power stations and monitoring of different building steel struts at construction site and validation of numerical models of large building structures constructed of graded metal plate arches.

Suppression in high-order above-threshold ionization: destructive interference from quantum orbits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Xuan Yang; Quan, Wei; Yu, Shao Gang; Huang, Yi Yi; Liu, Xiao Jun

2018-05-01

We experimentally study the above-threshold ionization (ATI) spectra of noble gas argon in an intense laser field and focus on a novel suppression structure in the high-order ATI (HATI) spectra. It is found that, when a well-documented resonancelike enhancement feature appears in the HATI spectra, a significant suppression structure is followed in a higher energy region of the spectra. The observation is well reproduced by a numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. In terms of quantum-orbit theory, the observed suppression structure can be ascribed to the destructive interference from longer quantum orbits. Furthermore, an intrinsic relation between the ionization suppression and the ionization enhancement in the HATI spectra is well established.

Toothpaste lava: Characteristics and origin of a lava structural type transitional between pahoehoe and aa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowland, Scott K.; Walker, George P. L.

1987-08-01

Toothpaste lava, an important basalt structural type which illustrates the transition from pahoehoe to aa, is particularly well displayed on the 1960 Kapoho lava of Kilauea Volcano. Its transitional features stem from a viscosity higher than that of pahoehoe and a rate of flow slower than that of aa. Viscosity can be quantified by the limited settling of olivine phenocrysts and rate of flow by field observations related to the low-angle slope on which the lava flowed. Much can be learned about the viscosity, rheologic condition, and flow velocity of lavas long after solidification by analyses of their structural characteristics, and it is possible to make at least a semiquantitative assessment of the numerical values of these parameters.

Edge detection based on computational ghost imaging with structured illuminations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Sheng; Xiang, Dong; Liu, Xuemei; Zhou, Xin; Bing, Pibin

2018-03-01

Edge detection is one of the most important tools to recognize the features of an object. In this paper, we propose an optical edge detection method based on computational ghost imaging (CGI) with structured illuminations which are generated by an interference system. The structured intensity patterns are designed to make the edge of an object be directly imaged from detected data in CGI. This edge detection method can extract the boundaries for both binary and grayscale objects in any direction at one time. We also numerically test the influence of distance deviations in the interference system on edge extraction, i.e., the tolerance of the optical edge detection system to distance deviation. Hopefully, it may provide a guideline for scholars to build an experimental system.

CABS-flex 2.0: a web server for fast simulations of flexibility of protein structures.

PubMed

Kuriata, Aleksander; Gierut, Aleksandra Maria; Oleniecki, Tymoteusz; Ciemny, Maciej Pawel; Kolinski, Andrzej; Kurcinski, Mateusz; Kmiecik, Sebastian

2018-05-14

Classical simulations of protein flexibility remain computationally expensive, especially for large proteins. A few years ago, we developed a fast method for predicting protein structure fluctuations that uses a single protein model as the input. The method has been made available as the CABS-flex web server and applied in numerous studies of protein structure-function relationships. Here, we present a major update of the CABS-flex web server to version 2.0. The new features include: extension of the method to significantly larger and multimeric proteins, customizable distance restraints and simulation parameters, contact maps and a new, enhanced web server interface. CABS-flex 2.0 is freely available at http://biocomp.chem.uw.edu.pl/CABSflex2.

Conditional random fields for pattern recognition applied to structured data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burr, Tom; Skurikhin, Alexei

In order to predict labels from an output domain, Y, pattern recognition is used to gather measurements from an input domain, X. Image analysis is one setting where one might want to infer whether a pixel patch contains an object that is “manmade” (such as a building) or “natural” (such as a tree). Suppose the label for a pixel patch is “manmade”; if the label for a nearby pixel patch is then more likely to be “manmade” there is structure in the output domain that can be exploited to improve pattern recognition performance. Modeling P(X) is difficult because features betweenmore » parts of the model are often correlated. Thus, conditional random fields (CRFs) model structured data using the conditional distribution P(Y|X = x), without specifying a model for P(X), and are well suited for applications with dependent features. Our paper has two parts. First, we overview CRFs and their application to pattern recognition in structured problems. Our primary examples are image analysis applications in which there is dependence among samples (pixel patches) in the output domain. Second, we identify research topics and present numerical examples.« less

Recovering hidden diagonal structures via non-negative matrix factorization with multiple constraints.

PubMed

Yang, Xi; Han, Guoqiang; Cai, Hongmin; Song, Yan

2017-03-31

Revealing data with intrinsically diagonal block structures is particularly useful for analyzing groups of highly correlated variables. Earlier researches based on non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) have been shown to be effective in representing such data by decomposing the observed data into two factors, where one factor is considered to be the feature and the other the expansion loading from a linear algebra perspective. If the data are sampled from multiple independent subspaces, the loading factor would possess a diagonal structure under an ideal matrix decomposition. However, the standard NMF method and its variants have not been reported to exploit this type of data via direct estimation. To address this issue, a non-negative matrix factorization with multiple constraints model is proposed in this paper. The constraints include an sparsity norm on the feature matrix and a total variational norm on each column of the loading matrix. The proposed model is shown to be capable of efficiently recovering diagonal block structures hidden in observed samples. An efficient numerical algorithm using the alternating direction method of multipliers model is proposed for optimizing the new model. Compared with several benchmark models, the proposed method performs robustly and effectively for simulated and real biological data.

Conditional random fields for pattern recognition applied to structured data

DOE PAGES

Burr, Tom; Skurikhin, Alexei

2015-07-14

In order to predict labels from an output domain, Y, pattern recognition is used to gather measurements from an input domain, X. Image analysis is one setting where one might want to infer whether a pixel patch contains an object that is “manmade” (such as a building) or “natural” (such as a tree). Suppose the label for a pixel patch is “manmade”; if the label for a nearby pixel patch is then more likely to be “manmade” there is structure in the output domain that can be exploited to improve pattern recognition performance. Modeling P(X) is difficult because features betweenmore » parts of the model are often correlated. Thus, conditional random fields (CRFs) model structured data using the conditional distribution P(Y|X = x), without specifying a model for P(X), and are well suited for applications with dependent features. Our paper has two parts. First, we overview CRFs and their application to pattern recognition in structured problems. Our primary examples are image analysis applications in which there is dependence among samples (pixel patches) in the output domain. Second, we identify research topics and present numerical examples.« less

Optimal Shakedown of the Thin-Wall Metal Structures Under Strength and Stiffness Constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alawdin, Piotr; Liepa, Liudas

2017-06-01

Classical optimization problems of metal structures confined mainly with 1st class cross-sections. But in practice it is common to use the cross-sections of higher classes. In this paper, a new mathematical model for described shakedown optimization problem for metal structures, which elements are designed from 1st to 4th class cross-sections, under variable quasi-static loads is presented. The features of limited plastic redistribution of forces in the structure with thin-walled elements there are taken into account. Authors assume the elastic-plastic flexural buckling in one plane without lateral torsional buckling behavior of members. Design formulae for Methods 1 and 2 for members are analyzed. Structures stiffness constrains are also incorporated in order to satisfy the limit serviceability state requirements. With the help of mathematical programming theory and extreme principles the structure optimization algorithm is developed and justified with the numerical experiment for the metal plane frames.

Lattice-free prediction of three-dimensional structure of programmed DNA assemblies

PubMed Central

Pan, Keyao; Kim, Do-Nyun; Zhang, Fei; Adendorff, Matthew R.; Yan, Hao; Bathe, Mark

2014-01-01

DNA can be programmed to self-assemble into high molecular weight 3D assemblies with precise nanometer-scale structural features. Although numerous sequence design strategies exist to realize these assemblies in solution, there is currently no computational framework to predict their 3D structures on the basis of programmed underlying multi-way junction topologies constrained by DNA duplexes. Here, we introduce such an approach and apply it to assemblies designed using the canonical immobile four-way junction. The procedure is used to predict the 3D structure of high molecular weight planar and spherical ring-like origami objects, a tile-based sheet-like ribbon, and a 3D crystalline tensegrity motif, in quantitative agreement with experiments. Our framework provides a new approach to predict programmed nucleic acid 3D structure on the basis of prescribed secondary structure motifs, with possible application to the design of such assemblies for use in biomolecular and materials science. PMID:25470497

Characterisation of Feature Points in Eye Fundus Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calvo, D.; Ortega, M.; Penedo, M. G.; Rouco, J.

The retinal vessel tree adds decisive knowledge in the diagnosis of numerous opthalmologic pathologies such as hypertension or diabetes. One of the problems in the analysis of the retinal vessel tree is the lack of information in terms of vessels depth as the image acquisition usually leads to a 2D image. This situation provokes a scenario where two different vessels coinciding in a point could be interpreted as a vessel forking into a bifurcation. That is why, for traking and labelling the retinal vascular tree, bifurcations and crossovers of vessels are considered feature points. In this work a novel method for these retinal vessel tree feature points detection and classification is introduced. The method applies image techniques such as filters or thinning to obtain the adequate structure to detect the points and sets a classification of these points studying its environment. The methodology is tested using a standard database and the results show high classification capabilities.

Probing stochastic inter-galactic magnetic fields using blazar-induced gamma ray halo morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duplessis, Francis; Vachaspati, Tanmay

2017-05-01

Inter-galactic magnetic fields can imprint their structure on the morphology of blazar-induced gamma ray halos. We show that the halo morphology arises through the interplay of the source's jet and a two-dimensional surface dictated by the magnetic field. Through extensive numerical simulations, we generate mock halos created by stochastic magnetic fields with and without helicity, and study the dependence of the halo features on the properties of the magnetic field. We propose a sharper version of the Q-statistics and demonstrate its sensitivity to the magnetic field strength, the coherence scale, and the handedness of the helicity. We also identify and explain a new feature of the Q-statistics that can further enhance its power.

Computational and Statistical Analyses of Amino Acid Usage and Physico-Chemical Properties of the Twelve Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein Classes

PubMed Central

Jaspard, Emmanuel; Macherel, David; Hunault, Gilles

2012-01-01

Late Embryogenesis Abundant Proteins (LEAPs) are ubiquitous proteins expected to play major roles in desiccation tolerance. Little is known about their structure - function relationships because of the scarcity of 3-D structures for LEAPs. The previous building of LEAPdb, a database dedicated to LEAPs from plants and other organisms, led to the classification of 710 LEAPs into 12 non-overlapping classes with distinct properties. Using this resource, numerous physico-chemical properties of LEAPs and amino acid usage by LEAPs have been computed and statistically analyzed, revealing distinctive features for each class. This unprecedented analysis allowed a rigorous characterization of the 12 LEAP classes, which differed also in multiple structural and physico-chemical features. Although most LEAPs can be predicted as intrinsically disordered proteins, the analysis indicates that LEAP class 7 (PF03168) and probably LEAP class 11 (PF04927) are natively folded proteins. This study thus provides a detailed description of the structural properties of this protein family opening the path toward further LEAP structure - function analysis. Finally, since each LEAP class can be clearly characterized by a unique set of physico-chemical properties, this will allow development of software to predict proteins as LEAPs. PMID:22615859

On the bending of structural materials with plastic anisotropic effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lachugin, D. V.; Pavilaynen, G. V.

2018-05-01

The study of a deformation features of metal alloys which are sensitive to tension or compression loading is an important technical challenge in the design and creation of a new shipbuilding and aircraft constructions. We use a mathematical model for the elastic-plastic bending of such material where SD(strength-different) parameter is taken into account. The problem is solved analytically and numerically. As an example of the material with the SD-effect the steel alloy is considered.

Spaceborne imaging radar - Geologic and oceanographic applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elachi, C.

1980-01-01

Synoptic, large-area radar images of the earth's land and ocean surface, obtained from the Seasat orbiting spacecraft, show the potential for geologic mapping and for monitoring of ocean surface patterns. Structural and topographic features such as lineaments, anticlines, folds and domes, drainage patterns, stratification, and roughness units can be mapped. Ocean surface waves, internal waves, current boundaries, and large-scale eddies have been observed in numerous images taken by the Seasat imaging radar. This article gives an illustrated overview of these applications.

Numerical Simulation and Experiments of Fatigue Crack Growth in Multi-Layer Structures of MEMS and Microelectronic Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

ABAQUS by use of the UEL subroutine feature. The damage variable was defined on averaged variables per element (Roe and Siegmund, 2003). The location of... thermal expansion (CTE) which is similar to silicon. During the anodic bonding process, the stack of silicon and glass wafers is placed on a hot plate and...Brinckmann, T. Siegmund, "Modeling fatigue crack growth with ABAQUS ," 2005 ABAQUS Fracture Review Team Meeting, Providence, RI, (2005). 8. S

Quick-Turn Finite Element Analysis for Plug-and-Play Satellite Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

produced from 0.375 inch round stock and turned on a machine lathe to achieve the shoulder feature and drilled to make it hollow. Figure 3.1...component, a linear taper was machined from the connection shoulder to the solar panel connecting fork. The part was then turned using the machine lathe ...utilizing a modern five-axis Computer Numerical Code ( CNC ) machine mill, the process time could be reduced by as much as seventy-five percent and the

Electrical features of new DNC, CNC system viewed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fritzsch, W.; Kochan, D.; Schaller, J.; Zander, H. J.

1985-03-01

Control structures capable of solving the problems of a flexible minial-labor manufacturing process are analyzed. The present state of development of equipment technology is described, and possible ways of modeling control processes are surveyed. Concepts which are frequently differently interpreted in various specialized disciplines are systematized, with a view toward creating the prerequisites for interdisciplinary cooperation. Problems and information flow during the preparatory and performance phases of manufacturing are examined with respect to coupling CAD/CAM functions. Mathematical modeling for direct numerical control is explored.

Fast-dynamo action in unsteady flows and maps in three dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bayly, B. J.; Childress, S.

1987-01-01

Unsteady fast-dynamo action is obtained in a family of stretch-fold-shear maps applied to a spatially periodic magnetic field in three dimensions. Exponential growth of a mean field in the limit of vanishing diffusivity is demonstrated by a numerical method which alternates instantaneous deformations with molecular diffusion over a finite time interval. Analysis indicates that the dynamo is a coherent feature of the large scales, essentially independent of the cascade of structure to small scales.

Computational Models of Laryngeal Aerodynamics: Potentials and Numerical Costs.

PubMed

Sadeghi, Hossein; Kniesburges, Stefan; Kaltenbacher, Manfred; Schützenberger, Anne; Döllinger, Michael

2018-02-07

Human phonation is based on the interaction between tracheal airflow and laryngeal dynamics. This fluid-structure interaction is based on the energy exchange between airflow and vocal folds. Major challenges in analyzing the phonatory process in-vivo are the small dimensions and the poor accessibility of the region of interest. For improved analysis of the phonatory process, numerical simulations of the airflow and the vocal fold dynamics have been suggested. Even though most of the models reproduced the phonatory process fairly well, development of comprehensive larynx models is still a subject of research. In the context of clinical application, physiological accuracy and computational model efficiency are of great interest. In this study, a simple numerical larynx model is introduced that incorporates the laryngeal fluid flow. It is based on a synthetic experimental model with silicone vocal folds. The degree of realism was successively increased in separate computational models and each model was simulated for 10 oscillation cycles. Results show that relevant features of the laryngeal flow field, such as glottal jet deflection, develop even when applying rather simple static models with oscillating flow rates. Including further phonatory components such as vocal fold motion, mucosal wave propagation, and ventricular folds, the simulations show phonatory key features like intraglottal flow separation and increased flow rate in presence of ventricular folds. The simulation time on 100 CPU cores ranged between 25 and 290 hours, currently restricting clinical application of these models. Nevertheless, results show high potential of numerical simulations for better understanding of phonatory process. Copyright © 2018 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Steady evolution of hillslopes in layered landscapes: self-organization of a numerical hogback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glade, R.; Anderson, R. S.

2017-12-01

Landscapes developed in layered sedimentary or igneous rocks are common across Earth, as well as on other planets. Features such as hogbacks, exposed dikes, escarpments and mesas exhibit resistant rock layers in tilted, vertical, or horizontal orientation­s adjoining more erodible rock. Hillslopes developed in the erodible rock are typically characterized by steep, linear-to-concave slopes or "ramps" mantled with material derived from the resistant layers, often in the form of large blocks. Our previous work on hogbacks has shown that feedbacks between weathering and transport of the blocks and underlying soft rock are fundamental to their formation; our numerical model incorporating these feedbacks explain the development of commonly observed concave-up slope profiles in the absence of rilling processes. Here we employ an analytic approach to describe the steady behavior of our model, in which hillslope form and erosion rates remain constant in the reference frame of the retreating feature. We first revisit a simple geometric analysis that relates structural dip to erosion rates. We then explore the mechanisms by which our numerical model of hogback evolution self-organizes to meet these geometric expectations. Autogenic adjustment of soil depth, slope and erosion rates enables efficient transport of resistant blocks; this allows erosion of the resistant layer to keep up with base level fall rate, leading to steady evolution of the feature. Analytic solutions relate easily measurable field quantities such as ramp length, slope, block size and resistant layer dip angle to local incision rate, block velocity, and block weathering rate. These equations provide a framework for exploring the evolution of layered landscapes, and pinpoint the processes for which we require a more thorough understanding to predict the evolution of such signature landscapes over time.

Retrieval Capabilities of Hierarchical Networks: From Dyson to Hopfield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agliari, Elena; Barra, Adriano; Galluzzi, Andrea; Guerra, Francesco; Tantari, Daniele; Tavani, Flavia

2015-01-01

We consider statistical-mechanics models for spin systems built on hierarchical structures, which provide a simple example of non-mean-field framework. We show that the coupling decay with spin distance can give rise to peculiar features and phase diagrams much richer than their mean-field counterpart. In particular, we consider the Dyson model, mimicking ferromagnetism in lattices, and we prove the existence of a number of metastabilities, beyond the ordered state, which become stable in the thermodynamic limit. Such a feature is retained when the hierarchical structure is coupled with the Hebb rule for learning, hence mimicking the modular architecture of neurons, and gives rise to an associative network able to perform single pattern retrieval as well as multiple-pattern retrieval, depending crucially on the external stimuli and on the rate of interaction decay with distance; however, those emergent multitasking features reduce the network capacity with respect to the mean-field counterpart. The analysis is accomplished through statistical mechanics, Markov chain theory, signal-to-noise ratio technique, and numerical simulations in full consistency. Our results shed light on the biological complexity shown by real networks, and suggest future directions for understanding more realistic models.

Warm Core Structure and Mid-Level Intrusion in Hurricane Bonnie (1998) During Landfalling on 26 August 1998

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heymsfield, G. M.; Halverson, J.

2004-01-01

On 26 August 1998 during CAMEX-3, Hurricane Bonnie was overflown by the NASA ER-2 aircraft instrumented with the EDOP X-Band radar and other instrumentation. Bonnie was an asymmetric storm on this day with several prominent features during its brush with the East coast. One of these features was strong intrusion of dry air on the west side of the storm. During the interaction of this westerly shear with the storm, the precipitation band rotates cyclonically from northwest to the south of the storm center. In this paper, we examine the structure of this dry intrusion and its effect on the storm. The EDOP observations are analyzed along with dropsondes, flight-level observations (NASA DC-8 and NOAA P3), and satellite data. The most apparent feature of the EDOP observations are the strong shears in the interface between the western eyewall updraft, and the dry intrusion. Mammatus are formed along this interface reminiscent of convective rear inflows, and suggestive of intense drying of the air through subsidence. This observation as well as other aspects of the analysis are related to recent numerical simulations of Hurricane Bonnie.

Fuzzy set methods for object recognition in space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, James M.

1991-01-01

Progress on the following tasks is reported: (1) fuzzy set-based decision making methodologies; (2) feature calculation; (3) clustering for curve and surface fitting; and (4) acquisition of images. The general structure for networks based on fuzzy set connectives which are being used for information fusion and decision making in space applications is described. The structure and training techniques for such networks consisting of generalized means and gamma-operators are described. The use of other hybrid operators in multicriteria decision making is currently being examined. Numerous classical features on image regions such as gray level statistics, edge and curve primitives, texture measures from cooccurrance matrix, and size and shape parameters were implemented. Several fractal geometric features which may have a considerable impact on characterizing cluttered background, such as clouds, dense star patterns, or some planetary surfaces, were used. A new approach to a fuzzy C-shell algorithm is addressed. NASA personnel are in the process of acquiring suitable simulation data and hopefully videotaped actual shuttle imagery. Photographs have been digitized to use in the algorithms. Also, a model of the shuttle was assembled and a mechanism to orient this model in 3-D to digitize for experiments on pose estimation is being constructed.

Imperfectly geometric shapes of nanograting structures as solar absorbers with superior performance for solar cells.

PubMed

Nguyen-Huu, Nghia; Cada, Michael; Pištora, Jaromír

2014-03-10

The expectation of perfectly geometric shapes of subwavelength grating (SWG) structures such as smoothness of sidewalls and sharp corners and nonexistence of grating defects is not realistic due to micro/nanofabrication processes. This work numerically investigates optical properties of an optimal solar absorber comprising a single-layered silicon (Si) SWG deposited on a finite Si substrate, with a careful consideration given to effects of various types of its imperfect geometry. The absorptance spectra of the solar absorber with different geometric shapes, namely, the grating with attached nanometer-sized features at the top and bottom of sidewalls and periodic defects within four and ten grating periods are investigated comprehensively. It is found that the grating with attached features at the bottom absorbs more energy than both the one at the top and the perfect grating. In addition, it is shown that the grating with defects in each fourth period exhibits the highest average absorptance (91%) compared with that of the grating having defects in each tenth period (89%), the grating with attached features (89%), and the perfect one (86%). Moreover, the results indicate that the absorptance spectrum of the imperfect structures is insensitive to angles of incidence. Furthermore, the absorptance enhancement is clearly demonstrated by computing magnetic field, energy density, and Poynting vector distributions. The results presented in this study prove that imperfect geometries of the nanograting structure display a higher absorptance than the perfect one, and provide such a practical guideline for nanofabrication capabilities necessary to be considered by structure designers.

Efficient modeling of photonic crystals with local Hermite polynomials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boucher, C. R.; Li, Zehao; Albrecht, J. D.

2014-04-21

Developing compact algorithms for accurate electrodynamic calculations with minimal computational cost is an active area of research given the increasing complexity in the design of electromagnetic composite structures such as photonic crystals, metamaterials, optical interconnects, and on-chip routing. We show that electric and magnetic (EM) fields can be calculated using scalar Hermite interpolation polynomials as the numerical basis functions without having to invoke edge-based vector finite elements to suppress spurious solutions or to satisfy boundary conditions. This approach offers several fundamental advantages as evidenced through band structure solutions for periodic systems and through waveguide analysis. Compared with reciprocal space (planemore » wave expansion) methods for periodic systems, advantages are shown in computational costs, the ability to capture spatial complexity in the dielectric distributions, the demonstration of numerical convergence with scaling, and variational eigenfunctions free of numerical artifacts that arise from mixed-order real space basis sets or the inherent aberrations from transforming reciprocal space solutions of finite expansions. The photonic band structure of a simple crystal is used as a benchmark comparison and the ability to capture the effects of spatially complex dielectric distributions is treated using a complex pattern with highly irregular features that would stress spatial transform limits. This general method is applicable to a broad class of physical systems, e.g., to semiconducting lasers which require simultaneous modeling of transitions in quantum wells or dots together with EM cavity calculations, to modeling plasmonic structures in the presence of EM field emissions, and to on-chip propagation within monolithic integrated circuits.« less

Design, realization and structural testing of a compliant adaptable wing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molinari, G.; Quack, M.; Arrieta, A. F.; Morari, M.; Ermanni, P.

2015-10-01

This paper presents the design, optimization, realization and testing of a novel wing morphing concept, based on distributed compliance structures, and actuated by piezoelectric elements. The adaptive wing features ribs with a selectively compliant inner structure, numerically optimized to achieve aerodynamically efficient shape changes while simultaneously withstanding aeroelastic loads. The static and dynamic aeroelastic behavior of the wing, and the effect of activating the actuators, is assessed by means of coupled 3D aerodynamic and structural simulations. To demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed morphing concept and optimization procedure, the wings of a model airplane are designed and manufactured according to the presented approach. The goal is to replace conventional ailerons, thus to achieve controllability in roll purely by morphing. The mechanical properties of the manufactured components are characterized experimentally, and used to create a refined and correlated finite element model. The overall stiffness, strength, and actuation capabilities are experimentally tested and successfully compared with the numerical prediction. To counteract the nonlinear hysteretic behavior of the piezoelectric actuators, a closed-loop controller is implemented, and its capability of accurately achieving the desired shape adaptation is evaluated experimentally. Using the correlated finite element model, the aeroelastic behavior of the manufactured wing is simulated, showing that the morphing concept can provide sufficient roll authority to allow controllability of the flight. The additional degrees of freedom offered by morphing can be also used to vary the plane lift coefficient, similarly to conventional flaps. The efficiency improvements offered by this technique are evaluated numerically, and compared to the performance of a rigid wing.

Foot Structure in Boys with Down Syndrome.

PubMed

Puszczałowska-Lizis, Ewa; Nowak, Krzysztof; Omorczyk, Jarosław; Ambroży, Tadeusz; Bujas, Przemysław; Nosiadek, Leszek

2017-01-01

Down syndrome (DS) is associated with numerous developmental abnormalities, some of which cause dysfunctions of the posture and the locomotor system. The analysis of selected features of the foot structure in boys with DS versus their peers without developmental disorders is done. The podoscopic examination was performed on 30 boys with DS aged 14-15 years. A control group consisted of 30 age- and gender-matched peers without DS. The feet of boys with DS are flatter compared to their healthy peers. The hallux valgus angle is not the most important feature differentiating the shape of the foot in the boys with DS and their healthy peers. In terms of the V toe setting, healthy boys had poorer results. Specialized therapeutic treatment in individuals with DS should involve exercises to increase the muscle strength around the foot joints, enhancing the stabilization in the joints and proprioception. Introducing orthotics and proper footwear is also important. It is also necessary to monitor the state of the foot in order to modify undertaken therapies.

A modeling analysis program for the JPL table mountain Io sodium cloud data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smyth, William H.; Goldberg, Bruce A.

1988-01-01

Research in the third and final year of this project is divided into three main areas: (1) completion of data processing and calibration for 34 of the 1981 Region B/C images, selected from the massive JPL sodium cloud data set; (2) identification and examination of the basic features and observed changes in the morphological characteristics of the sodium cloud images; and (3) successful physical interpretation of these basic features and observed changes using the highly developed numerical sodium cloud model at AER. The modeling analysis has led to a number of definite conclusions regarding the local structure of Io's atmosphere, the gas escape mechanism at Io, and the presence of an east-west electric field and a System III longitudinal asymmetry in the plasma torus. Large scale stability, as well as some smaller scale time variability for both the sodium cloud and the structure of the plasma torus over a several year time period are also discussed.

Enhanced water repellency of surfaces coated with multiscale carbon structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchalot, Julien; Ramos, Stella. M. M.; Pirat, Christophe; Journet, Catherine

2018-01-01

Low cost and well characterized superhydrophobic surfaces are frequently required for industrial applications. Materials are commonly structured at the micro or nano scale. Surfaces decorated with nanotube derivatives synthesized by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) are of particular interest, since suitable modifications in the growth parameters can lead to numerous designs. In this article, we present surfaces that are selected for their specific wetting features with patterns ranging from dense forests to jungles with concave (re-entrant) surface such as flake-like multiscale roughness. Once these surfaces are functionalized adequately, their wetting properties are investigated. Their ability to sustain a superhydrophobic state for sessile water drops is examined. Finally, we propose a design to achieve a robust so-called ;Fakir; state, even for micrometer-sized drops, whereas with classic nanotubes forests it is not achievable. Thus, the drop remains on the apex of the protrusions with a high contact angle and a low contact angle hysteresis, while the surface features demonstrate good mechanical resistance against capillary forces.

Concept-Development of a Structure Supported Membrane for Deployable Space Applications - From Nature to Manufacture and Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zander, Martin; Belvin, W. K.

2012-01-01

Current space applications of membrane structures include large area solar power arrays, solar sails, antennas, and numerous other large aperture devices like the solar shades of the new James Webb Space Telescope. These expandable structural systems, deployed in-orbit to achieve the desired geometry, are used to collect, reflect and/or transmit electromagnetic radiation. This work, a feasibility study supporting a diploma thesis, describes the systematic process for developing a biologically inspired concept for a structure supported (integrated) membrane, that features a rip stop principle, makes self-deployment possible and is part of an ultra-light weight space application. Novel manufacturing of membrane prototypes and test results are presented for the rip-stop concepts. Test data showed that the new membrane concept has a higher tear resistance than neat film of equivalent mass.

A programing system for research and applications in structural optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, J.; Rogers, J. L., Jr.

1981-01-01

The paper describes a computer programming system designed to be used for methodology research as well as applications in structural optimization. The flexibility necessary for such diverse utilizations is achieved by combining, in a modular manner, a state-of-the-art optimization program, a production level structural analysis program, and user supplied and problem dependent interface programs. Standard utility capabilities existing in modern computer operating systems are used to integrate these programs. This approach results in flexibility of the optimization procedure organization and versatility in the formulation of contraints and design variables. Features shown in numerical examples include: (1) variability of structural layout and overall shape geometry, (2) static strength and stiffness constraints, (3) local buckling failure, and (4) vibration constraints. The paper concludes with a review of the further development trends of this programing system.

Design of plate directional heat transmission structure based on layered thermal metamaterials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, L. K.; Yu, Z. F.; Huang, J., E-mail: slk-0-1999@163.com

2016-02-15

Invisibility cloaks based on transformation optics are often closed structures; however, such a structure limits the kinds of objects that can be placed in the cloak. In this work, we adopt a transformation thermodynamics approach to design an “open cloak”, called a plate directional heat transmission structure, which is capable of guiding heat fluxes to the flank region of the metamaterial device. The most fascinating and unique feature of the device is that the lower surface can remain at a lower temperature compared with the SiO{sub 2} aerogel thermal insulation material. Our results are expected to markedly enhance capabilities inmore » thermal protection, thermal-energy utilization, and domains beyond. In addition to the theoretical analysis, the present design is demonstrated in numerical simulations based on finite element calculations.« less

Structural properties and defects of GaN crystals grown at ultra-high pressures: A molecular dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Tinghong; Li, Yidan; Xie, Quan; Tian, Zean; Chen, Qian; Liang, Yongchao; Ren, Lei; Hu, Xuechen

2018-01-01

The growth of GaN crystals at different pressures was studied by molecular dynamics simulation employing the Stillinger-Weber potential, and their structural properties and defects were characterized using the radial distribution function, the Voronoi polyhedron index method, and a suitable visualization technology. Crystal structures formed at 0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 GPa featured an overwhelming number of <4 0 0 0> Voronoi polyhedra, whereas amorphous structures comprising numerous disordered polyhedra were produced at 50 GPa. During quenching, coherent twin boundaries were easily formed between zinc-blende and wurtzite crystal structures in GaN. Notably, point defects usually appeared at low pressure, whereas dislocations were observed at high pressure, since the simultaneous growth of two crystal grains with different crystal orientations and their boundary expansion was hindered in the latter case, resulting in the formation of a dislocation between these grains.

The Beam Forming Numerical Simulation for High Power Neutral Injector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sorokin, A.; Deichuli, P.; Ivanov, A.

2005-01-15

High power neutral beam injector START-4 for plasma heating has been described. The distinctive features of the injector are comparatively large initial beam aperture (200 mm) and multi holes grids with the large numbers of the holes (more than 3000). A significant focusing is realized to a beam diameter 50 mm at a length 1.2 m. The disadvantage of the multi holes optic is low transparency, which decreases the efficiency of plasma source and makes worse vacuum conditions in the source. The possible decisions of these problems are using ion-optical systems (IOS) with enlarged diameter of holes and, also, applicationmore » IOS with the azimuthal-slit holes structure. Numerical simulation and test experiments have been carried out for investigation of the ability such IOS geometries.« less

Nanoporous Anodic Alumina 3D FDTD Modelling for a Broad Range of Inter-pore Distances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertó-Roselló, Francesc; Xifré-Pérez, Elisabet; Ferré-Borrull, Josep; Pallarès, Josep; Marsal, Lluis F.

2016-08-01

The capability of the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method for the numerical modelling of the optical properties of nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) in a broad range of inter-pore distances is evaluated. FDTD permits taking into account in the same numerical framework all the structural features of NAA, such as the texturization of the interfaces or the incorporation of electrolyte anions in the aluminium oxide host. The evaluation is carried out by comparing reflectance measurements from two samples with two very different inter-pore distances with the simulation results. Results show that considering the texturization is crucial to obtain good agreement with the measurements. On the other hand, including the anionic layer in the model leads to a second-order contribution to the reflectance spectrum.

Nanoporous Anodic Alumina 3D FDTD Modelling for a Broad Range of Inter-pore Distances.

PubMed

Bertó-Roselló, Francesc; Xifré-Pérez, Elisabet; Ferré-Borrull, Josep; Pallarès, Josep; Marsal, Lluis F

2016-12-01

The capability of the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method for the numerical modelling of the optical properties of nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) in a broad range of inter-pore distances is evaluated. FDTD permits taking into account in the same numerical framework all the structural features of NAA, such as the texturization of the interfaces or the incorporation of electrolyte anions in the aluminium oxide host. The evaluation is carried out by comparing reflectance measurements from two samples with two very different inter-pore distances with the simulation results. Results show that considering the texturization is crucial to obtain good agreement with the measurements. On the other hand, including the anionic layer in the model leads to a second-order contribution to the reflectance spectrum.

A numerical study of defect detection in a plaster dome ceiling using structural acoustics.

PubMed

Bucaro, J A; Romano, A J; Valdivia, N; Houston, B H; Dey, S

2009-07-01

A numerical study is carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of using measured surface displacements resulting from acoustic speaker excitation to detect and localize flaws in a domed, plaster ceiling. The response of the structure to an incident acoustic pressure is obtained at four frequencies between 100 and 400 Hz using a parallel h-p structural acoustic finite element-based code. Three ceiling conditions are modeled: the pristine ceiling considered rigidly attached to the domed-shape support, partial detachment of a segment of the plaster layer from the support, and an interior pocket of plaster deconsolidation modeled as a heavy fluid. Spatial maps of the normal displacement resulting from speaker excitation are interpreted with the help of predictions based on static analysis. It is found that acoustic speaker excitation can provide displacement levels readily detected by commercially available laser Doppler vibrometer systems. Further, it is concluded that for 1 in. thick plaster layers, detachment sizes as small as 4 cm are detectable by direct observation of the measured displacement maps. Finally, spatial structure differences are observed in the displacement maps beneath the two defect types, which may provide a wavenumber-based feature useful for distinguishing plaster detachment from other defects such as deconsolidation.

GPAW - massively parallel electronic structure calculations with Python-based software.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Enkovaara, J.; Romero, N.; Shende, S.

2011-01-01

Electronic structure calculations are a widely used tool in materials science and large consumer of supercomputing resources. Traditionally, the software packages for these kind of simulations have been implemented in compiled languages, where Fortran in its different versions has been the most popular choice. While dynamic, interpreted languages, such as Python, can increase the effciency of programmer, they cannot compete directly with the raw performance of compiled languages. However, by using an interpreted language together with a compiled language, it is possible to have most of the productivity enhancing features together with a good numerical performance. We have used thismore » approach in implementing an electronic structure simulation software GPAW using the combination of Python and C programming languages. While the chosen approach works well in standard workstations and Unix environments, massively parallel supercomputing systems can present some challenges in porting, debugging and profiling the software. In this paper we describe some details of the implementation and discuss the advantages and challenges of the combined Python/C approach. We show that despite the challenges it is possible to obtain good numerical performance and good parallel scalability with Python based software.« less

Dynamics and Afterglow Light Curves of Gamma-Ray Burst Blast Waves Encountering a Density Bump or Void

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhm, Z. Lucas; Zhang, Bing

2014-07-01

We investigate the dynamics and afterglow light curves of gamma-ray burst blast waves that encounter various density structures (such as bumps, voids, or steps) in the surrounding ambient medium. We present and explain the characteristic response features that each type of density structure in the medium leaves on the forward shock (FS) and reverse shock (RS) dynamics for blast waves with either a long-lived or short-lived RS. We show that when the ambient medium density drops, the blast waves exhibit in some cases a period of an actual acceleration (even during their deceleration stage) due to adiabatic cooling of blast waves. Comparing numerical examples that have different shapes of bumps or voids, we propose a number of consistency tests that must be satisfied by correct modeling of blast waves. Our model results successfully pass these tests. Employing a Lagrangian description of blast waves, we perform a sophisticated calculation of afterglow emission. We show that as a response to density structures in the ambient medium, the RS light curves produce more significant variations than the FS light curves. Some observed features (such as rebrightenings, dips, or slow wiggles) can be more easily explained within the RS model. We also discuss the origin of these different features imprinted on the FS and RS light curves.

Dynamics and afterglow light curves of gamma-ray burst blast waves encountering a density bump or void

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Uhm, Z. Lucas; Zhang, Bing, E-mail: uhm@pku.edu.cn, E-mail: zhang@physics.unlv.edu

2014-07-01

We investigate the dynamics and afterglow light curves of gamma-ray burst blast waves that encounter various density structures (such as bumps, voids, or steps) in the surrounding ambient medium. We present and explain the characteristic response features that each type of density structure in the medium leaves on the forward shock (FS) and reverse shock (RS) dynamics for blast waves with either a long-lived or short-lived RS. We show that when the ambient medium density drops, the blast waves exhibit in some cases a period of an actual acceleration (even during their deceleration stage) due to adiabatic cooling of blastmore » waves. Comparing numerical examples that have different shapes of bumps or voids, we propose a number of consistency tests that must be satisfied by correct modeling of blast waves. Our model results successfully pass these tests. Employing a Lagrangian description of blast waves, we perform a sophisticated calculation of afterglow emission. We show that as a response to density structures in the ambient medium, the RS light curves produce more significant variations than the FS light curves. Some observed features (such as rebrightenings, dips, or slow wiggles) can be more easily explained within the RS model. We also discuss the origin of these different features imprinted on the FS and RS light curves.« less

Solar Physics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, S. T.

2000-01-01

The areas of emphasis are: (1) develop theoretical models of the transient release of magnetic energy in the solar atmosphere, e.g., in solar flares, eruptive prominences, coronal mass ejections, etc.; (2) investigate the role of the Sun's magnetic field in the structuring of solar corona by the development of three-dimensional numerical models that describe the field configuration at various heights in the solar atmosphere by extrapolating the field at the photospheric level; (3) develop numerical models to investigate the physical parameters obtained by the ULYSSES mission; (4) develop numerical and theoretical models to investigate solar activity effects on the solar wind characteristics for the establishment of the solar-interplanetary transmission line; and (5) develop new instruments to measure solar magnetic fields and other features in the photosphere, chromosphere transition region and corona. We focused our investigation on the fundamental physical processes in solar atmosphere which directly effect our Planet Earth. The overall goal is to establish the physical process for the Sun-Earth connections.

The distance effect in numerical memory-updating tasks.

PubMed

Lendínez, Cristina; Pelegrina, Santiago; Lechuga, Teresa

2011-05-01

Two experiments examined the role of numerical distance in updating numerical information in working memory. In the first experiment, participants had to memorize a new number only when it was smaller than a previously memorized number. In the second experiment, updating was based on an external signal, which removed the need to perform any numerical comparison. In both experiments, distance between the memorized number and the new one was manipulated. The results showed that smaller distances between the new and the old information led to shorter updating times. This graded facilitation suggests that the process by which information is substituted in the focus of attention involves maintaining the shared features between the new and the old number activated and selecting other new features to be activated. Thus, the updating cost may be related to amount of new features to be activated in the focus of attention.

Numerical Investigation of Dual-Mode Scramjet Combustor with Large Upstream Interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mohieldin, T. O.; Tiwari, S. N.; Reubush, David E. (Technical Monitor)

2004-01-01

Dual-mode scramjet combustor configuration with significant upstream interaction is investigated numerically, The possibility of scaling the domain to accelerate the convergence and reduce the computational time is explored. The supersonic combustor configuration was selected to provide an understanding of key features of upstream interaction and to identify physical and numerical issues relating to modeling of dual-mode configurations. The numerical analysis was performed with vitiated air at freestream Math number of 2.5 using hydrogen as the sonic injectant. Results are presented for two-dimensional models and a three-dimensional jet-to-jet symmetric geometry. Comparisons are made with experimental results. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional results show substantial oblique shock train reaching upstream of the fuel injectors. Flow characteristics slow numerical convergence, while the upstream interaction slowly increases with further iterations. As the flow field develops, the symmetric assumption breaks down. A large separation zone develops and extends further upstream of the step. This asymmetric flow structure is not seen in the experimental data. Results obtained using a sub-scale domain (both two-dimensional and three-dimensional) qualitatively recover the flow physics obtained from full-scale simulations. All results show that numerical modeling using a scaled geometry provides good agreement with full-scale numerical results and experimental results for this configuration. This study supports the argument that numerical scaling is useful in simulating dual-mode scramjet combustor flowfields and could provide an excellent convergence acceleration technique for dual-mode simulations.

Impact of the rate of the additive process of forming a heavy structure deforming in creep on the development of its technological stresses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parshin, Dmitry A.

2018-05-01

The additive process of forming a semicircular arched structure by means of layer-by-layer addition of material to its inner surface is simulated. The impact of this process running mode on the development of the technological stresses fields in the structure being formed under the action of gravity under properties of the material creep and aging is examined. In the framework of the linear mechanics of accreted solids a mathematical model of the process under study is offered and numerical experiments are conducted. It is shown that the stress-strain state of the additively formed heavy objects decisively depends on their formation mode. Various practically important trends and features of this dependence are studied.

Magnetic ionic liquids in analytical chemistry: A review.

PubMed

Clark, Kevin D; Nacham, Omprakash; Purslow, Jeffrey A; Pierson, Stephen A; Anderson, Jared L

2016-08-31

Magnetic ionic liquids (MILs) have recently generated a cascade of innovative applications in numerous areas of analytical chemistry. By incorporating a paramagnetic component within the cation or anion, MILs exhibit a strong response toward external magnetic fields. Careful design of the MIL structure has yielded magnetoactive compounds with unique physicochemical properties including high magnetic moments, enhanced hydrophobicity, and the ability to solvate a broad range of molecules. The structural tunability and paramagnetic properties of MILs have enabled magnet-based technologies that can easily be added to the analytical method workflow, complement needed extraction requirements, or target specific analytes. This review highlights the application of MILs in analytical chemistry and examines the important structural features of MILs that largely influence their physicochemical and magnetic properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural and functional adaptations of the mammalian nuclear envelope to meet the meiotic requirements.

PubMed

Link, Jana; Jahn, Daniel; Alsheimer, Manfred

2015-01-01

Numerous studies in the past years provided definite evidence that the nuclear envelope is much more than just a simple barrier. It rather constitutes a multifunctional platform combining structural and dynamic features to fulfill many fundamental functions such as chromatin organization, regulation of transcription, signaling, but also structural duties like maintaining general nuclear architecture and shape. One additional and, without doubt, highly impressive aspect is the recently identified key function of selected nuclear envelope components in driving meiotic chromosome dynamics, which in turn is essential for accurate recombination and segregation of the homologous chromosomes. Here, we summarize the recent work identifying new key players in meiotic telomere attachment and movement and discuss the latest advances in our understanding of the actual function of the meiotic nuclear envelope.

The FLAME-slab method for electromagnetic wave scattering in aperiodic slabs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansha, Shampy; Tsukerman, Igor; Chong, Y. D.

2017-12-01

The proposed numerical method, "FLAME-slab," solves electromagnetic wave scattering problems for aperiodic slab structures by exploiting short-range regularities in these structures. The computational procedure involves special difference schemes with high accuracy even on coarse grids. These schemes are based on Trefftz approximations, utilizing functions that locally satisfy the governing differential equations, as is done in the Flexible Local Approximation Method (FLAME). Radiation boundary conditions are implemented via Fourier expansions in the air surrounding the slab. When applied to ensembles of slab structures with identical short-range features, such as amorphous or quasicrystalline lattices, the method is significantly more efficient, both in runtime and in memory consumption, than traditional approaches. This efficiency is due to the fact that the Trefftz functions need to be computed only once for the whole ensemble.

Automated detection of qualitative spatio-temporal features in electrocardiac activation maps.

PubMed

Ironi, Liliana; Tentoni, Stefania

2007-02-01

This paper describes a piece of work aiming at the realization of a tool for the automated interpretation of electrocardiac maps. Such maps can capture a number of electrical conduction pathologies, such as arrhytmia, that can be missed by the analysis of traditional electrocardiograms. But, their introduction into the clinical practice is still far away as their interpretation requires skills that belongs to very few experts. Then, an automated interpretation tool would bridge the gap between the established research outcome and clinical practice with a consequent great impact on health care. Qualitative spatial reasoning can play a crucial role in the identification of spatio-temporal patterns and salient features that characterize the heart electrical activity. We adopted the spatial aggregation (SA) conceptual framework and an interplay of numerical and qualitative information to extract features from epicardial maps, and to make them available for reasoning tasks. Our focus is on epicardial activation isochrone maps as they are a synthetic representation of spatio-temporal aspects of the propagation of the electrical excitation. We provide a computational SA-based methodology to extract, from 3D epicardial data gathered over time, (1) the excitation wavefront structure, and (2) the salient features that characterize wavefront propagation and visually correspond to specific geometric objects. The proposed methodology provides a robust and efficient way to identify salient pieces of information in activation time maps. The hierarchical structure of the abstracted geometric objects, crucial in capturing the prominent information, facilitates the definition of general rules necessary to infer the correlation between pathophysiological patterns and wavefront structure and propagation.

Quantifying Wrinkle Features of Thin Membrane Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobson, Mindy B.; Iwasa, Takashi; Naton, M. C.

2004-01-01

For future micro-systems utilizing membrane based structures, quantified predictions of wrinkling behavior in terms of amplitude, angle and wavelength are needed to optimize the efficiency and integrity of such structures, as well as their associated control systems. For numerical analyses performed in the past, limitations on the accuracy of membrane distortion simulations have often been related to the assumptions made. This work demonstrates that critical assumptions include: effects of gravity, supposed initial or boundary conditions, and the type of element used to model the membrane. In this work, a 0.2 m x 02 m membrane is treated as a structural material with non-negligible bending stiffness. Finite element modeling is used to simulate wrinkling behavior due to a constant applied in-plane shear load. Membrane thickness, gravity effects, and initial imperfections with respect to flatness were varied in numerous nonlinear analysis cases. Significant findings include notable variations in wrinkle modes for thickness in the range of 50 microns to 1000 microns, which also depend on the presence of an applied gravity field. However, it is revealed that relationships between overall strain energy density and thickness for cases with differing initial conditions are independent of assumed initial conditions. In addition, analysis results indicate that the relationship between wrinkle amplitude scale (W/t) and structural scale (L/t) is independent of the nonlinear relationship between thickness and stiffness.

Continuous and embedded solutions for SHM of concrete structures using changing electrical potential in self-sensing cement-based composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Downey, Austin; Garcia-Macias, Enrique; D'Alessandro, Antonella; Laflamme, Simon; Castro-Triguero, Rafael; Ubertini, Filippo

2017-04-01

Interest in the concept of self-sensing structural materials has grown in recent years due to its potential to enable continuous low-cost monitoring of next-generation smart-structures. The development of cement-based smart sensors appears particularly well suited for monitoring applications due to their numerous possible field applications, their ease of use and long-term stability. Additionally, cement-based sensors offer a unique opportunity for structural health monitoring of civil structures because of their compatibility with new or existing infrastructure. Particularly, the addition of conductive carbon nanofillers into a cementitious matrix provides a self-sensing structural material with piezoresistive characteristics sensitive to deformations. The strain-sensing ability is achieved by correlating the external loads with the variation of specific electrical parameters, such as the electrical resistance or impedance. Selection of the correct electrical parameter for measurement to correlate with features of interest is required for the condition assessment task. In this paper, we investigate the potential of using altering electrical potential in cement-based materials doped with carbon nanotubes to measure strain and detect damage in concrete structures. Experimental validation is conducted on small-scale specimens including a steel-reinforced beam of conductive cement paste. Comparisons are made with constant electrical potential and current methods commonly found in the literature. Experimental results demonstrate the ability of the changing electrical potential at detecting features important for assessing the condition of a structure.

A petrographic and geochemical investigation into the Gatun structure, a possible Tertiary impact structure near Gamboa, Republic de Panama

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tornabene, L. L.; Ryan, J. G.; Stewart, R. H.

2001-05-01

The Gatun Structure, (Latitude N 09 deg 05' 58.1", Longitude W 79 deg 47' 21.8", situated in the triple-canopy rainforest 10 km to the WSW of the Gamboa and about 2 km south of the Isle of Barbacoas, Republic de Panama), is a partially inundated, quasi-concentric surface feature 2.2km in diameter, which appears in aerial photographs and in radar imagery as an arcuate chain of islands with a raised central feature. Although deeply eroded, the structure possesses traits consistent with complex crater morphology: an elevated circular central uplift feature approximately 500-600 m in diameter and 50m high, and arcuate boundary ridges (a possible rim structure) ranging from 50-100 meters high. Within the central peak, highly altered and fractured siltstone of the Gatuncillo formation (Eocene) are uplifted and exposed through surrounding calcareous units of the Caimito formation (Oligocene), the major target rocks in the structure. The structure is crosscut by numerous dikes of unshocked basalt and basaltic andesite related to volcanism along the Panamanian segment of the Central American arc to the south. Analysis of mineral assemblages of units within the structure, and mineral compositions were measured via SEM-EDS and electron microprobe, using the JEOL SEM-Probe facility at the Center for the Study of Materials in Extreme Conditions (CeSMEC) at Florida International University. Bulk chemical and trace element analysis of whole rock samples were conducted via DC Plasma spectrometry at USF. Occurring concentrically within the structure, are limestones with anomalous spherical glass inclusions, both black and white hypocrystalline glasses (melt rocks?), lithic breccias, and melt-bearing breccias, some of which contain flow banding and evidence of selective melting. Three types of spherules (glass, fluid-drop and lithic), a pyroxene-quartz "necklace" disequilibrium structure and possibly shocked amphibole are all petrographic indicators of a possible impact event. In addition, the presence of maskelynite has been based on petrography, SEM-EDS and by RAMAN spectroscopy. RAMAN results indicated that many plagioclase grains in a blue-green clast bering breccia (suevite?) were highly disordered and amorphous. Considering the distance of the Gatun structure from the explosive volcanism of Panamanian arc (approximately 30 km away), and the presence of spherules, maskelynite and other disequilibrium shock features, an impact origin is our preferred interpretation for the Gatun structure.

Dynamical Instability Produces Transform Faults at Mid-Ocean Ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerya, Taras

2010-08-01

Transform faults at mid-ocean ridges—one of the most striking, yet enigmatic features of terrestrial plate tectonics—are considered to be the inherited product of preexisting fault structures. Ridge offsets along these faults therefore should remain constant with time. Here, numerical models suggest that transform faults are actively developing and result from dynamical instability of constructive plate boundaries, irrespective of previous structure. Boundary instability from asymmetric plate growth can spontaneously start in alternate directions along successive ridge sections; the resultant curved ridges become transform faults within a few million years. Fracture-related rheological weakening stabilizes ridge-parallel detachment faults. Offsets along the transform faults change continuously with time by asymmetric plate growth and discontinuously by ridge jumps.

Bright-dark and dark-dark solitons in coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation with P T -symmetric potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nath, Debraj; Gao, Yali; Babu Mareeswaran, R.; Kanna, T.; Roy, Barnana

2017-12-01

We explore different nonlinear coherent structures, namely, bright-dark (BD) and dark-dark (DD) solitons in a coupled nonlinear Schrödinger/Gross-Pitaevskii equation with defocusing/repulsive nonlinearity coefficients featuring parity-time ( P T )-symmetric potentials. Especially, for two choices of P T -symmetric potentials, we obtain the exact solutions for BD and DD solitons. We perform the linear stability analysis of the obtained coherent structures. The results of this linear stability analysis are well corroborated by direct numerical simulation incorporating small random noise. It has been found that there exists a parameter regime which can support stable BD and DD solitons.

Gravity field of the Moon from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission.

PubMed

Zuber, Maria T; Smith, David E; Watkins, Michael M; Asmar, Sami W; Konopliv, Alexander S; Lemoine, Frank G; Melosh, H Jay; Neumann, Gregory A; Phillips, Roger J; Solomon, Sean C; Wieczorek, Mark A; Williams, James G; Goossens, Sander J; Kruizinga, Gerhard; Mazarico, Erwan; Park, Ryan S; Yuan, Dah-Ning

2013-02-08

Spacecraft-to-spacecraft tracking observations from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) have been used to construct a gravitational field of the Moon to spherical harmonic degree and order 420. The GRAIL field reveals features not previously resolved, including tectonic structures, volcanic landforms, basin rings, crater central peaks, and numerous simple craters. From degrees 80 through 300, over 98% of the gravitational signature is associated with topography, a result that reflects the preservation of crater relief in highly fractured crust. The remaining 2% represents fine details of subsurface structure not previously resolved. GRAIL elucidates the role of impact bombardment in homogenizing the distribution of shallow density anomalies on terrestrial planetary bodies.

Nonlinear random response prediction using MSC/NASTRAN

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, J. H.; Chiang, C. K.; Rizzi, S. A.

1993-01-01

An equivalent linearization technique was incorporated into MSC/NASTRAN to predict the nonlinear random response of structures by means of Direct Matrix Abstract Programming (DMAP) modifications and inclusion of the nonlinear differential stiffness module inside the iteration loop. An iterative process was used to determine the rms displacements. Numerical results obtained for validation on simple plates and beams are in good agreement with existing solutions in both the linear and linearized regions. The versatility of the implementation will enable the analyst to determine the nonlinear random responses for complex structures under combined loads. The thermo-acoustic response of a hexagonal thermal protection system panel is used to highlight some of the features of the program.

Polarization-independent electromagnetically induced transparency-like metasurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Xiuli; Wang, Xiaoou

2018-01-01

A classical electromagnetically induced transparency-like (EIT-like) metasurface is numerically simulated. This metasurface is composed of two identical and orthogonal double-end semitoroidals (DESTs) metal resonators. Under the excitation of the normal incidence waves, each of the two DESTs structure exhibits electromagnetic dipole responses at different frequencies, which leads to the polarization-independent EIT-like effect. The features of the EIT-like effect are qualitatively analyzed based on the surface current and magnetic field distribution. In addition, the large index is extracted to verify the slow-light property within the transmission window. The EIT-like metasurface structure with the above-mentioned characteristics may have potential applications in some areas, such as sensing, slow light, and filtering devices.

Resurrecting hot dark matter - Large-scale structure from cosmic strings and massive neutrinos

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scherrer, Robert J.

1988-01-01

These are the results of a numerical simulation of the formation of large-scale structure from cosmic-string loops in a universe dominated by massive neutrinos (hot dark matter). This model has several desirable features. The final matter distribution contains isolated density peaks embedded in a smooth background, producing a natural bias in the distribution of luminous matter. Because baryons can accrete onto the cosmic strings before the neutrinos, the galaxies will have baryon cores and dark neutrino halos. Galaxy formation in this model begins much earlier than in random-phase models. On large scales the distribution of clustered matter visually resembles the CfA survey, with large voids and filaments.

3D light harnessing based on coupling engineering between 1D-2D Photonic Crystal membranes and metallic nano-antenna.

PubMed

Belarouci, Ali; Benyattou, Taha; Letartre, Xavier; Viktorovitch, Pierre

2010-09-13

A new approach is proposed for the optimum addressing of a metallic nano-antenna (NA) with a free space optical beam. This approach relies on the use of an intermediate resonator structure that provides the appropriate modal conversion of the incoming beam. More precisely, the intermediate resonator consists in a Photonic Crystal (PC) membrane resonant structure that takes benefit of surface addressable slow Bloch modes. First, a phenomenological approach including a deep physical understanding of the NA-PC coupling and its optimization is presented. In a second step, the main features of this analysis are confirmed by numerical simulations (FDTD).

Polarized Ends of Human Macula Densa Cells: Ultrastructural Investigation and Morphofunctional Correlations.

PubMed

Cangiotti, Angela Maria; Lorenzi, Teresa; Zingaretti, Maria Cristina; Fabri, Mara; Morroni, Manrico

2018-05-01

The morphology of the kidney macula densa (MD) has extensively been investigated in animals, whereas human studies are scanty. We studied the fine structure of human MD cells focusing on their apical and basal ends and correlating structure and function. The MD region was examined by transmission electron microscopy in six renal biopsies from patients with kidney disease. Ultrastructural analysis of MD cells was performed on serial sections. MD cells show two polarized ends. The apical portion is characterized by a single, immotile cilium associated with microvilli; apically, cells are joined by adhering junctions. In the basal portion, the cytoplasm contains small, dense granules and numerous, irregular cytoplasmic projections extending to the adjacent extraglomerular mesangium. The projections often contain small, dense granules. A reticulated basement membrane around MD cells separates them from the extraglomerular mesangium. Although the fact that tissue specimens came from patients with kidney disease mandates extreme caution, ultrastructural examination confirmed that MD cells have sensory features due to the presence of the primary cilium, that they are connected by apical adhering junctions forming a barrier that separates the tubular flow from the interstitium, and that they present numerous basal interdigitations surrounded by a reticulated basement membrane. Conceivably, the latter two features are related to the functional activity of the MD. The small, dense granules in the basal cytoplasm and in cytoplasmic projections are likely related to the paracrine function of MD cells. Anat Rec, 301:922-931, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhdankin, Vladimir; Boldyrev, Stanislav; Perez, Jean Carlos

We investigate the intermittency of energy dissipation in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence by identifying dissipative structures and measuring their characteristic scales. We find that the probability distribution of energy dissipation rates exhibits a power-law tail with an index very close to the critical value of –2.0, which indicates that structures of all intensities contribute equally to energy dissipation. We find that energy dissipation is uniformly spread among coherent structures with lengths and widths in the inertial range. At the same time, these structures have thicknesses deep within the dissipative regime. As the Reynolds number is increased, structures become thinner and moremore » numerous, while the energy dissipation continues to occur mainly in large-scale coherent structures. This implies that in the limit of high Reynolds number, energy dissipation occurs in thin, tightly packed current sheets which nevertheless span a continuum of scales up to the system size, exhibiting features of both coherent structures and nanoflares previously conjectured as a coronal heating mechanism.« less

Structural Insights into Bacillus thuringiensis Cry, Cyt and Parasporin Toxins

PubMed Central

Xu, Chengchen; Wang, Bi-Cheng; Yu, Ziniu; Sun, Ming

2014-01-01

Since the first X-ray structure of Cry3Aa was revealed in 1991, numerous structures of B. thuringiensis toxins have been determined and published. In recent years, functional studies on the mode of action and resistance mechanism have been proposed, which notably promoted the developments of biological insecticides and insect-resistant transgenic crops. With the exploration of known pore-forming toxins (PFTs) structures, similarities between PFTs and B. thuringiensis toxins have provided great insights into receptor binding interactions and conformational changes from water-soluble to membrane pore-forming state of B. thuringiensis toxins. This review mainly focuses on the latest discoveries of the toxin working mechanism, with the emphasis on structural related progress. Based on the structural features, B. thuringiensis Cry, Cyt and parasporin toxins could be divided into three categories: three-domain type α-PFTs, Cyt toxin type β-PFTs and aerolysin type β-PFTs. Structures from each group are elucidated and discussed in relation to the latest data, respectively. PMID:25229189

Numerical Simulation of Airflow Fields in Two Typical Nasal Structures of Empty Nose Syndrome: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study

PubMed Central

Di, Meng-Yang; Jiang, Zhe; Gao, Zhi-Qiang; Li, Zhi; An, Yi-Ran; Lv, Wei

2013-01-01

Background The pathogenesis of empty nose syndrome (ENS) has not been elucidated so far. Though postulated, there remains a lack of experimental evidence about the roles of nasal aerodynamics on the development of ENS. Objective To investigate the nasal aerodynamic features of ENS andto explore the role of aerodynamic changes on the pathogenesis of ENS. Methods Seven sinonasal models were numerically constructed, based on the high resolution computed tomography images of seven healthy male adults. Bilateral radical inferior/middle turbinectomy were numerically performed to mimic the typical nasal structures of ENS-inferior turbinate (ENS-IT) and ENS-middle turbinate (ENS-MT). A steady laminar model was applied in calculation. Velocity, pressure, streamlines, air flux and wall shear stress were numerically investigated. Each parameter of normal structures was compared with those of the corresponding pathological models of ENS-IT and ENS-MT, respectively. Results ENS-MT: Streamlines, air flux distribution, and wall shear stress distribution were generally similar to those of the normal structures; nasal resistances decreased. Velocities decreased locally, while increased around the sphenopalatine ganglion by 0.20±0.17m/s and 0.22±0.10m/s during inspiration and expiration, respectively. ENS-IT: Streamlines were less organized with new vortexes shown near the bottom wall. The airflow rates passing through the nasal olfactory area decreased by 26.27%±8.68% and 13.18%±7.59% during inspiration and expiration, respectively. Wall shear stresses, nasal resistances and local velocities all decreased. Conclusion Our CFD simulation study suggests that the changes in nasal aerodynamics may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of ENS. An increased velocity around the sphenopalatine ganglion in the ENS-MT models could be responsible for headache in patients with ENS-MT. However, these results need to be validated in further studies with a larger sample size and more complicated calculating models. PMID:24367645

ASHEE: a compressible, Equilibrium-Eulerian model for volcanic ash plumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cerminara, M.; Esposti Ongaro, T.; Berselli, L. C.

2015-10-01

A new fluid-dynamic model is developed to numerically simulate the non-equilibrium dynamics of polydisperse gas-particle mixtures forming volcanic plumes. Starting from the three-dimensional N-phase Eulerian transport equations (Neri et al., 2003) for a mixture of gases and solid dispersed particles, we adopt an asymptotic expansion strategy to derive a compressible version of the first-order non-equilibrium model (Ferry and Balachandar, 2001), valid for low concentration regimes (particle volume fraction less than 10-3) and particles Stokes number (St, i.e., the ratio between their relaxation time and flow characteristic time) not exceeding about 0.2. The new model, which is called ASHEE (ASH Equilibrium Eulerian), is significantly faster than the N-phase Eulerian model while retaining the capability to describe gas-particle non-equilibrium effects. Direct numerical simulation accurately reproduce the dynamics of isotropic, compressible turbulence in subsonic regime. For gas-particle mixtures, it describes the main features of density fluctuations and the preferential concentration and clustering of particles by turbulence, thus verifying the model reliability and suitability for the numerical simulation of high-Reynolds number and high-temperature regimes in presence of a dispersed phase. On the other hand, Large-Eddy Numerical Simulations of forced plumes are able to reproduce their observed averaged and instantaneous flow properties. In particular, the self-similar Gaussian radial profile and the development of large-scale coherent structures are reproduced, including the rate of turbulent mixing and entrainment of atmospheric air. Application to the Large-Eddy Simulation of the injection of the eruptive mixture in a stratified atmosphere describes some of important features of turbulent volcanic plumes, including air entrainment, buoyancy reversal, and maximum plume height. For very fine particles (St → 0, when non-equilibrium effects are negligible) the model reduces to the so-called dusty-gas model. However, coarse particles partially decouple from the gas phase within eddies (thus modifying the turbulent structure) and preferentially concentrate at the eddy periphery, eventually being lost from the plume margins due to the concurrent effect of gravity. By these mechanisms, gas-particle non-equilibrium processes are able to influence the large-scale behavior of volcanic plumes.

Experimental Modal Analysis and Dynaic Strain Fiber Bragg Gratings for Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Aerospace Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panopoulou, A.; Fransen, S.; Gomez Molinero, V.; Kostopoulos, V.

2012-07-01

The objective of this work is to develop a new structural health monitoring system for composite aerospace structures based on dynamic response strain measurements and experimental modal analysis techniques. Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) optical sensors were used for monitoring the dynamic response of the composite structure. The structural dynamic behaviour has been numerically simulated and experimentally verified by means of vibration testing. The hypothesis of all vibration tests was that actual damage in composites reduces their stiffness and produces the same result as mass increase produces. Thus, damage was simulated by slightly varying locally the mass of the structure at different zones. Experimental modal analysis based on the strain responses was conducted and the extracted strain mode shapes were the input for the damage detection expert system. A feed-forward back propagation neural network was the core of the damage detection system. The features-input to the neural network consisted of the strain mode shapes, extracted from the experimental modal analysis. Dedicated training and validation activities were carried out based on the experimental results. The system showed high reliability, confirmed by the ability of the neural network to recognize the size and the position of damage on the structure. The experiments were performed on a real structure i.e. a lightweight antenna sub- reflector, manufactured and tested at EADS CASA ESPACIO. An integrated FBG sensor network, based on the advantage of multiplexing, was mounted on the structure with optimum topology. Numerical simulation of both structures was used as a support tool at all the steps of the work. Potential applications for the proposed system are during ground qualification extensive tests of space structures and during the mission as modal analysis tool on board, being able via the FBG responses to identify a potential failure.

Direct Simulation and Theoretical Study of Sub- and Supersonic Wakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickey, Jean-Pierre

Wakes are constitutive components of engineering, aeronautical and geophysical flows. Despite their canonical nature, many fundamental questions surrounding wakes remain unanswered. The present work studies the nature of archetypal planar splitter-plate wakes in the sub- and supersonic regimes from a theoretical as well as a numerical perspective. A highly-parallelizable computational fluid dynamic solver was developed, from scratch, for the very-large scale direct numerical simulations of high-speed free shear flows. Wakes maintain a near indelible memory of their origins; thus, changes to the state of the flow on the generating body lead to multiple self-similar states in the far wake. To understand the source of the lack of universality, three distinct wake evolution scenarios are investigated in the incompressible limit: the Kelvin-Helmholtz transition, the bypass transition in an asymmetric wake and the initially turbulent wake. The multiplicity of self-similar states is the result of a plurality of far wake structural organizations, which maintains the memory of the flow. The structural organization is predicated on the presence or absence of near wake anti-symmetric perturbations (as a result of shedding, instability modes and/or trailing edge receptivity). The plurality of large-scale structural organization contrasts with the commonality observed in the mid-sized structures, which are dominated by inclined vortical rods, and not, as previously assumed, by horseshoe structures. The compressibility effects are a direct function of the maximal velocity defect in the wake and are therefore only important in the transitional region - the far wake having an essentially incompressible character. The compressibility simultaneously modifies the growth rate and wavelength of the primary instability mode with a concomitant effect on the emerging transitional structures. As a direct result, the spanwise rollers have an increasing ellipticity and cross-wake domain of influence with the increasing Mach number of the wake. Consequently, structural pairing - a key feature of wake transition - is inhibited at a critical Mach number, which greatly modifies the transitional dynamics. In idealized wakes, the increased stability caused by the compressibility effects leads to a vortex breakdown of secondary structures prior to the full transition of the principal mode. These findings open the door to novel mixing enhancement and flow control possibilities in the high-speed wake transition. Keywords: FLUID DYNAMICS, DIRECT NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS, FREE SHEAR FLOWS, TURBULENCE, NUMERICAL METHODS

Exploiting Information Diffusion Feature for Link Prediction in Sina Weibo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dong; Zhang, Yongchao; Xu, Zhiming; Chu, Dianhui; Li, Sheng

2016-01-01

The rapid development of online social networks (e.g., Twitter and Facebook) has promoted research related to social networks in which link prediction is a key problem. Although numerous attempts have been made for link prediction based on network structure, node attribute and so on, few of the current studies have considered the impact of information diffusion on link creation and prediction. This paper mainly addresses Sina Weibo, which is the largest microblog platform with Chinese characteristics, and proposes the hypothesis that information diffusion influences link creation and verifies the hypothesis based on real data analysis. We also detect an important feature from the information diffusion process, which is used to promote link prediction performance. Finally, the experimental results on Sina Weibo dataset have demonstrated the effectiveness of our methods.

Exploiting Information Diffusion Feature for Link Prediction in Sina Weibo.

PubMed

Li, Dong; Zhang, Yongchao; Xu, Zhiming; Chu, Dianhui; Li, Sheng

2016-01-28

The rapid development of online social networks (e.g., Twitter and Facebook) has promoted research related to social networks in which link prediction is a key problem. Although numerous attempts have been made for link prediction based on network structure, node attribute and so on, few of the current studies have considered the impact of information diffusion on link creation and prediction. This paper mainly addresses Sina Weibo, which is the largest microblog platform with Chinese characteristics, and proposes the hypothesis that information diffusion influences link creation and verifies the hypothesis based on real data analysis. We also detect an important feature from the information diffusion process, which is used to promote link prediction performance. Finally, the experimental results on Sina Weibo dataset have demonstrated the effectiveness of our methods.

Protein Aggregation/Folding: The Role of Deterministic Singularities of Sequence Hydrophobicity as Determined by Nonlinear Signal Analysis of Acylphosphatase and Aβ(1–40)

PubMed Central

Zbilut, Joseph P.; Colosimo, Alfredo; Conti, Filippo; Colafranceschi, Mauro; Manetti, Cesare; Valerio, MariaCristina; Webber, Charles L.; Giuliani, Alessandro

2003-01-01

The problem of protein folding vs. aggregation was investigated in acylphosphatase and the amyloid protein Aβ(1–40) by means of nonlinear signal analysis of their chain hydrophobicity. Numerical descriptors of recurrence patterns provided the basis for statistical evaluation of folding/aggregation distinctive features. Static and dynamic approaches were used to elucidate conditions coincident with folding vs. aggregation using comparisons with known protein secondary structure classifications, site-directed mutagenesis studies of acylphosphatase, and molecular dynamics simulations of amyloid protein, Aβ(1–40). The results suggest that a feature derived from principal component space characterized by the smoothness of singular, deterministic hydrophobicity patches plays a significant role in the conditions governing protein aggregation. PMID:14645049

Effects of noise and confidence thresholds in nominal and metric Axelrod dynamics of social influence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Sanctis, Luca; Galla, Tobias

2009-04-01

We study the effects of bounded confidence thresholds and of interaction and external noise on Axelrod’s model of social influence. Our study is based on a combination of numerical simulations and an integration of the mean-field master equation describing the system in the thermodynamic limit. We find that interaction thresholds affect the system only quantitatively, but that they do not alter the basic phase structure. The known crossover between an ordered and a disordered state in finite systems subject to external noise persists in models with general confidence threshold. Interaction noise here facilitates the dynamics and reduces relaxation times. We also study Axelrod systems with metric features and point out similarities and differences compared to models with nominal features.

Probing stochastic inter-galactic magnetic fields using blazar-induced gamma ray halo morphology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duplessis, Francis; Vachaspati, Tanmay, E-mail: fdupless@asu.edu, E-mail: tvachasp@asu.edu

Inter-galactic magnetic fields can imprint their structure on the morphology of blazar-induced gamma ray halos. We show that the halo morphology arises through the interplay of the source's jet and a two-dimensional surface dictated by the magnetic field. Through extensive numerical simulations, we generate mock halos created by stochastic magnetic fields with and without helicity, and study the dependence of the halo features on the properties of the magnetic field. We propose a sharper version of the Q-statistics and demonstrate its sensitivity to the magnetic field strength, the coherence scale, and the handedness of the helicity. We also identify andmore » explain a new feature of the Q-statistics that can further enhance its power.« less

Effect of wettability and topological features of Namib beetle inspired bumps on dropwise condensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Shakeel; Tang, Hui; Yao, Haimin

2017-11-01

The Stenocara beetle lives in arid desert environment where the only available source of water is fog droplets. The beetle contains many hydrophobic/hydrophilic bumps on its back. Water collection occurs on the hydrophilic patches. Once the droplet reaches the critical volume, it sheds down due to gravity. Although a number of studies on condensation and water collection on beetle inspired structures have been reported in literature, most of them were on micro/nano scale textures. However, in nature the beetle bumps are in millimeter scale. At this scale the role of topological features and gravity becomes crucial for early droplet shedding. Therefore, in this work we numerically investigated the effects of bump shape, wettability contrast, surface slope and hydrophilic patch to total area ratio on droplet shedding volume and time. A three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) based numerical framework was used for the simulations. Compared with bumps of other shapes such a cube or a circular cylinder, faster droplet shedding was obtained over a hemispherical bump. Furthermore, it was found that larger hydrophilic patch to total area ratio for the hemispherical bump significantly increased the droplet shedding time.

Detection and analysis of morphotectonic features utilizing satellite remote sensing and GIS: An example in SW Jordan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radaideh, Omar M. A.; Grasemann, Bernhard; Melichar, Rostislav; Mosar, Jon

2016-12-01

This study investigates the dominant orientations of morphological features and the relationship between these trends and the spatial orientation of tectonic structures in SW Jordan. Landsat 8 and hill-shaded images, constructed from 30 m-resolution ASTER-GDEM data, were used for automatically extracting and mapping geological lineaments. The ASTER-GDEM was further utilized to automatically identify and extract drainage network. Morphological features were analyzed by means of azimuth frequency and length density distributions. Tectonic controls on the land surface were evaluated using longitudinal profiles of many westerly flowing streams. The profiles were taken directly across the northerly trending faults within a strong topographic transition between the low-gradient uplands and the deeply incised mountain front on the east side of the Dead Sea Fault Zone. Streams of the area are widely divergent, and show numerous anomalies along their profiles when they transect faults and lineaments. Five types of drainage patterns were identified: dendritic, parallel, rectangular, trellis, and modified dendritic/trellis. Interpretation and analysis of the lineaments indicate the presence of four main lineament populations that trend E-W, N-S, NE-SW, and NW-SE. Azimuthal distribution analysis of both the measured structures and drainage channels shows similar trends, except for very few differences in the prevailing directions. The similarity in orientation of lineaments, drainage system, and subsurface structural trends highlights the degree of control exerted by underlying structure on the surface geomorphological features. Faults and lineaments serve as a preferential conduit for surface running waters. The extracted lineaments were divided into five populations based on the main age of host rocks outcropping in the study area to obtain information about the temporal evolution of the lineament trends through geologic time. A general consistency in lineament trends over the different lithological units was observed, most probably because repeated reactivation of tectonism along preexisting deep structural discontinuities which are apparently crustal weakness zones. The reactivation along such inherited discontinuities under the present-day stress field is the most probable explanation of the complicated pattern and style of present-day landscape features in SW Jordan.

Design and Analysis of Wind Turbine Rotors Using Hinged Structures and Rods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Hongya; Zeng, Pan; Lei, Liping

2018-03-01

Light weight and high stiffness are key design factors in ensuring cost effectiveness and reliability of wind turbines, especially for the inboard region of the rotor blades. In this study, several novel designs were developed to improve the mechanical performance of the rotor. Experiments were performed on an isolated blade incorporating the new features of a hinged structure and rods. The results validated the effectiveness of these features at alleviating the root-bending moment of the blade under varying wind loads and enhancing the stiffness of the blade. A numerical investigation was carried out to further examine the bending moment distribution, shear and axial force, and rod tension of these novel rotor designs under uniform loads. Longitudinal geometrical variations of the blade were considered in the model. Results showed that two designs realized a favorable bending moment distribution and improved the modal frequencies of the edgewise modes: bisymmetrical rods on a single-hinged structure and interveined symmetrical rods on a cantilevered structure. However, these designs have different deformation mechanisms. In addition, the first group of edgewise modal frequencies of these two designs were improved compared with the traditional rotor design. Their potential values in the application to the design of a lightweight, high-stiffness, and reliable wind turbine rotor were discussed.

Kinetic feature of dipolarization fronts produced by interchange instability in the magnetotail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyu, Haoyu

2017-04-01

A two-dimensional extended MHD simulation is performed to study the kinetic feature of depolarization fronts (DF) in the scale of the ion inertial length / ion Larmor radius. The interchange instability, arising due to the force imbalance between the tailward gradient of thermal pressure and Earthward magnetic curvature force, self-consistently produces the DF in the near-Earth region. Numerical investigations indicate that the DF is a tangential discontinuity, which means that the normal plasma velocity across the DF should be zero in the reference system that is static with the DF structure. The electric system, including electric field and current, is determined by Hall effect arising in the scale of ion inertial length. Hall effect not only mainly contributes on the electric field normal to the tangent plane of the DF, increases the current along the tangent plane of the DF, but also makes the DF structure asymmetric. The drifting motion of the large-scale DF structure is determined by the FLR effect arising in the scale of ion Larmor radius. The ion magnetization velocity induced by the FLR effect is towards to duskward at the subsolar point of the DF, but the y component of velocity in the region after the DF, which dominantly results in the drifting motion of the whole mushroom structure towards the dawn.

Integrating spatial and numerical structure in mathematical patterning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni’mah, K.; Purwanto; Irawan, E. B.; Hidayanto, E.

2018-03-01

This paper reports a study monitoring the integrating spatial and numerical structure in mathematical patterning skills of 30 students grade 7th of junior high school. The purpose of this research is to clarify the processes by which learners construct new knowledge in mathematical patterning. Findings indicate that: (1) students are unable to organize the structure of spatial and numerical, (2) students were only able to organize the spatial structure, but the numerical structure is still incorrect, (3) students were only able to organize numerical structure, but its spatial structure is still incorrect, (4) students were able to organize both of the spatial and numerical structure.

All for one but not one for all: how multiple number representations are recruited in one numerical task.

PubMed

Wood, Guilherme; Nuerk, Hans-Christoph; Moeller, Korbinian; Geppert, Barbara; Schnitker, Ralph; Weber, Jochen; Willmes, Klaus

2008-01-02

Number processing recruits a complex network of multiple numerical representations. Usually the components of this network are examined in a between-task approach with the disadvantage of relying upon different instructions, tasks, and inhomogeneous stimulus sets across different studies. A within-task approach may avoid these disadvantages and access involved numerical representations more specifically. In the present study we employed a within-task approach to investigate numerical representations activated in the number bisection task (NBT) using parametric rapid event-related fMRI. Participants were to judge whether the central number of a triplet was also its arithmetic mean (e.g. 23_26_29) or not (e.g. 23_25_29). Activation in the left inferior parietal cortex was associated with the deployment of arithmetic fact knowledge, while activation of the intraparietal cortex indicated more intense magnitude processing, instrumental aspects of calculation and integration of the base-10 structure of two-digit numbers. These results replicate evidence from the literature. Furthermore, activation in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex revealed mechanisms of feature monitoring and inhibition as well as allocation of cognitive resources recruited to solve a specific triplet. We conclude that the network of numerical representations should rather be studied in a within-task approach than in varying between-task approaches.

GrowYourIC: A Step Toward a Coherent Model of the Earth's Inner Core Seismic Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasbleis, Marine; Waszek, Lauren; Day, Elizabeth A.

2017-11-01

A complex inner core structure has been well established from seismic studies, showing radial and lateral heterogeneities at various length scales. Yet no geodynamic model is able to explain all the features observed. One of the main limits for this is the lack of tools to compare seismic observations and numerical models successfully. We use here a new Python tool called GrowYourIC to compare models of inner core structure. We calculate properties of geodynamic models of the inner core along seismic raypaths, for random or user-specified data sets. We test kinematic models which simulate fast lateral translation, superrotation, and differential growth. We explore first the influence on a real inner core data set, which has a sparse coverage of the inner core boundary. Such a data set is however able to successfully constrain the hemispherical boundaries due to a good sampling of latitudes. Combining translation and rotation could explain some of the features of the boundaries separating the inner core hemispheres. The depth shift of the boundaries, observed by some authors, seems unlikely to be modeled by a fast translation but could be produced by slow translation associated with superrotation.

Structural analysis of online handwritten mathematical symbols based on support vector machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simistira, Foteini; Papavassiliou, Vassilis; Katsouros, Vassilis; Carayannis, George

2013-01-01

Mathematical expression recognition is still a very challenging task for the research community mainly because of the two-dimensional (2d) structure of mathematical expressions (MEs). In this paper, we present a novel approach for the structural analysis between two on-line handwritten mathematical symbols of a ME, based on spatial features of the symbols. We introduce six features to represent the spatial affinity of the symbols and compare two multi-class classification methods that employ support vector machines (SVMs): one based on the "one-against-one" technique and one based on the "one-against-all", in identifying the relation between a pair of symbols (i.e. subscript, numerator, etc). A dataset containing 1906 spatial relations derived from the Competition on Recognition of Online Handwritten Mathematical Expressions (CROHME) 2012 training dataset is constructed to evaluate the classifiers and compare them with the rule-based classifier of the ILSP-1 system participated in the contest. The experimental results give an overall mean error rate of 2.61% for the "one-against-one" SVM approach, 6.57% for the "one-against-all" SVM technique and 12.31% error rate for the ILSP-1 classifier.

Modeling asthma: Pitfalls, promises, and the road ahead.

PubMed

Rosenberg, Helene F; Druey, Kirk M

2018-02-16

Asthma is a chronic, heterogeneous, and recurring inflammatory disease of the lower airways, with exacerbations that feature airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Asthma has been modeled extensively via disease induction in both wild-type and genetically manipulated laboratory mice (Mus musculus). Antigen sensitization and challenge strategies have reproduced numerous important features of airway inflammation characteristic of human asthma, notably the critical roles of type 2 T helper cell cytokines. Recent models of disease induction have advanced to include physiologic aeroallergens with prolonged respiratory challenge without systemic sensitization; others incorporate tobacco, respiratory viruses, or bacteria as exacerbants. Nonetheless, differences in lung size, structure, and physiologic responses limit the degree to which airway dynamics measured in mice can be compared to human subjects. Other rodent allergic airways models, including those featuring the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) might be considered for lung function studies. Finally, domestic cats (Feline catus) and horses (Equus caballus) develop spontaneous obstructive airway disorders with clinical and pathologic features that parallel human asthma. Information on pathogenesis and treatment of these disorders is an important resource. ©2018 Society for Leukocyte Biology.

Subsurface failure in spherical bodies. A formation scenario for linear troughs on Vesta’s surface

DOE PAGES

Stickle, Angela M.; Schultz, P. H.; Crawford, D. A.

2014-10-13

Many asteroids in the Solar System exhibit unusual, linear features on their surface. The Dawn mission recently observed two sets of linear features on the surface of the asteroid 4 Vesta. Geologic observations indicate that these features are related to the two large impact basins at the south pole of Vesta, though no specific mechanism of origin has been determined. Furthermore, the orientation of the features is offset from the center of the basins. Experimental and numerical results reveal that the offset angle is a natural consequence of oblique impacts into a spherical target. We demonstrate that a set ofmore » shear planes develops in the subsurface of the body opposite to the point of first contact. Moreover, these subsurface failure zones then propagate to the surface under combined tensile-shear stress fields after the impact to create sets of approximately linear faults on the surface. Comparison between the orientation of damage structures in the laboratory and failure regions within Vesta can be used to constrain impact parameters (e.g., the approximate impact point and likely impact trajectory).« less

Feature-Based Statistical Analysis of Combustion Simulation Data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bennett, J; Krishnamoorthy, V; Liu, S

2011-11-18

We present a new framework for feature-based statistical analysis of large-scale scientific data and demonstrate its effectiveness by analyzing features from Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of turbulent combustion. Turbulent flows are ubiquitous and account for transport and mixing processes in combustion, astrophysics, fusion, and climate modeling among other disciplines. They are also characterized by coherent structure or organized motion, i.e. nonlocal entities whose geometrical features can directly impact molecular mixing and reactive processes. While traditional multi-point statistics provide correlative information, they lack nonlocal structural information, and hence, fail to provide mechanistic causality information between organized fluid motion and mixing andmore » reactive processes. Hence, it is of great interest to capture and track flow features and their statistics together with their correlation with relevant scalar quantities, e.g. temperature or species concentrations. In our approach we encode the set of all possible flow features by pre-computing merge trees augmented with attributes, such as statistical moments of various scalar fields, e.g. temperature, as well as length-scales computed via spectral analysis. The computation is performed in an efficient streaming manner in a pre-processing step and results in a collection of meta-data that is orders of magnitude smaller than the original simulation data. This meta-data is sufficient to support a fully flexible and interactive analysis of the features, allowing for arbitrary thresholds, providing per-feature statistics, and creating various global diagnostics such as Cumulative Density Functions (CDFs), histograms, or time-series. We combine the analysis with a rendering of the features in a linked-view browser that enables scientists to interactively explore, visualize, and analyze the equivalent of one terabyte of simulation data. We highlight the utility of this new framework for combustion science; however, it is applicable to many other science domains.« less

Comparison of age distributions estimated from environmental tracers by using binary-dilution and numerical models of fractured and folded karst: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and West Virginia, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yager, Richard M.; Plummer, Niel; Kauffman, Leon J.; Doctor, Daniel H.; Nelms, David L.; Schlosser, Peter

2013-01-01

Measured concentrations of environmental tracers in spring discharge from a karst aquifer in the Shenandoah Valley, USA, were used to refine a numerical groundwater flow model. The karst aquifer is folded and faulted carbonate bedrock dominated by diffuse flow along fractures. The numerical model represented bedrock structure and discrete features (fault zones and springs). Concentrations of 3H, 3He, 4He, and CFC-113 in spring discharge were interpreted as binary dilutions of young (0–8 years) water and old (tracer-free) water. Simulated mixtures of groundwater are derived from young water flowing along shallow paths, with the addition of old water flowing along deeper paths through the model domain that discharge to springs along fault zones. The simulated median age of young water discharged from springs (5.7 years) is slightly older than the median age estimated from 3H/3He data (4.4 years). The numerical model predicted a fraction of old water in spring discharge (0.07) that was half that determined by the binary-dilution model using the 3H/3He apparent age and 3H and CFC-113 data (0.14). This difference suggests that faults and lineaments are more numerous or extensive than those mapped and included in the numerical model.

Long-time asymptotic solution structure of Camassa-Holm equation subject to an initial condition with non-zero reflection coefficient of the scattering data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chueh-Hsin; Yu, Ching-Hao; Sheu, Tony Wen-Hann

2016-10-01

In this article, we numerically revisit the long-time solution behavior of the Camassa-Holm equation ut - uxxt + 2ux + 3uux = 2uxuxx + uuxxx. The finite difference solution of this integrable equation is sought subject to the newly derived initial condition with Delta-function potential. Our underlying strategy of deriving a numerical phase accurate finite difference scheme in time domain is to reduce the numerical dispersion error through minimization of the derived discrepancy between the numerical and exact modified wavenumbers. Additionally, to achieve the goal of conserving Hamiltonians in the completely integrable equation of current interest, a symplecticity-preserving time-stepping scheme is developed. Based on the solutions computed from the temporally symplecticity-preserving and the spatially wavenumber-preserving schemes, the long-time asymptotic CH solution characters can be accurately depicted in distinct regions of the space-time domain featuring with their own quantitatively very different solution behaviors. We also aim to numerically confirm that in the two transition zones their long-time asymptotics can indeed be described in terms of the theoretically derived Painlevé transcendents. Another attempt of this study is to numerically exhibit a close connection between the presently predicted finite-difference solution and the solution of the Painlevé ordinary differential equation of type II in two different transition zones.

Numerical prediction of mechanical properties of Pb-Sn solder alloys containing antimony, bismuth and or silver ternary trace elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gadag, Shiva P.; Patra, Susant

2000-12-01

Solder joint interconnects are mechanical means of structural support for bridging the various electronic components and providing electrical contacts and a thermal path for heat dissipation. The functionality of the electronic device often relies on the structural integrity of the solder. The dimensional stability of solder joints is numerically predicted based on their mechanical properties. Algorithms to model the kinetics of dissolution and subsequent growth of intermetallic from the complete knowledge of a single history of time-temperature-reflow profile, by considering equivalent isothermal time intervals, have been developed. The information for dissolution is derived during the heating cycle of reflow and for the growth process from cooling curve of reflow profile. A simple and quick analysis tool to derive tensile stress-strain maps as a function of the reflow temperature of solder and strain rate has been developed by numerical program. The tensile properties are used in modeling thermal strain, thermal fatigue and to predict the overall fatigue life of solder joints. The numerical analysis of the tensile properties as affected by their composition and rate of testing, has been compiled in this paper. A numerical model using constitutive equation has been developed to evaluate the interfacial fatigue crack growth rate. The model can assess the effect of cooling rate, which depends on the level of strain energy release rate. Increasing cooling rate from normalizing to water-quenching, enhanced the fatigue resistance to interfacial crack growth by up to 50% at low strain energy release rate. The increased cooling rates enhanced the fatigue crack growth resistance by surface roughening at the interface of solder joint. This paper highlights salient features of process modeling. Interfacial intermetallic microstructure is affected by cooling rate and thereby affects the mechanical properties.

On the connection between Maximum Drag Reduction and Newtonian fluid flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whalley, Richard; Park, Jae-Sung; Kushwaha, Anubhav; Dennis, David; Graham, Michael; Poole, Robert

2014-11-01

To date, the most successful turbulence control technique is the dissolution of certain rheology-modifying additives in liquid flows, which results in a universal maximum drag reduction (MDR) asymptote. The MDR asymptote is a well-known phenomenon in the turbulent flow of complex fluids; yet recent direct numerical simulations of Newtonian fluid flow have identified time intervals showing key features of MDR. These intervals have been termed ``hibernating turbulence'' and are a weak turbulence state which is characterised by low wall-shear stress and weak vortical flow structures. Here, in this experimental investigation, we monitor the instantaneous wall-shear stress in a fully-developed turbulent channel flow of a Newtonian fluid with a hot-film probe whilst simultaneously measuring the streamwise velocity at various distances above the wall with laser Doppler velocimetry. We show, by conditionally sampling the streamwise velocity during low wall-shear stress events, that the MDR velocity profile is approached in an additive-free, Newtonian fluid flow. This result corroborates recent numerical investigations, which suggest that the MDR asymptote in polymer solutions is closely connected to weak, transient Newtonian flow structures.

A projection-based model reduction strategy for the wave and vibration analysis of rotating periodic structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beli, D.; Mencik, J.-M.; Silva, P. B.; Arruda, J. R. F.

2018-05-01

The wave finite element method has proved to be an efficient and accurate numerical tool to perform the free and forced vibration analysis of linear reciprocal periodic structures, i.e. those conforming to symmetrical wave fields. In this paper, its use is extended to the analysis of rotating periodic structures, which, due to the gyroscopic effect, exhibit asymmetric wave propagation. A projection-based strategy which uses reduced symplectic wave basis is employed, which provides a well-conditioned eigenproblem for computing waves in rotating periodic structures. The proposed formulation is applied to the free and forced response analysis of homogeneous, multi-layered and phononic ring structures. In all test cases, the following features are highlighted: well-conditioned dispersion diagrams, good accuracy, and low computational time. The proposed strategy is particularly convenient in the simulation of rotating structures when parametric analysis for several rotational speeds is usually required, e.g. for calculating Campbell diagrams. This provides an efficient and flexible framework for the analysis of rotordynamic problems.

Understanding Reflectance Anisotropy: Surface-structure signatures and bulk-related features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gero Schmidt, W.

2000-03-01

Reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) is becoming an increasingly important tool for in situ control of semiconductor processing with real-time feedback. The understanding and interpretation of the measured spectra, however, has been hampered by relatively slow theoretical progress. Using a massively parallel real-space multigrid technique [1] and ab initio pseudopotentials we calculated the optical spectra of a variety of III-V(001) growth structures and stepped Si(111):H surfaces. Our results agree well with experiment, notably with respect to the stoichiometric changes induced by different surface preparations. We identify two distinct sources for the optical anisotropy: (i) highly structure-dependent features are caused by transitions involving electronic surface states, and (ii) derivative-like oscillations or peaks at the bulk critical point energies arise from transitions between surface-modified bulk wave functions. The latter are nearly independent from the actual surface structure. The agreement between the calculated and measured spectra is further improved by applying quasi-particle corrections obtained from numerically efficient, simplified GW calculations [2]. The combination of converged first-principles calculations with an approximate treatment of many-particle effects allows the reliable identification of ``surface-structure fingerprints'' in the optical spectra, paving the way for the exploitation of their rich technological potential. [1ex] [1] EL Briggs, DJ Sullivan, J Bernholc, Phys. Rev. B 54, 14362 (1996). [2] F Bechstedt, R Del Sole, G Cappellini, L Reining, Solid State Commun. 84, 765 (1992).

Self-expanding/shrinking structures by 4D printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bodaghi, M.; Damanpack, A. R.; Liao, W. H.

2016-10-01

The aim of this paper is to create adaptive structures capable of self-expanding and self-shrinking by means of four-dimensional printing technology. An actuator unit is designed and fabricated directly by printing fibers of shape memory polymers (SMPs) in flexible beams with different arrangements. Experiments are conducted to determine thermo-mechanical material properties of the fabricated part revealing that the printing process introduced a strong anisotropy into the printed parts. The feasibility of the actuator unit with self-expanding and self-shrinking features is demonstrated experimentally. A phenomenological constitutive model together with analytical closed-form solutions are developed to replicate thermo-mechanical behaviors of SMPs. Governing equations of equilibrium are developed for printed structures based on the non-linear Green-Lagrange strain tensor and solved implementing a finite element method along with an iterative incremental Newton-Raphson scheme. The material-structural model is then applied to digitally design and print SMP adaptive lattices in planar and tubular shapes comprising a periodic arrangement of SMP actuator units that expand and then recover their original shape automatically. Numerical and experimental results reveal that the proposed planar lattice as meta-materials can be employed for plane actuators with self-expanding/shrinking features or as structural switches providing two different dynamic characteristics. It is also shown that the proposed tubular lattice with a self-expanding/shrinking mechanism can serve as tubular stents and grippers for bio-medical or piping applications.

Non-dispersive conservative regularisation of nonlinear shallow water (and isentropic Euler equations)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clamond, Didier; Dutykh, Denys

2018-02-01

A new regularisation of the shallow water (and isentropic Euler) equations is proposed. The regularised equations are non-dissipative, non-dispersive and posses a variational structure; thus, the mass, the momentum and the energy are conserved. Hence, for instance, regularised hydraulic jumps are smooth and non-oscillatory. Another particularly interesting feature of this regularisation is that smoothed 'shocks' propagates at exactly the same speed as the original discontinuous ones. The performance of the new model is illustrated numerically on some dam-break test cases, which are classical in the hyperbolic realm.

Radar and microphysical characteristics of convective storms simulated from a numerical model using a new microphysical parameterization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferrier, Brad S.; Tao, Wei-Kuo; Simpson, Joanne

1991-01-01

The basic features of a new and improved bulk-microphysical parameterization capable of simulating the hydrometeor structure of convective systems in all types of large-scale environments (with minimal adjustment of coefficients) are studied. Reflectivities simulated from the model are compared with radar observations of an intense midlatitude convective system. Simulated reflectivities using the novel four-class ice scheme with a microphysical parameterization rain distribution at 105 min are illustrated. Preliminary results indicate that this new ice scheme works efficiently in simulating midlatitude continental storms.

[4-(All­yloxy)phen­yl](phen­yl)methanone

PubMed Central

D’Vries, Richard F.; Grande, Carlos D.; Chaur, Manuel N.; Ellena, Javier A.; Advincula, Rigoberto C.

2014-01-01

The structure of the title compound, C16H14O2, features a dihedral angle of 54.4 (3)° between the aromatic rings. The allyl group is rotated by 37.4 (4)° relative to the adjacent benzene ring. The crystal packing is characterized by numerous C—H⋯O and C—H⋯π inter­actions. Most of these inter­actions occur in layers along (011). The layers are linked by C—H⋯π inter­actions along [100], forming a three-dimensional network. PMID:25161593

Implementing quantum Ricci curvature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klitgaard, N.; Loll, R.

2018-05-01

Quantum Ricci curvature has been introduced recently as a new, geometric observable characterizing the curvature properties of metric spaces, without the need for a smooth structure. Besides coordinate invariance, its key features are scalability, computability, and robustness. We demonstrate that these properties continue to hold in the context of nonperturbative quantum gravity, by evaluating the quantum Ricci curvature numerically in two-dimensional Euclidean quantum gravity, defined in terms of dynamical triangulations. Despite the well-known, highly nonclassical properties of the underlying quantum geometry, its Ricci curvature can be matched well to that of a five-dimensional round sphere.

Mesh refinement in a two-dimensional large eddy simulation of a forced shear layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Claus, R. W.; Huang, P. G.; Macinnes, J. M.

1989-01-01

A series of large eddy simulations are made of a forced shear layer and compared with experimental data. Several mesh densities were examined to separate the effect of numerical inaccuracy from modeling deficiencies. The turbulence model that was used to represent small scale, 3-D motions correctly predicted some gross features of the flow field, but appears to be structurally incorrect. The main effect of mesh refinement was to act as a filter on the scale of vortices that developed from the inflow boundary conditions.

The Sharma-Parthasarathy stochastic two-body problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cresson, J.; Pierret, F.; Puig, B.

2015-03-01

We study the Sharma-Parthasarathy stochastic two-body problem introduced by Sharma and Parthasarathy in ["Dynamics of a stochastically perturbed two-body problem," Proc. R. Soc. A 463, 979-1003 (2007)]. In particular, we focus on the preservation of some fundamental features of the classical two-body problem like the Hamiltonian structure and first integrals in the stochastic case. Numerical simulations are performed which illustrate the dynamical behaviour of the osculating elements as the semi-major axis, the eccentricity, and the pericenter. We also derive a stochastic version of Gauss's equations in the planar case.

Polarization-selective transmission in stacked two-dimensional complementary plasmonic crystal slabs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwanaga, Masanobu

2010-02-01

It has been experimentally and numerically shown that transmission at near infrared wavelengths is selectively controlled by polarizations in two-dimensional complementary plasmonic crystal slabs (2D c-PlCSs) of stacked unit cell. This feature is naturally derived by taking account of Babinet's principle. Moreover, the slight structural modification of the unit cell has been found to result in a drastic change in linear optical responses of stacked 2D c-PlCSs. These results substantiate the feasibility of 2D c-PlCSs for producing efficient polarizers with subwavelength thickness.

Fine structure and morphogenesis of spironolactone bodies in the zona glomerulosa of the human adrenal cortex

PubMed Central

Kovacs, K.; Horvath, E.; Singer, W.

1973-01-01

Numerous spironolactone bodies have been detected in the zona glomerulosa cells of the adrenal cortex of a 36-year-old spironolactone-treated woman whose non-tumorous right adrenal gland was removed surgically because of primary hyperaldosteronism. Electron microscopy revealed spherical laminated whorls which consisted of a central core composed of an amorphous electron-dense material surrounded by numerous smooth-walled concentric membranes. Continuous with and deriving from the endoplasmic reticulum, they were present in viable cells and were not associated with ultrastructural features indicating cellular injury. Cytoplasmic inclusions similar to spironolactone bodies can be detected in other organs after the administration of various compounds. Thus, they can be regarded as neither specific to spironolactone treatment nor exclusively inducible in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Images PMID:4131694

Conjugated amplifying polymers for optical sensing applications.

PubMed

Rochat, Sébastien; Swager, Timothy M

2013-06-12

Thanks to their unique optical and electrochemical properties, conjugated polymers have attracted considerable attention over the last two decades and resulted in numerous technological innovations. In particular, their implementation in sensing schemes and devices was widely investigated and produced a multitude of sensory systems and transduction mechanisms. Conjugated polymers possess numerous attractive features that make them particularly suitable for a broad variety of sensing tasks. They display sensory signal amplification (compared to their small-molecule counterparts) and their structures can easily be tailored to adjust solubility, absorption/emission wavelengths, energy offsets for excited state electron transfer, and/or for use in solution or in the solid state. This versatility has made conjugated polymers a fluorescence sensory platform of choice in the recent years. In this review, we highlight a variety of conjugated polymer-based sensory mechanisms together with selected examples from the recent literature.

Origin of coronal mass ejection and magnetic cloud: Thermal or magnetic driven?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Gong-Liang; Wang, Chi; He, Shuang-Hua

1995-01-01

A fundamental problem in Solar-Terrestrial Physics is the origin of the solar transient plasma output, which includes the coronal mass ejection and its interplanetary manifestation, e.g. the magnetic cloud. The traditional blast wave model resulted from solar thermal pressure impulse has faced with challenge during recent years. In the MHD numerical simulation study of CME, the authors find that the basic feature of the asymmetrical event on 18 August 1980 can be reproduced neither by a thermal pressure nor by a speed increment. Also, the thermal pressure model fails in simulating the interplanetary structure with low thermal pressure and strong magnetic field strength, representative of a typical magnetic cloud. Instead, the numerical simulation results are in favor of the magnetic field expansion as the likely mechanism for both the asymmetrical CME event and magnetic cloud.

Three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamical simulation of expanding magnetic flux ropes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnold, L.; Dreher, J.; Grauer, R.

Three-dimensional, time-dependent numerical simulations of the dynamics of magnetic flux ropes are presented. The simulations are targeted towards an experiment previously conducted at California Institute of Technology [P. M. Bellan and J. F. Hansen, Phys. Plasmas 5, 1991 (1998)] which aimed at simulating solar prominence eruptions in the laboratory. The plasma dynamics is described by ideal magnetohydrodynamics using different models for the evolution of the mass density. The initial current distribution represents the situation at the plasma creation phase, while it is not increased during the simulation. Key features of the reported experimental observations like pinching of the current loop,more » its expansion and distortion into helical shape are reproduced in the numerical simulations. Details of the final structure depend on the choice of a specific model for the mass density.« less

Numerical simulation of conservation laws

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, Sin-Chung; To, Wai-Ming

1992-01-01

A new numerical framework for solving conservation laws is being developed. This new approach differs substantially from the well established methods, i.e., finite difference, finite volume, finite element and spectral methods, in both concept and methodology. The key features of the current scheme include: (1) direct discretization of the integral forms of conservation laws, (2) treating space and time on the same footing, (3) flux conservation in space and time, and (4) unified treatment of the convection and diffusion fluxes. The model equation considered in the initial study is the standard one dimensional unsteady constant-coefficient convection-diffusion equation. In a stability study, it is shown that the principal and spurious amplification factors of the current scheme, respectively, are structurally similar to those of the leapfrog/DuFort-Frankel scheme. As a result, the current scheme has no numerical diffusion in the special case of pure convection and is unconditionally stable in the special case of pure diffusion. Assuming smooth initial data, it will be shown theoretically and numerically that, by using an easily determined optimal time step, the accuracy of the current scheme may reach a level which is several orders of magnitude higher than that of the MacCormack scheme, with virtually identical operation count.

A comparative analysis of numerical approaches to the mechanics of elastic sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Michael; Davidovitch, Benny; Qiu, Zhanlong; Bertoldi, Katia

2015-06-01

Numerically simulating deformations in thin elastic sheets is a challenging problem in computational mechanics due to destabilizing compressive stresses that result in wrinkling. Determining the location, structure, and evolution of wrinkles in these problems has important implications in design and is an area of increasing interest in the fields of physics and engineering. In this work, several numerical approaches previously proposed to model equilibrium deformations in thin elastic sheets are compared. These include standard finite element-based static post-buckling approaches as well as a recently proposed method based on dynamic relaxation, which are applied to the problem of an annular sheet with opposed tractions where wrinkling is a key feature. Numerical solutions are compared to analytic predictions of the ground state, enabling a quantitative evaluation of the predictive power of the various methods. Results indicate that static finite element approaches produce local minima that are highly sensitive to initial imperfections, relying on a priori knowledge of the equilibrium wrinkling pattern to generate optimal results. In contrast, dynamic relaxation is much less sensitive to initial imperfections and can generate low-energy solutions for a wide variety of loading conditions without requiring knowledge of the equilibrium solution beforehand.

Numerical integration of the extended variable generalized Langevin equation with a positive Prony representable memory kernel.

PubMed

Baczewski, Andrew D; Bond, Stephen D

2013-07-28

Generalized Langevin dynamics (GLD) arise in the modeling of a number of systems, ranging from structured fluids that exhibit a viscoelastic mechanical response, to biological systems, and other media that exhibit anomalous diffusive phenomena. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that include GLD in conjunction with external and/or pairwise forces require the development of numerical integrators that are efficient, stable, and have known convergence properties. In this article, we derive a family of extended variable integrators for the Generalized Langevin equation with a positive Prony series memory kernel. Using stability and error analysis, we identify a superlative choice of parameters and implement the corresponding numerical algorithm in the LAMMPS MD software package. Salient features of the algorithm include exact conservation of the first and second moments of the equilibrium velocity distribution in some important cases, stable behavior in the limit of conventional Langevin dynamics, and the use of a convolution-free formalism that obviates the need for explicit storage of the time history of particle velocities. Capability is demonstrated with respect to accuracy in numerous canonical examples, stability in certain limits, and an exemplary application in which the effect of a harmonic confining potential is mapped onto a memory kernel.

Full three-dimensional investigation of structural contact interactions in turbomachines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legrand, Mathias; Batailly, Alain; Magnain, Benoît; Cartraud, Patrice; Pierre, Christophe

2012-05-01

Minimizing the operating clearance between rotating bladed-disks and stationary surrounding casings is a primary concern in the design of modern turbomachines since it may advantageously affect their energy efficiency. This technical choice possibly leads to interactions between elastic structural components through direct unilateral contact and dry friction, events which are now accepted as normal operating conditions. Subsequent nonlinear dynamical behaviors of such systems are commonly investigated with simplified academic models mainly due to theoretical difficulties and numerical challenges involved in non-smooth large-scale realistic models. In this context, the present paper introduces an adaptation of a full three-dimensional contact strategy for the prediction of potentially damaging motions that would imply highly demanding computational efforts for the targeted aerospace application in an industrial context. It combines a smoothing procedure including bicubic B-spline patches together with a Lagrange multiplier based contact strategy within an explicit time-marching integration procedure preferred for its versatility. The proposed algorithm is first compared on a benchmark configuration against the more elaborated bi-potential formulation and the commercial software Ansys. The consistency of the provided results and the low energy fluctuations of the introduced approach underlines its reliable numerical properties. A case study featuring blade-tip/casing contact on industrial finite element models is then proposed: it incorporates component mode synthesis and the developed three-dimensional contact algorithm for investigating structural interactions occurring within a turbomachine compressor stage. Both time results and frequency-domain analysis emphasize the practical use of such a numerical tool: detection of severe operating conditions and critical rotational velocities, time-dependent maps of stresses acting within the structures, parameter studies and blade design tests.

Distribution and Characteristics of Seafloor Seepage Features in the Active Margin Offshore of SW Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, T. T.; Hsu, H. H.; Liu, C. S.; Su, C. C.; Paull, C. K.; Chen, Y. H.; Caress, D. W.; Gwiazda, R.; Lundsten, E. M.

2017-12-01

In the active margin offshore of southwest (SW) Taiwan, west-vergent imbricated thrusts, folds and dipping strata are the main structural features. This is also the area where gas hydrates are widely distributed beneath the seafloor. Fluids from deep strata may migrate upwards along porous dipping layers or faults and then vent out to form seafloor seepage features in many of the gas hydrate prospects. A joint survey was conducted in May 2017 using MBARI mapping AUV and miniROV to investigate the seafloor seepage features. Numerous comet-shaped depressions (CSD) are mapped along flanks of several anticlinal ridges, and four carbonate mounds around CSD are observed from the ultra-high-resolution (1-m lateral resolution) bathymetry data collected by AUV. Samples of the carbonate mounds were collected by the mini-ROV, and their mineral compositions contain dolomite and ankerite. The AUV collected chirp sonar profiles and previously collected surface ship multichannel seismic reflection profiles across these seafloor features show that potential fluid migration pathways connect free gas trapped below the base of gas hydrate stability zone and the seafloor in the vicinity of these features. Our study suggests that the CSD could be an indicator of seafloor seepage and may be distribution widely in the active margin setting.

Numerical reconstruction of Late-Cenosoic evolution of normal-fault scarps in Baikal Rift Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byzov, Leonid; San'kov, Vladimir

2014-05-01

Numerical landscape development modeling has recently become a popular tool in geo-logic and geomorphic investigations. We employed this technique to reconstruct Late-Cenosoic evolution of Baikal Rift Zone mountains. The objects of research were Barguzin Range and Svyatoy Nos Upland. These structures are formed under conditions of crustal extension and bounded by active normal faults. In our experiments we used instruments, engineered by Greg Tucker (University of Colo-rado) - CHILD (Channel-Hillslope Integrated Landscape Development) and 'Bedrock Fault Scarp'. First program allowed constructing the complex landscape model considering tectonic uplift, fluvial and hillslope processes; second program is used for more accurate simulating of triangular facet evolution. In general, our experiments consisted in testing of tectonic parameters, and climatic char-acteristic, erosion and diffusion properties, hydraulic geometry were practically constant except for some special runs. Numerous experiments, with various scenarios of development, showed that Barguzin range and Svyatoy Nos Upland has many common features. These structures characterized by internal differentiation, which appear in height and shape of slopes. At the same time, individual segments of these objects are very similar - this conclusion refers to most developing parts, with pronounced facets and V-shaped valleys. Accordingly modelling, these landscapes are in a steady state and are undergoing a uplift with rate 0,4 mm/yr since Early Pliocene (this solution accords with AFT-dating). Lower segments of Barguzin Range and Svyatoy Nos Upland also have some general fea-tures, but the reasons of such similarity probably are different. In particular, southern segment of Svyatoy Nos Upland, which characterized by relative high slope with very weak incision, may be formed as result very rapid fault movement or catastrophic landslide. On the other hand, a lower segment of Barguzin Range (Ulun segment, for example) probably has small height and relative weak incision over later beginning of uplift.

Seismic loading due to mining: Wave amplification and vibration of structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lokmane, N.; Semblat, J.-F.; Bonnet, G.; Driad, L.; Duval, A.-M.

2003-04-01

A vibration induced by the ground motion, whatever its source is, can in certain cases damage surface structures. The scientific works allowing the analysis of this phenomenon are numerous and well established. However, they generally concern dynamic motion from real earthquakes. The goal of this work is to analyse the impact of shaking induced by mining on the structures located on the surface. The methods allowing to assess the consequences of earthquakes of strong amplitude are well established, when the methodology to estimate the consequences of moderate but frequent dynamic loadings is not well defined. The mining such as the "Houillères de Bassin du Centre et du Midi" (HBCM) involves vibrations which are regularly felt on the surface. An extracting work of coal generates shaking similar to those caused by earthquakes (standard waves and laws of propagation) but of rather low magnitude. On the other hand, their recurrent feature makes the vibrations more harmful. A three-dimensional modeling of standard structure of the site was carried out. The first results show that the fundamental frequencies of this structure are compatible with the amplification measurements carried out on site. The motion amplification in the surface soil layers is then analyzed. The modeling works are performed on the surface soil layers of Gardanne (Provence), where measurements of microtremors were performed. The analysis of H/V spectral ratio (horizontal on vertical component) indeed makes it possible to characterize the fundamental frequencies of the surface soil layers. This experiment also allows to characterize local evolution of amplification induced by the topmost soil layers. The numerical methods we consider to model seismic wave propagation and amplification in the site, is the Boundary Element Methode (BEM) The main advantage of the boundary element method is to get rid of artificial truncations of the mesh (as in Finite Element Method) in the case of infinite medium. For dynamic problems, these truncations lead to spurious wave reflections giving a numerical error in the solution. The experimental and numerical (BEM) results on surface motion amplification are then compared in terms of both amplitude and frequency range.

Turbulence Investigations With High-Resolution Simulations of Dilute Suspension Particle-Laden Gravity Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espath, L.; Pinto, L.; Laizet, S.; Silvestrini, J.; Scientific Team of DNS on Gravity Currents

2013-05-01

Gravity currents are very common in nature, either in atmosphere (due to sea-breeze fronts), in mountain avalanches (in airborne snow or debris flow), or in the ocean due to turbidity currents or river plumes (Simpson, 1982). In this numerical study, we focus on particle-laden hyperpycnal flows (negative-buoyancy), where the dynamics play a central role in the formation of hydrocarbon reservoirs (Meiburg & Kneller, 2009). Moreover, these particle-driven gravity currents are often extremely dangerous for the stability of submarine structures placed near the sea-floor (like pipelines or submarines cables). It is clear that the understanding of the physical mechanism associated with these currents and the correct prediction of their main features are of great importance for practical as well as theoretical purposes. For this numerical work, we are interested in the prediction of a mono-disperse dilute suspension particle-laden flow in the typical lock-exchange configuration. We consider only flat surfaces using DNS (Direct Numerical Simulation). Our approach takes into account the possibility of particles deposition but ignores erosion and/or re-suspension. Previous results for this kind of flows were obtained in laboratory experiments with Reynolds numbers up to 10400 (De Rooij & Dalziel, 2001), or by numerical simulations at moderate Reynolds numbers, up to 5000 for a 2D case (Nasr-Azadani, Hall & Meiburg, 2011) and up to 2236 for a 3D (Necker, Härtel, Kleiser & Meiburg, 2002) case with a Reynolds number based on the buoyancy velocity. It was shown that boundary conditions, initial lock configuration and different particle sizes can have a strong influence on the main characteristics of this kind of flows. The main objective of this numerical study is to undertake unprecedented simulations in order to focus on the turbulence and to investigate the effect of the Reynolds number in such flows. We want to investigate the turbulent mechanism in gravity currents such as local production and dissipation and their relationships with the main features of the flow for different Reynolds numbers, ranging from 2236 to 10000 for 2D and 3D cases. The main features of the flow will be related to the temporal evolution of the front location, sedimentation rate and the resulting streamwise deposit profiles. In particular, we will investigate the flow energy budget where the balance between kinetic and potential energy with dissipation (due to convective fluid motion and Stokes flow around particles) will be analysed in detail, using comparisons with previous experimental and numerical works.

Odor Impression Prediction from Mass Spectra.

PubMed

Nozaki, Yuji; Nakamoto, Takamichi

2016-01-01

The sense of smell arises from the perception of odors from chemicals. However, the relationship between the impression of odor and the numerous physicochemical parameters has yet to be understood owing to its complexity. As such, there is no established general method for predicting the impression of odor of a chemical only from its physicochemical properties. In this study, we designed a novel predictive model based on an artificial neural network with a deep structure for predicting odor impression utilizing the mass spectra of chemicals, and we conducted a series of computational analyses to evaluate its performance. Feature vectors extracted from the original high-dimensional space using two autoencoders equipped with both input and output layers in the model are used to build a mapping function from the feature space of mass spectra to the feature space of sensory data. The results of predictions obtained by the proposed new method have notable accuracy (R≅0.76) in comparison with a conventional method (R≅0.61).

Chemical features of Ganoderma polysaccharides with antioxidant, antitumor and antimicrobial activities.

PubMed

Ferreira, Isabel C F R; Heleno, Sandrina A; Reis, Filipa S; Stojkovic, Dejan; Queiroz, Maria João R P; Vasconcelos, M Helena; Sokovic, Marina

2015-06-01

Ganoderma genus comprises one of the most commonly studied species worldwide, Ganoderma lucidum. However, other Ganoderma species have been also reported as important sources of bioactive compounds. Polysaccharides are important contributors to the medicinal properties reported for Ganoderma species, as demonstrated by the numerous publications, including reviews, on this matter. Yet, what are the chemical features of Ganoderma polysaccharides that have bioactivity? In the present manuscript, the chemical features of Ganoderma polysaccharides with reported antioxidant, antitumor and antimicrobial activities (the most studied worldwide) are analyzed in detail. The composition of sugars (homo- versus hetero-glucans and other polysaccharides), type of glycosidic linkages, branching patterns, and linkage to proteins are discussed. Methods for extraction, isolation and identification are evaluated and, finally, the bioactivity of polysaccharidic extracts and purified compounds are discussed. The integration of data allows deduction of structure-activity relationships and gives clues to the chemical aspects involved in Ganoderma bioactivity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A natural approach to convey numerical digits using hand activity recognition based on hand shape features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chidananda, H.; Reddy, T. Hanumantha

2017-06-01

This paper presents a natural representation of numerical digit(s) using hand activity analysis based on number of fingers out stretched for each numerical digit in sequence extracted from a video. The analysis is based on determining a set of six features from a hand image. The most important features used from each frame in a video are the first fingertip from top, palm-line, palm-center, valley points between the fingers exists above the palm-line. Using this work user can convey any number of numerical digits using right or left or both the hands naturally in a video. Each numerical digit ranges from 0 to9. Hands (right/left/both) used to convey digits can be recognized accurately using the valley points and with this recognition whether the user is a right / left handed person in practice can be analyzed. In this work, first the hand(s) and face parts are detected by using YCbCr color space and face part is removed by using ellipse based method. Then, the hand(s) are analyzed to recognize the activity that represents a series of numerical digits in a video. This work uses pixel continuity algorithm using 2D coordinate geometry system and does not use regular use of calculus, contours, convex hull and datasets.

Automated Interpretation of Subcellular Patterns in Fluorescence Microscope Images for Location Proteomics

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiang; Velliste, Meel; Murphy, Robert F.

2010-01-01

Proteomics, the large scale identification and characterization of many or all proteins expressed in a given cell type, has become a major area of biological research. In addition to information on protein sequence, structure and expression levels, knowledge of a protein’s subcellular location is essential to a complete understanding of its functions. Currently subcellular location patterns are routinely determined by visual inspection of fluorescence microscope images. We review here research aimed at creating systems for automated, systematic determination of location. These employ numerical feature extraction from images, feature reduction to identify the most useful features, and various supervised learning (classification) and unsupervised learning (clustering) methods. These methods have been shown to perform significantly better than human interpretation of the same images. When coupled with technologies for tagging large numbers of proteins and high-throughput microscope systems, the computational methods reviewed here enable the new subfield of location proteomics. This subfield will make critical contributions in two related areas. First, it will provide structured, high-resolution information on location to enable Systems Biology efforts to simulate cell behavior from the gene level on up. Second, it will provide tools for Cytomics projects aimed at characterizing the behaviors of all cell types before, during and after the onset of various diseases. PMID:16752421

Exploration of interaction zones of β-tubulin colchicine binding domain of helminths and binding mechanism of anthelmintics.

PubMed

Ranjan, Prabodh; Kumar, Sivakumar Prasanth; Kari, Vijayakrishna; Jha, Prakash Chandra

2017-06-01

Numerous studies postulated the possible modes of anthelmintic activity by targeting alternate or extended regions of colchicine binding domain of helminth β-tubulin. We present three interaction zones (zones vide -1 to -3) in the colchicine binding domain of Haemonchus contortus (a helminth) β-tubulin homology model and developed zone-wise structure-based pharmacophore models coupled with molecular docking technique to unveil the binding hypotheses. The resulted ten structure-based hypotheses were then refined to essential three point pharmacophore features that captured recurring and crucial non-covalent receptor contacts and proposed three characteristics necessary for optimal zone-2 binding: a conserved pair of H bond acceptor (HBA to form H bond with Asn226 residue) and an aliphatic moiety of molecule separated by 3.75±0.44Å. Further, an aliphatic or a heterocyclic group distant (11.75±1.14Å) to the conserved aliphatic site formed the third feature component in the zone-2 specific anthelmintic pharmacophore model. Alternatively, an additional HBA can be substituted as a third component to establish H bonding with Asn204. We discern that selective zone-2 anthelmintics can be designed effectively by closely adapting the pharmacophore feature patterns and its geometrical constraints. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Egg structure and ultrastructure of Paterdecolyus yanbarensis (Insecta, Orthoptera, Anostostomatidae, Anabropsinae).

PubMed

Mashimo, Yuta; Fukui, Makiko; Machida, Ryuichiro

2016-11-01

The egg structure of Paterdecolyus yanbarensis was examined using light, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. The egg surface shows a distinct honeycomb pattern formed by exochorionic ridges. Several micropyles are clustered on the ventral side of the egg. The egg membrane is composed of an exochorion penetrated with numerous aeropyles, an endochorion, and an extremely thin vitelline membrane. The endochorion is thickened at the posterior egg pole, probably associated with water absorption. A comparison of egg structure among Orthoptera revealed that the micropylar distribution pattern is conserved in Ensifera and Caelifera and might be regarded as a groundplan feature for each group; in Ensifera, multiple micropyles are clustered on the ventral side of the egg, whereas in Caelifera, micropyles are arranged circularly around the posterior pole of the egg. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Energy Coding of a Structural Neural Network Based on the Hodgkin-Huxley Model.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhenyu; Wang, Rubin; Zhu, Fengyun

2018-01-01

Based on the Hodgkin-Huxley model, the present study established a fully connected structural neural network to simulate the neural activity and energy consumption of the network by neural energy coding theory. The numerical simulation result showed that the periodicity of the network energy distribution was positively correlated to the number of neurons and coupling strength, but negatively correlated to signal transmitting delay. Moreover, a relationship was established between the energy distribution feature and the synchronous oscillation of the neural network, which showed that when the proportion of negative energy in power consumption curve was high, the synchronous oscillation of the neural network was apparent. In addition, comparison with the simulation result of structural neural network based on the Wang-Zhang biophysical model of neurons showed that both models were essentially consistent.

An overview on benzylisoquinoline derivatives with dopaminergic and serotonergic activities.

PubMed

Cabedo, N; Berenguer, I; Figadère, B; Cortes, D

2009-01-01

Dopamine and serotonin are important neurotransmitters in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) involved in numerous physiological and behavioural disorders such as schizophrenia, major depression, anxiety, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Several natural and synthetic benzylisoquinoline derivatives have displayed affinity for dopamine and serotonin receptors in nanomolar or micromolar ranges. This review covers the last three decades of dopaminergic and serotonergic activities, and especially focuses on structure-activity relationships of natural and synthetic benzylisoquinoline derivatives. We have included aporphines, 1-benzyltetrahydroisoquinolines, bis-benzylisoquinolines, protoberberines, cularines and other structural analogues. Further molecular modelling calculations have been considered as important tools to not only obtain structural information of both neurotransmitter receptors, but to also identify their pharmacophore features. The development of selective potential ligands like benzylisoquinoline derivatives may help in the therapy of diseases related to CNS dysfunction.

X-ray observations of characteristic structures and time variations from the solar corona - Preliminary results from Skylab.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaiana, G. S.; Davis, J. M.; Giacconi, R.; Krieger, A. S.; Silk, J. K.; Timothy, A. F.; Zombeck, M.

1973-01-01

Examples taken from the S-054 X-ray telescope observations made during the first Skylab mission show the hot coronal plasma tracing the configuration of the magnetic fields. The high spectral resolution and sensitivity of the instrument has enabled the following two facts to be more firmly established: (1) that the 'quiet homogeneous corona' is in fact highly structured and that the structures observed appear to be the results of dispersed active region magnetic fields; and (2) that numerous bright points are distributed randomly on the disk. Their presence at high latitudes may play a role in solar cycle models. In addition, the capability of Skylab for studying time evolution has enabled the restructuring of coronal features to be seen at times of high activity, indicating a restructuring of the coronal magnetic fields.

Invited Article: Relation between electric and magnetic field structures and their proton-beam images

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kugland, N. L.; Ryutov, D. D.; Plechaty, C.

2012-10-15

Proton imaging is commonly used to reveal the electric and magnetic fields that are found in high energy density plasmas. Presented here is an analysis of this technique that is directed towards developing additional insight into the underlying physics. This approach considers: formation of images in the limits of weak and strong intensity variations; caustic formation and structure; image inversion to obtain line-integrated field characteristics; direct relations between images and electric or magnetic field structures in a plasma; imaging of sharp features such as Debye sheaths and shocks. Limitations on spatial and temporal resolution are assessed, and similarities with opticalmore » shadowgraphy are noted. Synthetic proton images are presented to illustrate the analysis. These results will be useful for quantitatively analyzing experimental proton imaging data and verifying numerical codes.« less

Data Encoding using Periodic Nano-Optical Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vosoogh-Grayli, Siamack

Successful trials have been made through a designed algorithm to quantize, compress and optically encode unsigned 8 bit integer values in the form of images using Nano optical features. The periodicity of the Nano-scale features (Nano-gratings) have been designed and investigated both theoretically and experimentally to create distinct states of variation (three on states and one off state). The use of easy to manufacture and machine readable encoded data in secured authentication media has been employed previously in bar-codes for bi-state (binary) models and in color barcodes for multiple state models. This work has focused on implementing 4 states of variation for unit information through periodic Nano-optical structures that separate an incident wavelength into distinct colors (variation states) in order to create an encoding system. Compared to barcodes and magnetic stripes in secured finite length storage media the proposed system encodes and stores more data. The benefits of multiple states of variation in an encoding unit are 1) increased numerically representable range 2) increased storage density and 3) decreased number of typical set elements for any ergodic or semi-ergodic source that emits these encoding units. A thorough investigation has targeted the effects of the use of multi-varied state Nano-optical features on data storage density and consequent data transmission rates. The results show that use of Nano-optical features for encoding data yields a data storage density of circa 800 Kbits/in2 via the implementation of commercially available high resolution flatbed scanner systems for readout. Such storage density is far greater than commercial finite length secured storage media such as Barcode family with maximum practical density of 1kbits/in2 and highest density magnetic stripe cards with maximum density circa 3 Kbits/in2. The numerically representable range of the proposed encoding unit for 4 states of variation is [0 255]. The number of typical set elements for an ergodic source emitting the optical encoding units compared to a bi-state encoding unit (bit) shows a 36 orders of magnitude decrease for the error probability interval of [0 0.01]. The algorithms for the proposed encoding system have been implemented in MATLAB and the Nano-optical structures have been fabricated using Electron Beam Lithography on optical medium.

Counter-intuitive features of the dynamic topography unveiled by tectonically realistic 3D numerical models of mantle-lithosphere interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burov, Evgueni; Gerya, Taras

2013-04-01

It has been long assumed that the dynamic topography associated with mantle-lithosphere interactions should be characterized by long-wavelength features (> 1000 km) correlating with morphology of mantle flow and expanding beyond the scale of tectonic processes. For example, debates on the existence of mantle plumes largely originate from interpretations of expected signatures of plume-induced topography that are compared to the predictions of analytical and numerical models of plume- or mantle-lithosphere interactions (MLI). Yet, most of the large-scale models treat the lithosphere as a homogeneous stagnant layer. We show that in continents, the dynamic topography is strongly affected by rheological properties and layered structure of the lithosphere. For that we reconcile mantle- and tectonic-scale models by introducing a tectonically realistic continental plate model in 3D large-scale plume-mantle-lithosphere interaction context. This model accounts for stratified structure of continental lithosphere, ductile and frictional (Mohr-Coulomb) plastic properties and thermodynamically consistent density variations. The experiments reveal a number of important differences from the predictions of the conventional models. In particular, plate bending, mechanical decoupling of crustal and mantle layers and intra-plate tension-compression instabilities result in transient topographic signatures such as alternating small-scale surface features that could be misinterpreted in terms of regional tectonics. Actually thick ductile lower crustal layer absorbs most of the "direct" dynamic topography and the features produced at surface are mostly controlled by the mechanical instabilities in the upper and intermediate crustal layers produced by MLI-induced shear and bending at Moho and LAB. Moreover, the 3D models predict anisotropic response of the lithosphere even in case of isotropic solicitations by axisymmetric mantle upwellings such as plumes. In particular, in presence of small (i.e. insufficient to produce solely any significant deformation) uniaxial extensional tectonic stress field, the plume-produced surface and LAB features have anisotropic linear shapes perpendicular to the far-field tectonic forces, typical for continental rifts. Compressional field results in singular sub-linear folds above the plume head, perpendicular to the direction of compression. Small bi-axial tectonic stress fields (compression in one direction and extension in the orthogonal direction) result in oblique, almost linear segmented normal or inverse faults with strike-slip components (or visa verse , strike-slip faults with normal or inverse components)

Numeral-Incorporating Roots in Numeral Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Two Sign Languages

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuentes, Mariana; Massone, Maria Ignacia; Fernandez-Viader, Maria del Pilar; Makotrinsky, Alejandro; Pulgarin, Francisca

2010-01-01

Numeral-incorporating roots in the numeral systems of Argentine Sign Language (LSA) and Catalan Sign Language (LSC), as well as the main features of the number systems of both languages, are described and compared. Informants discussed the use of numerals and roots in both languages (in most cases in natural contexts). Ten informants took part in…

The mechanics of the primary cilium: an intricate structure with complex function.

PubMed

Hoey, David A; Downs, Matthew E; Jacobs, Christopher R

2012-01-03

The primary cilium is a non-motile singular cellular structure that extends from the surface of nearly every cell in the body. The cilium has been shown to play numerous roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis, through regulating signaling pathways and sensing both biophysical and biochemical changes in the extracellular environment. The structural performance of the cilium is paramount to its function as defective cilia have been linked to numerous pathologies. In particular, the cilium has demonstrated a mechanosensory role in tissues such as the kidney, liver, endothelium and bone, where cilium deflection under mechanical loading triggers a cellular response. Understanding of how cilium structure and subsequent mechanical behavior contributes to the roles that cilium plays in regulating cellular behavior is a compelling question, yet is a relatively untouched research area. Recent advances in biophysical measurements have demonstrated the cilium to be a structurally intricate organelle containing an array of load bearing proteins. Furthermore advances in modeling of this organelle have revealed the importance of these proteins at regulating the cilium's mechanosensitivity. Remarkably, the cilium is capable of adapting its mechanical state, altering its length and possibly it's bending resistance, to regulate its mechanosensitivity demonstrating the importance of cilium mechanics in cellular responses. In this review, we introduce the cilium as a mechanosensor; discuss the advances in the mechanical modeling of cilia; explore the structural features of the cilium, which contribute to its mechanics and finish with possible mechanisms in which alteration in structure may affect ciliary mechanics, consequently affecting ciliary based mechanosensing. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phenomenological Models and Animations of Welding and their Impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DebRoy, Tarasankar

Professor Robertson's recognized research on metallurgical thermodynamics and kinetics for over 40 years facilitated the emergence of rigorous quantitative understanding of many complex metallurgical processes. The author had the opportunity to work with Professor Robertson on liquid metals in the 1970s. This paper is intended to review the advances in the quantitative understanding of welding processes and weld metal attributes in recent decades. Over this period, phenomenological models have been developed to better understand and control various welding processes and the structure and properties of welded materials. Numerical models and animations of melting, solidification and the evolution of micro and macro-structural features will be presented to critically examine their impact on the practice of welding and the underlying science.

Structure of amplitude correlations in open chaotic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ericson, Torleif E. O.

2013-02-01

The Verbaarschot-Weidenmüller-Zirnbauer (VWZ) model is believed to correctly represent the correlations of two S-matrix elements for an open quantum chaotic system, but the solution has considerable complexity and is presently only accessed numerically. Here a procedure is developed to deduce its features over the full range of the parameter space in a transparent and simple analytical form preserving accuracy to a considerable degree. The bulk of the VWZ correlations are described by the Gorin-Seligman expression for the two-amplitude correlations of the Ericson-Gorin-Seligman model. The structure of the remaining correction factors for correlation functions is discussed with special emphasis of the rôle of the level correlation hole both for inelastic and elastic correlations.

Thin SOI lateral IGBT with band-to-band tunneling mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Qiang; Tang, Zhaohuan; Tan, Kaizhou; Wang, Zhikuan; Mei, Yong

2017-06-01

In this paper, a novel 200V lateral IGBT on thin SOI layer with a band-to-band tunneling junction near the anode is proposed. The structure and the operating mechanism of the proposed IGBT are described and discussed. Its main feature is that the novel IGBT structure has a unique abrupt doped p++/n++ tunneling junction in the side of the anode. By utilizing the reverse bias characteristics of the tunneling junction, the proposed IGBT can achieve excellent reverse conducting performance. Numerical simulations suggest that a low reverse conduction voltage drop VR=-1.6V at a current density of 100A/cm2 and a soft factor S=0.63 of the build-in diode are achieved.

Single-particle mapping of nonequilibrium nanocrystal transformations

DOE PAGES

Ye, Xingchen; Jones, Matthew R.; Frechette, Layne B.; ...

2016-11-18

Chemists have developed mechanistic insight into numerous chemical reactions by thoroughly characterizing nonequilibrium species. Although methods to probe these processes are well established for molecules, analogous techniques for understanding intermediate structures in nanomaterials have been lacking. For this study, we monitor the shape evolution of individual anisotropic gold nanostructures as they are oxidatively etched in a graphene liquid cell with a controlled redox environment. Short-lived, nonequilibrium nanocrystals are observed, structurally analyzed, and rationalized through Monte Carlo simulations. Understanding these reaction trajectories provides important fundamental insight connecting high-energy nanocrystal morphologies to the development of kinetically stabilized surface features and demonstrates themore » importance of developing tools capable of probing short-lived nanoscale species at the single-particle level.« less

Lysine acetyltransferase inhibitors: structure-activity relationships and potential therapeutic implications.

PubMed

Fiorentino, Francesco; Mai, Antonello; Rotili, Dante

2018-05-01

Lysine acetylation is a post-translational modification of both histone and nonhistone proteins that is catalyzed by lysine acetyltransferases and plays a key role in numerous biological contexts. The dysregulation of this enzyme activity is implicated in many human pathologies such as cancer, neurological and inflammatory disorders. Many lysine acetyltransferase inhibitors (KATi) have been developed so far, but there is still the need for new, more potent, metabolically stable and selective KATi as chemical tools for studying KAT biology and/or as potential therapeutic agents. This review will examine the features of KAT enzymes and related diseases, with particular emphasis on KATi (bisubstrate analogs, natural compounds and synthetic derivatives), analyzing their mechanism of action, structure-activity relationships, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties and potential future applications.

Band structure analysis of a thin plate with periodic arrangements of slender beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serrano, Ó.; Zaera, R.; Fernández-Sáez, J.

2018-04-01

This work analyzes the wave propagation in structures composed of a periodic arrangement of vertical beams rigidly joined to a plate substrate. Three different configurations for the distribution of the beams have been analyzed: square, triangular, and hexagonal. A dimensional analysis of the problem indicates the presence of three dimensionless groups of parameters controlling the response of the system. The main features of the wave propagation have been found using numerical procedures based on the Finite Element Method, through the application of the Bloch's theorem for the corresponding primitive unit cells. Illustrative examples of the effect of the different dimensionless parameters on the dynamic behavior of the system are presented, providing information relevant for design.

Large Eddy Simulation of Gravitational Effects on Transitional and Turbulent Gas-Jet Diffusion Flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Givi, Peyman; Jaberi, Farhad A.

2001-01-01

The basic objective of this work is to assess the influence of gravity on "the compositional and the spatial structures" of transitional and turbulent diffusion flames via large eddy simulation (LES), and direct numerical simulation (DNS). The DNS is conducted for appraisal of the various closures employed in LES, and to study the effect of buoyancy on the small scale flow features. The LES is based on our "filtered mass density function"' (FMDF) model. The novelty of the methodology is that it allows for reliable simulations with inclusion of "realistic physics." It also allows for detailed analysis of the unsteady large scale flow evolution and compositional flame structure which is not usually possible via Reynolds averaged simulations.

Hazard analysis on the Mid-Atlantic Continental Slope, DCS lease sale 59 Area

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cardinell, Alex P.; Keer, Frederick R.

1982-01-01

A multi-parameter high-resolution seismic survey covering 253 offshore lease blocks was undertaken for analysis of critical structural and depositional features and a suite of piston cores was examined for geotechnical properties on the Mid-Atlantic continental slope in the OCS Lease Sale 59 area. The analysis of this data revealed complex interrelationships between a number of buried structural and depositional features indicating the existence of a variety of slope environments in the proposed lease sale area. The relationship these depositional features have to fault scarps and other topographic irregularities is critical to hazards assessment in this area. Southwest of the Hudson Canyon area, a major slump complex was partially delineated and numerous drape structures, which in some cases appear to have developed into contemporaneous down-to-the-basin faults, are associated with topographic irregularities. Southwest of the Baltimore Canyon area, slumps may be a result of the formation of mud diapers. These diapers? are the first reported in the Mid-Atlantic continental slope. Piston cores were collected at selected locations to provide information on geotechnical strength parameters of slumps, slides, and undisturbed sediments. These data indicate that localized areas of under consolidated sediments are found on valley walls and ridges of the upper slope. These zones may represent discrete areas where either mass movement has occurred or the potential for mass movement may exist. Many of the mass-movement features identified in the OCS Lease Sale 59 area may be Pleistocene in age and are related to' conditions prevailing during low sea stands. Since these conditions are presently absent, the potential for sediment mass movement does not appear to present a major problem to oil and gas operations within the proposed OCS Lease Sale 59 area.

Exactly Solvable Models for Topological Phases of Matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarantino, Nicolas Alessandro

Topological systems are characterized by some collection of features which remain unchanged under deformations of the Hamiltonian which leave the band gap open. The earliest examples of these were free fermion systems, allowing us to study the band structure to determine if a candidate material supports topological features. However, we can also ask the reversed question, i.e. Given a band gap, what topological features can be engineered? This classification problem proved to have numerous answers depending on which extra assumptions we allow, producing many candidate phases. While free fermion topological features could be classified by their band structures (culminating in the 10-fold way), strongly interacting systems defied this approach, and so classification outstripped the construction of even the most elementary Hamiltonians, leaving us with a number of phases which could exist, but do not have a single strongly interacting representative. The purpose of this thesis is to resolve this in certain cases by constructing commuting projector models (CPM), a class of exactly solvable models, for two types of topological phases, known as symmetry enriched topological (SET) order and fermionic symmetry protected topological (SPT) phases respectively. After introducing the background and history of commuting projector models, we will move on to the details of how these Hamiltonians are built. In the first case, we construct a CPM for a SET, showing how to encode the necessary group cohomology data into a lattice model. In the second, we construct a CPM for a fermionic SPT, and find that we must include a combinatorial representation of a spin structure to make the model consistent. While these two projects were independent, they are linked thematically by a technique known as decoration, where extra data is encoded onto simple models to generate exotic phases.

Geology and mineral deposits of the Wadi an Nuqumi quadrangle, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hummel, C.L.

1972-01-01

The rocks, structures, and mineral deposits of the Wadi an Nuqumi quadrangle were formed during three periods of deformation, two of Precambrian age and one of Tertiary and Recent age. The older Precambrian Halaban cycle produced the thick eugeosynclinal suite of interlayered metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks comprising the Halaban Formation, the numerous synorogenic granitic masses which intrude the layered rocks, and the northward-trending tectonic, plutonic, and metamorphic features of all these rocks which constitute the basic grain of the area. The older Halaban features are everywhere strongly transected, but only slightly deformed and offset, by many eastward-northeastward-, and northwestward-striking fractures and strike-slip faults. Silicic dikes are emplaced in these fractures, and several kinds of barren and metalliferous veins are closely associated with them. All these features are here thought to have formed during a period of deformation of late Precambrian age which produced the Najd Wrench Fault Zone; therefore, these features are named for it. Sporadic remnants of once far more extensive basaltic lava fields and the north-northwestward-striking vertical fractures which occur in them and contain volcanic vents from which they were extruded are the youngest rocks and structures in the Wadi an Nuqumi area. They are thought to have formed during the period of tectonic and volcanic activity which also produced the Red Sea graben. The principal mineral deposits of the Wadi an Nuqumi area are silicified-carbonate breccia veins which occur in structures of the Najd Wrench Fault deformation and metalliferous quartz veins which are closely associated with them. Only the latter possesses any economic potential, the most promising being the gold and silver-bearing quartz-base metal veins of the Al Numrahniyah and Muthaheel ancient mines.

Database for Rapid Dereplication of Known Natural Products Using Data from MS and Fast NMR Experiments.

PubMed

Zani, Carlos L; Carroll, Anthony R

2017-06-23

The discovery of novel and/or new bioactive natural products from biota sources is often confounded by the reisolation of known natural products. Dereplication strategies that involve the analysis of NMR and MS spectroscopic data to infer structural features present in purified natural products in combination with database searches of these substructures provide an efficient method to rapidly identify known natural products. Unfortunately this strategy has been hampered by the lack of publically available and comprehensive natural product databases and open source cheminformatics tools. A new platform, DEREP-NP, has been developed to help solve this problem. DEREP-NP uses the open source cheminformatics program DataWarrior to generate a database containing counts of 65 structural fragments present in 229 358 natural product structures derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms, published before 2013 and freely available in the nonproprietary Universal Natural Products Database (UNPD). By counting the number of times one or more of these structural features occurs in an unknown compound, as deduced from the analysis of its NMR ( 1 H, HSQC, and/or HMBC) and/or MS data, matching structures carrying the same numeric combination of searched structural features can be retrieved from the database. Confirmation that the matching structure is the same compound can then be verified through literature comparison of spectroscopic data. This methodology can be applied to both purified natural products and fractions containing a small number of individual compounds that are often generated as screening libraries. The utility of DEREP-NP has been verified through the analysis of spectra derived from compounds (and fractions containing two or three compounds) isolated from plant, marine invertebrate, and fungal sources. DEREP-NP is freely available at https://github.com/clzani/DEREP-NP and will help to streamline the natural product discovery process.

Molecular, mesoscopic and microscopic structure evolution during amylase digestion of maize starch granules.

PubMed

Shrestha, Ashok K; Blazek, Jaroslav; Flanagan, Bernadine M; Dhital, Sushil; Larroque, Oscar; Morell, Matthew K; Gilbert, Elliot P; Gidley, Michael J

2012-09-01

Cereal starch granules with high (>50%) amylose content are a promising source of nutritionally desirable resistant starch, i.e. starch that escapes digestion in the small intestine, but the structural features responsible are not fully understood. We report the effects of partial enzyme digestion of maize starch granules on amylopectin branch length profiles, double and single helix contents, gelatinisation properties, crystallinity and lamellar periodicity. Comparing results for three maize starches (27, 57, and 84% amylose) that differ in both structural features and amylase-sensitivity allows conclusions to be drawn concerning the rate-determining features operating under the digestion conditions used. All starches are found to be digested by a side-by-side mechanism in which there is no major preference during enzyme attack for amylopectin branch lengths, helix form, crystallinity or lamellar organisation. We conclude that the major factor controlling enzyme susceptibility is granule architecture, with shorter length scales not playing a major role as inferred from the largely invariant nature of numerous structural measures during the digestion process (XRD, NMR, SAXS, DSC, FACE). Results are consistent with digestion rates being controlled by restricted diffusion of enzymes within densely packed granular structures, with an effective surface area for enzyme attack determined by external dimensions (57 or 84% amylose - relatively slow) or internal channels and pores (27% amylose - relatively fast). Although the process of granule digestion is to a first approximation non-discriminatory with respect to structure at molecular and mesoscopic length scales, secondary effects noted include (i) partial crystallisation of V-type helices during digestion of 27% amylose starch, (ii) preferential hydrolysis of long amylopectin branches during the early stage hydrolysis of 27% and 57% but not 84% amylose starches, linked with disruption of lamellar repeating structure and (iii) partial B-type recrystallisation after prolonged enzyme incubation for 57% and 84% amylose starches but not 27% amylose starch. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structure of Saturn's Rings from Cassini Diametric Radio Occultations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marouf, E.; French, R.; Rappaport, N.; Kliore, A.; Flasar, M.; Nagy, A.; McGhee, C.; Schinder, P.; Anabtawi, A.; Asmar, S.; Barbinis, E.; Fleischman, D.; Goltz, G.; Johnston, D.; Rochblatt, D.; Thomson, F.; Wong, K.

2005-08-01

Cassini orbits around Saturn were designed to provide eight optimized radio occultation observations of Saturn's rings during summer, 2005. Three monochromatic radio signals (0.94, 3.6, and 13 cm-wavelength) were transmitted by Cassini through the rings and observed at multiple stations of the NASA Deep Space Network. A rich data set has been collected. Detailed structure of Ring B is revealed for the first time, including multi-feature dense ''core'' ˜ 6,000 km wide of normal optical depth > 4.3, a ˜ 5,500 km region of oscillations in optical depth ( ˜ 1.7 to ˜ 3.4) over characteristic radial scales of few hundred kilometers interior to the core, and a ˜ 5,000 km region exterior to the core of similar nature but smaller optical depth fluctuation ( ˜ 2.2 to ˜ 3.3). The innermost ˜ 7,000 km region is the thinnest (mean optical depth ˜ 1.2), and includes two unusually uniform regions and a prominent density wave. With few exceptions, the structure is nearly identical for the three radio signals (when detectable), indicating that Ring B is relatively devoid of centimeters and smaller size particles. The structure is largely circularly symmetric, except for radius > ˜ 116,600 km. In Ring A, numerous (> 40) density waves are clearly observed at multiple longitudes, different average background optical depth is observed among different occultations suggesting that the azimuthal asymmetry extends over most Ring A, and strong dependence of the observed structure on wavelength implies increase in the abundance of centimeter and smaller size particles with increasing radius. Multiple longitude observations of Ring C and the Cassini Division structure reveal remarkable variability of gaps and their embedded narrow eccentric ringlets, and a wake/wave like feature interior to the gap at ˜ 118,200 km (embedded moonlet?). Wavelength dependent structure of Ring C implies abundance of centimeter size particles everywhere and sorting by size within dense embedded features.

Fluid-structure interaction of a pulsatile flow with an aortic valve model: A combined experimental and numerical study.

PubMed

Sigüenza, Julien; Pott, Desiree; Mendez, Simon; Sonntag, Simon J; Kaufmann, Tim A S; Steinseifer, Ulrich; Nicoud, Franck

2018-04-01

The complex fluid-structure interaction problem associated with the flow of blood through a heart valve with flexible leaflets is investigated both experimentally and numerically. In the experimental test rig, a pulse duplicator generates a pulsatile flow through a biomimetic rigid aortic root where a model of aortic valve with polymer flexible leaflets is implanted. High-speed recordings of the leaflets motion and particle image velocimetry measurements were performed together to investigate the valve kinematics and the dynamics of the flow. Large eddy simulations of the same configuration, based on a variant of the immersed boundary method, are also presented. A massively parallel unstructured finite-volume flow solver is coupled with a finite-element solid mechanics solver to predict the fluid-structure interaction between the unsteady flow and the valve. Detailed analysis of the dynamics of opening and closure of the valve are conducted, showing a good quantitative agreement between the experiment and the simulation regarding the global behavior, in spite of some differences regarding the individual dynamics of the valve leaflets. A multicycle analysis (over more than 20 cycles) enables to characterize the generation of turbulence downstream of the valve, showing similar flow features between the experiment and the simulation. The flow transitions to turbulence after peak systole, when the flow starts to decelerate. Fluctuations are observed in the wake of the valve, with maximum amplitude observed at the commissure side of the aorta. Overall, a very promising experiment-vs-simulation comparison is shown, demonstrating the potential of the numerical method. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Unilateral contact induced blade/casing vibratory interactions in impellers: Analysis for rigid casings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batailly, Alain; Meingast, Markus; Legrand, Mathias

2015-02-01

This contribution addresses the vibratory analysis of unilateral-contact induced structural interactions between a bladed impeller and its surrounding rigid casing. Such assemblies can be found in helicopter or small aircraft engines for instance and the interactions of interest shall arise due to the always tighter operating clearances between the rotating and stationary components. The investigation is conducted by extending to cyclically symmetric structures an in-house time-marching based tool dedicated to unilateral contact occurrences in turbomachines. The main components of the considered impeller together with the associated assumptions and modelling principles considered in this work are detailed. Typical dynamical features of cyclically symmetric structures, such as the aliasing effect and frequency clustering are explored in this nonlinear framework by means of thorough frequency-domain analyses and harmonic trackings of the numerically predicted impeller displacements. Additional contact maps highlight the existence of critical rotational velocities at which displacements potentially reach high amplitudes due to the synchronization of the bladed assembly vibratory pattern with the shape of the rigid casing. The proposed numerical investigations are also compared to a simpler and (almost) empirical criterion: it is suggested, based on nonlinear numerical simulations with a linear reduced order model of the impeller and a rigid casing, that this criterion may miss important critical velocities emanating from the unfavorable combination of aliasing and contact-induced higher harmonics in the vibratory response of the impeller. Overall, this work suggests a way to enhance guidelines to improve the design of impellers in the context of nonlinear and nonsmooth dynamics.

Fine structure of the copulatory apparatus of the tapeworm Tetrabothrius erostris (Cestoda: Tetrabothriidea).

PubMed

Korneva, Janetta V; Jones, Malcolm K; Kuklin, Vadim V

2015-05-01

The organization and fine structure of the complex copulatory apparatus of Tetrabothrius erostris (Tetrabothriidea) is investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy. A diversity of microstructures was found on the surface of genital ducts. The apical surfaces of male gonadoducts possess tubular and blade-like microtriches that have specific structure in each section of the duct. The apical part of the tubular microtriches contains numerous constrictions in the proximal section of the sperm duct; blade-like microtriches of cirrus possess longitudinal striation in the apical part, and their basal part is reinforced with electron-dense strands. Two types of microtriches occur on the surface of cirrus, and their presence may be considered as systematic features. Prostate glands containing granules of medium electron density (up to 130 nm diameter) are localized in the cirrus sac. The genital atrium contains numerous non-ciliated receptors. Paramyosin-like fibers (up to 200 nm) were found in the muscle fibers surrounding the male atrium canal. Microtriches on the surface of the distal region of the male atrial canal are covered by a glycocalyx. Electron-dense, membrane-like structures (up to 40 nm) lie under the apical membrane of the genital atrium and vagina. These structures do not form a continuous layer; its edges turn down and sink into the apical invaginations of epithelium. Hypotheses on the possible ways of copulation in T. erostris based on the observed ultrastructure are discussed.

A new adaptive mesh refinement strategy for numerically solving evolutionary PDE's

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burgarelli, Denise; Kischinhevsky, Mauricio; Biezuner, Rodney Josue

2006-11-01

A graph-based implementation of quadtree meshes for dealing with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) in the numerical solution of evolutionary partial differential equations is discussed using finite volume methods. The technique displays a plug-in feature that allows replacement of a group of cells in any region of interest for another one with arbitrary refinement, and with only local changes occurring in the data structure. The data structure is also specially designed to minimize the number of operations needed in the AMR. Implementation of the new scheme allows flexibility in the levels of refinement of adjacent regions. Moreover, storage requirements and computational cost compare competitively with mesh refinement schemes based on hierarchical trees. Low storage is achieved for only the children nodes are stored when a refinement takes place. These nodes become part of a graph structure, thus motivating the denomination autonomous leaves graph (ALG) for the new scheme. Neighbors can then be reached without accessing their parent nodes. Additionally, linear-system solvers based on the minimization of functionals can be easily employed. ALG was not conceived with any particular problem or geometry in mind and can thus be applied to the study of several phenomena. Some test problems are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the technique.

Dispersion engineering with plasmonic nano structures for enhanced surface plasmon resonance sensing.

PubMed

Arora, Pankaj; Talker, Eliran; Mazurski, Noa; Levy, Uriel

2018-06-13

We demonstrate numerically and experimentally the enhancement of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) sensing via dispersion engineering of the plasmonic response using plasmonic nanograting. Following their design and optimization, the plasmonic nanograting structures are fabricated using e-beam lithography and lift-off process and integrated into conventional prism based Kretschmann configuration. The presence of absorptive nanograting near the metal film, provides strong field enhancement with localization and allows to control the dispersion relation which was originally dictated by a conventional SPR structure. This contributes to the enhancement in Q factor which is found to be 3-4 times higher as compared to the conventional Kretschmann configuration. The influence of the incident angle on resonance wavelength is also demonstrated both numerically and experimentally, where, only a negligible wavelength shift is observed with increasing the incident angles for plasmonic nanograting configuration. This surprising feature may be helpful for studying and utilizing light-matter interaction between plasmons and narrow linewidth media (e.g. Rb atom or molecule) having nonlocalities in their susceptibility-momentum relation. Finally, we analyze the role of plasmonic nanograting in enhancing the performance of an SPR sensor. Our results indicate that the integrated SPR-nanograting device shows a great promise as a sensor for various types of analytes.

Terahertz plasmon-induced transparency based on asymmetric dual-disk resonators coupled to a semiconductor InSb waveguide and its biosensor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahamat, Yadollah; Vahedi, Mohammad

2017-06-01

An ultracompact double eight-shaped plasmonic structure for the realization of plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) in the terahertz (THz) region has been studied. The device consists of a semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor bus waveguide coupled to the dual-disk resonators. Indium antimonide is employed to excite SPP in the THz region. The transmission characteristics of the proposed device are simulated numerically by the finite-difference time-domain method. In addition, a theoretical analysis based on the coupled-mode theory for transmission features is presented and compared with the numerical results. Results are in good agreement. Also, the dependence of PIT frequency characteristics on the radius of the outer disk is discussed in detail. In addition, by removing one of the outer disk resonators, double-PIT peaks can be observed in the transmission spectrum, and the physical mechanism of the appeared peaks is investigated. Finally, an application of the proposed structure for distinguishing different states of DNA molecules is discussed. Results show that the maximum sensitivity with 654 GHz/RIU-1 could be obtained for a single PIT structure. The frequency shifts equal to 37 and 99 GHz could be observed for the denatured and the hybridized DNA states, respectively.

Fine structure of the pecten oculi in the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus).

PubMed

Braekevelt, C R

1993-01-01

The pecten oculi of the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) has been examined by light and electron microscopy. The pecten in this species is of the pleated type and is small in comparison to the size of the eyeball. It consists of 7-8 accordion folds which are joined apically by a pigmented bridge of tissue. Within each fold are numerous capillaries, larger supply and drainage vessels and plentiful pleomorphic melanocytes. The capillaries are extremely specialized vessels, most of which display plentiful microfolds on both their luminal and abluminal surfaces although some capillaries show but a few microfolds. The endothelial cell bodies are extremely thin with most organelles located near the nucleus. All capillaries are surrounded by a thick fibrillar basal lamina which is felt to be structurally important. Pericytes are a common feature within these thickened basal laminae. The numerous melanocytes form an incomplete sheath around the capillaries and are also presumed to be fulfilling a structural role. While the morphology of the pecten in the great horned owl is certainly indicative of a heavy involvement in transport, when compared to the pecten in species that are more visually oriented it is smaller, displays fewer folds and a reduced number of microfolds within the capillaries.

Determination of Paleoseismic Ground Motions from Inversion of Block Failures in Masonry Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagoda-Biran, G.; Hatzor, Y. H.

2010-12-01

Accurate estimation of ground motion parameters such as expected peak ground acceleration (PGA), predominant frequency and duration of motion in seismically active regions, is crucial for hazard preparedness and sound engineering design. The best way to estimate quantitatively these parameters would be to investigate long term recorded data of past strong earthquakes in a studied region. In some regions of the world however recorded data are scarce due to lack of seismic network infrastructure, and in all regions the availability of recorded data is restricted to the late 19th century and onwards. Therefore, existing instrumental data are hardly representative of the true seismicity of a region. When recorded data are scarce or not available, alternative methods may be applied, for example adopting a quantitative paleoseismic approach. In this research we suggest the use of seismically damaged masonry structures as paleoseismic indicators. Visitors to archeological sites all over the world are often struck by structural failure features which seem to be "seismically driven", particularly when inspecting old masonry structures. While it is widely accepted that no other loading mechanism can explain the preserved damage, the actual driving mechanism remains enigmatic even now. In this research we wish to explore how such failures may be triggered by earthquake induced ground motions and use observed block displacements to determine the characteristic parameters of the paleoseismic earthquake motion, namely duration, frequency, and amplitude. This is performed utilizing a 3D, fully dynamic, numerical analysis performed with the Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA) method. Several case studies are selected for 3D numerical analysis. First we study a simple structure in the old city of L'Aquila, Italy. L'Aquila was hit by an earthquake on April 6th, 2009, with over 300 casualties and many of its medieval buildings damaged. This case study is an excellent opportunity to validate our method, since in the case of L'Aquila, both the damaged structure and the ground motions are recorded. The 3D modeling of the structure is rather complicated, and is performed by first modeling the structure with CAD software and later "translating" the model to the numerical code used. In the future, several more case studies will be analyzed, such as Kedesh and Avdat in Israel, and in collaboration with Hugh and Bilham the Temple of Shiva at Pandrethan, Kashmir. Establishing a numerical 3D dynamic analysis for back analysis of stone displacement in masonry structures as a paleoseismic tool can provide much needed data on ground motion parameters in regions where instrumental data are scarce, or are completely absent.

Mechanical Characterization of Polysilicon MEMS: A Hybrid TMCMC/POD-Kriging Approach.

PubMed

Mirzazadeh, Ramin; Eftekhar Azam, Saeed; Mariani, Stefano

2018-04-17

Microscale uncertainties related to the geometry and morphology of polycrystalline silicon films, constituting the movable structures of micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), were investigated through a joint numerical/experimental approach. An on-chip testing device was designed and fabricated to deform a compliant polysilicon beam. In previous studies, we showed that the scattering in the input–output characteristics of the device can be properly described only if statistical features related to the morphology of the columnar polysilicon film and to the etching process adopted to release the movable structure are taken into account. In this work, a high fidelity finite element model of the device was used to feed a transitional Markov chain Monte Carlo (TMCMC) algorithm for the estimation of the unknown parameters governing the aforementioned statistical features. To reduce the computational cost of the stochastic analysis, a synergy of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and kriging interpolation was adopted. Results are reported for a batch of nominally identical tested devices, in terms of measurement error-affected probability distributions of the overall Young’s modulus of the polysilicon film and of the overetch depth.

Foot Structure in Boys with Down Syndrome

PubMed Central

Nowak, Krzysztof; Omorczyk, Jarosław; Ambroży, Tadeusz; Nosiadek, Leszek

2017-01-01

Introduction and Aim Down syndrome (DS) is associated with numerous developmental abnormalities, some of which cause dysfunctions of the posture and the locomotor system. The analysis of selected features of the foot structure in boys with DS versus their peers without developmental disorders is done. Materials and Methods The podoscopic examination was performed on 30 boys with DS aged 14-15 years. A control group consisted of 30 age- and gender-matched peers without DS. Results The feet of boys with DS are flatter compared to their healthy peers. The hallux valgus angle is not the most important feature differentiating the shape of the foot in the boys with DS and their healthy peers. In terms of the V toe setting, healthy boys had poorer results. Conclusions Specialized therapeutic treatment in individuals with DS should involve exercises to increase the muscle strength around the foot joints, enhancing the stabilization in the joints and proprioception. Introducing orthotics and proper footwear is also important. It is also necessary to monitor the state of the foot in order to modify undertaken therapies. PMID:28904967

Characteristics of large three-dimensional heaps of particles produced by ballistic deposition from extended sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Topic, Nikola; Gallas, Jason A. C.; Pöschel, Thorsten

2013-11-01

This paper reports a detailed numerical investigation of the geometrical and structural properties of three-dimensional heaps of particles. Our goal is the characterization of very large heaps produced by ballistic deposition from extended circular dropping areas. First, we provide an in-depth study of the formation of monodisperse heaps of particles. We find very large heaps to contain three new geometrical characteristics: they may display two external angles of repose, one internal angle of repose, and four distinct packing fraction (density) regions. Such features are found to be directly connected with the size of the dropping zone. We derive a differential equation describing the boundary of an unexpected triangular packing fraction zone formed under the dropping area. We investigate the impact that noise during the deposition has on the final heap structure. In addition, we perform two complementary experiments designed to test the robustness of the novel features found. The first experiment considers changes due to polydispersity. The second checks what happens when letting the extended dropping zone to become a point-like source of particles, the more common type of source.

A Fatigue Crack Size Evaluation Method Based on Lamb Wave Simulation and Limited Experimental Data

PubMed Central

He, Jingjing; Ran, Yunmeng; Liu, Bin; Yang, Jinsong; Guan, Xuefei

2017-01-01

This paper presents a systematic and general method for Lamb wave-based crack size quantification using finite element simulations and Bayesian updating. The method consists of construction of a baseline quantification model using finite element simulation data and Bayesian updating with limited Lamb wave data from target structure. The baseline model correlates two proposed damage sensitive features, namely the normalized amplitude and phase change, with the crack length through a response surface model. The two damage sensitive features are extracted from the first received S0 mode wave package. The model parameters of the baseline model are estimated using finite element simulation data. To account for uncertainties from numerical modeling, geometry, material and manufacturing between the baseline model and the target model, Bayesian method is employed to update the baseline model with a few measurements acquired from the actual target structure. A rigorous validation is made using in-situ fatigue testing and Lamb wave data from coupon specimens and realistic lap-joint components. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method is demonstrated under different loading and damage conditions. PMID:28902148

Riemannian multi-manifold modeling and clustering in brain networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slavakis, Konstantinos; Salsabilian, Shiva; Wack, David S.; Muldoon, Sarah F.; Baidoo-Williams, Henry E.; Vettel, Jean M.; Cieslak, Matthew; Grafton, Scott T.

2017-08-01

This paper introduces Riemannian multi-manifold modeling in the context of brain-network analytics: Brainnetwork time-series yield features which are modeled as points lying in or close to a union of a finite number of submanifolds within a known Riemannian manifold. Distinguishing disparate time series amounts thus to clustering multiple Riemannian submanifolds. To this end, two feature-generation schemes for brain-network time series are put forth. The first one is motivated by Granger-causality arguments and uses an auto-regressive moving average model to map low-rank linear vector subspaces, spanned by column vectors of appropriately defined observability matrices, to points into the Grassmann manifold. The second one utilizes (non-linear) dependencies among network nodes by introducing kernel-based partial correlations to generate points in the manifold of positivedefinite matrices. Based on recently developed research on clustering Riemannian submanifolds, an algorithm is provided for distinguishing time series based on their Riemannian-geometry properties. Numerical tests on time series, synthetically generated from real brain-network structural connectivity matrices, reveal that the proposed scheme outperforms classical and state-of-the-art techniques in clustering brain-network states/structures.

Shock Wave Propagation in Functionally Graded Mineralized Tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelms, Matthew; Hodo, Wayne; Livi, Ken; Browning, Alyssa; Crawford, Bryan; Rajendran, A. M.

2017-06-01

In this investigation, the effects of shock wave propagation in bone-like biomineralized tissue was investigated. The Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) exoskeleton is comprised of many disparate scales that provide a biological analog for potential design of flexible protective material systems. The gar scale is identified as a two-phase, (1) hydroxyapatite mineral and (2) collagen protein, biological composite with two distinct layers where a stiff, ceramic-like ganoine overlays a soft, highly ductile ganoid bone. Previous experimentations has shown significant softening under compressive loading and an asymmetrical stress-strain response for analogous mineralized tissues. The structural features, porosity, and elastic modulus were determined from high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, 3D micro-tomography, and dynamic nanoindentation experiments to develop an idealized computational model for FE simulations. The numerical analysis employed Gurson's yield criterion to determine the influence of porosity and pressure on material strength. Functional gradation of elastic moduli and certain structural features, such as the sawtooth interface, are explicitly modeled to study the plate impact shock profile for a full 3-D analysis using ABAQUS finite element software.

Prediction and Dissection of Protein-RNA Interactions by Molecular Descriptors.

PubMed

Liu, Zhi-Ping; Chen, Luonan

2016-01-01

Protein-RNA interactions play crucial roles in numerous biological processes. However, detecting the interactions and binding sites between protein and RNA by traditional experiments is still time consuming and labor costing. Thus, it is of importance to develop bioinformatics methods for predicting protein-RNA interactions and binding sites. Accurate prediction of protein-RNA interactions and recognitions will highly benefit to decipher the interaction mechanisms between protein and RNA, as well as to improve the RNA-related protein engineering and drug design. In this work, we summarize the current bioinformatics strategies of predicting protein-RNA interactions and dissecting protein-RNA interaction mechanisms from local structure binding motifs. In particular, we focus on the feature-based machine learning methods, in which the molecular descriptors of protein and RNA are extracted and integrated as feature vectors of representing the interaction events and recognition residues. In addition, the available methods are classified and compared comprehensively. The molecular descriptors are expected to elucidate the binding mechanisms of protein-RNA interaction and reveal the functional implications from structural complementary perspective.

Venus: Preliminary geologic mapping of northern Atla Regio

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nikishin, A. M.; Burba, G. A.

1992-01-01

A preliminary geologic map of C1 sheet 15N197 was compiled according to Magellan data. Northern Atla Regio is dominantly a volcanic plain with numerous volcanic features: radar-bright and -dark flows and spots, shield volcanos, volcanic domes and hills with varied morphology, and coronalike constructions. Tesserae are the oldest terrains semiflooded by plain materials. There are many lineated terrains on this territory. They are interpreted as old, partly buried ridge belts. Lineated terrains have intermediate age between young plains and old tesserae. Ozza Mons and Sapas Mons are the high shield volcanos. The prominent structure of northern Atla Regio is Ganis Chasma rift. The rift dissected the volcanic plain and evolved nearly contemporaneously with Ozza Mons shield volcano. Ganis Chasma rift valley is highly fractured and bounded by fault scarps. There are a few relatively young volcanic features in the rift valley. The rift originated due to 5-10 percent crustal extension and crustal subsidence according to analysis of fracturing and rift valley geometry. Ganis Chasma is characterized by rift shoulder uplifts. Geological structures of Alta Regio and Beta Regio are very similar as assumed earlier.

Numerical simulation of colloidal self-assembly of super-hydrophobic arachnid cerotegument structures.

PubMed

Filippov, Alexander É; Wolff, Jonas O; Seiter, Michael; Gorb, Stanislav N

2017-10-07

Certain arachnids exhibit complex coatings of their exoskeleton, consisting of globular structures with complex surface features. This, so-called, cerotegument is formed by a multi-component colloidal secretion that self-assembles and cures on the body surface, and leads to high water repellency. Previous ultrastructural studies revealed the involvement of different glandular cells that contribute different components to the secretion mixture, but the overall process of self-assembly into the complex regular structures observed remained highly unclear. Here we study this process from a theoretical point of view, starting from the so-called Tammes-problem. We show that slight changes of simple parameters lead to a variety of morphologies that are highly similar to the ones observed in the species specific cerotegument structures of whip-spiders. These results are not only important for our understanding of the formation of globular hierarchical structures in nature, but also for the fabrication of novel surface coatings by colloidal lithography. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mathematical modeling of flow in the working part of an acousto-convective drying system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kravchenko, A. S.; Zhilin, A. A.; Fedorova, N. N.

2018-03-01

The objective of this study was to numerically simulate the nonstationary processes occurring in the acoustic-convective dryer (ACD) channel. In the present work, the problem was solved numerically in a three-dimensional formulation taking into account all features of the ACD duct in real geometry. The processes occurring in the ACD duct were simulated using the ANSYS Fluent 18.0 software. The numerical experiments provided an aggregate picture of the working gas flow in the ACD duct with the features near the subsonic nozzle and the cavity. The results of the numerical calculations were compared with experimental data. The best agreement with the experimental data was obtained for the viscosity model neglecting turbulent effects.

Recovering Long-wavelength Velocity Models using Spectrogram Inversion with Single- and Multi-frequency Components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, J.; Chung, W.; Shin, S.

2015-12-01

Many waveform inversion algorithms have been proposed in order to construct subsurface velocity structures from seismic data sets. These algorithms have suffered from computational burden, local minima problems, and the lack of low-frequency components. Computational efficiency can be improved by the application of back-propagation techniques and advances in computing hardware. In addition, waveform inversion algorithms, for obtaining long-wavelength velocity models, could avoid both the local minima problem and the effect of the lack of low-frequency components in seismic data. In this study, we proposed spectrogram inversion as a technique for recovering long-wavelength velocity models. In spectrogram inversion, decomposed frequency components from spectrograms of traces, in the observed and calculated data, are utilized to generate traces with reproduced low-frequency components. Moreover, since each decomposed component can reveal the different characteristics of a subsurface structure, several frequency components were utilized to analyze the velocity features in the subsurface. We performed the spectrogram inversion using a modified SEG/SEGE salt A-A' line. Numerical results demonstrate that spectrogram inversion could also recover the long-wavelength velocity features. However, inversion results varied according to the frequency components utilized. Based on the results of inversion using a decomposed single-frequency component, we noticed that robust inversion results are obtained when a dominant frequency component of the spectrogram was utilized. In addition, detailed information on recovered long-wavelength velocity models was obtained using a multi-frequency component combined with single-frequency components. Numerical examples indicate that various detailed analyses of long-wavelength velocity models can be carried out utilizing several frequency components.

Testing the role of bedforms as controls on the morphodynamics of sandy braided rivers with CFD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unsworth, C. A.; Nicholas, A. P.; Ashworth, P. J.; Best, J.; Lane, S. N.; Parsons, D. R.; Sambrook Smith, G.; Simpson, C.; Strick, R. J. P.

2017-12-01

Sand-bed rivers are characterised by multiple scales of topography (e.g., channels, bars and bedforms). Small scale topographic features (e.g., dunes) exert a significant influence on coherent flow structures and sediment transport processes, over distances that scale with channel depth. However, the extent to which such dune-scale effects control larger, channel and bar-scale morphology and morphodynamics remains unknown. Moreover, such bedform effects are typically neglected in two-dimensional (depth-averaged) morphodynamic models that are used to simulate river evolution. To evaluate the significance of these issues, we report results from a combined numerical modelling and field monitoring study, undertaken in the South Saskatchewan River, Canada. Numerical simulations were carried out, using the OpenFOAM CFD code, to quantify the mean three-dimensional flow structure within a 90 x 350 m section of channel. To isolate the role of bedforms as a control on flow and sediment transport, two simulations were undertaken. The first used a high-resolution ( 3 cm) bedform-resolving DEM. The second used a filtered DEM in which dunes were removed and only large scale topographic features (e.g., bars, scour pools etc) were resolved. The results of these simulations are compared here, in order to quantify the degree to which topographic steering by bedforms influences flow and sediment transport directions at bar and channel scales. Analysis of the CFD simulation results within a 2D morphodynamic modelling framework demonstrates that dunes exert a significant influence on sediment transport, and hence morphodynamics, and highlights important shortcomings in existing 2D model parameterisations of topographic steering.

Moving force identification based on redundant concatenated dictionary and weighted l1-norm regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Chu-Dong; Yu, Ling; Liu, Huan-Lin; Chen, Ze-Peng; Luo, Wen-Feng

2018-01-01

Moving force identification (MFI) is an important inverse problem in the field of bridge structural health monitoring (SHM). Reasonable signal structures of moving forces are rarely considered in the existing MFI methods. Interaction forces are complex because they contain both slowly-varying harmonic and impact signals due to bridge vibration and bumps on a bridge deck, respectively. Therefore, the interaction forces are usually hard to be expressed completely and sparsely by using a single basis function set. Based on the redundant concatenated dictionary and weighted l1-norm regularization method, a hybrid method is proposed for MFI in this study. The redundant dictionary consists of both trigonometric functions and rectangular functions used for matching the harmonic and impact signal features of unknown moving forces. The weighted l1-norm regularization method is introduced for formulation of MFI equation, so that the signal features of moving forces can be accurately extracted. The fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm (FISTA) is used for solving the MFI problem. The optimal regularization parameter is appropriately chosen by the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) method. In order to assess the accuracy and the feasibility of the proposed method, a simply-supported beam bridge subjected to a moving force is taken as an example for numerical simulations. Finally, a series of experimental studies on MFI of a steel beam are performed in laboratory. Both numerical and experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately identify the moving forces with a strong robustness, and it has a better performance than the Tikhonov regularization method. Some related issues are discussed as well.

In situ template synthesis of hollow nanospheres assembled from NiCo2S4@C ultrathin nanosheets with high electrochemical activities for lithium storage and ORR catalysis.

PubMed

Wu, Xiaoyu; Li, Songmei; Wang, Bo; Liu, Jianhua; Yu, Mei

2017-05-10

Transition-metal sulfide hollow nanostructures have received intensive attention in energy-related applications due to their unique structural features and high electrochemical activities. Here, a well-designed composite of NiCo 2 S 4 @C is successfully fabricated using a facile in situ template removal method. The obtained composite shows unique microstructures of hollow nanospheres (∼650 nm in diameter) assembled from ultrathin NiCo 2 S 4 @C nanosheets, in which numerous scattered NiCo 2 S 4 nanoparticles are embedded in ultrathin carbon nanosheets, exhibiting mesoporous features with a high surface area of 247.25 m 2 g -1 . When used as anode materials for LIBs, NiCo 2 S 4 @C hollow nanospheres exhibit a high reversible capacity of 1592 mA h g -1 at a current density of 500 mA g -1 , enhanced cycling performance maintaining a capacity of 1178 mA h g -1 after 200 cycles, and a remarkable rate capability. Meanwhile, the hollow nanospheres display excellent catalytic activity as ORR catalysts with a four-electron pathway and superior durability to that of commercial Pt/C catalysts. Their excellent lithium storage and ORR catalysis performance can be attributed to the rational incorporation of high-activity NiCo 2 S 4 and ultrathin carbon nanosheets, as well as unique hollow microstructures, which offer efficient electron/ion transport, an enhanced electroactive material/electrolyte contact area, numerous active sites, and excellent structural stability.

Isolas of periodic passive Q-switching self-pulsations in the three-level:two-level model for a laser with a saturable absorber.

PubMed

Doedel, Eusebius J; Pando, Carlos L L

2011-11-01

We show that a fundamental feature of the three-level:two-level model, used to describe molecular monomode lasers with a saturable absorber, is the existence of isolas of periodic passive Q-switching (PQS) self-pulsations. A common feature of these closed families of periodic solutions is that they contain regions of stability of the PQS self-pulsation bordered by period-doubling and fold bifurcations, when the control parameter is either the incoherent external pump or the cavity frequency detuning. These findings unveil the fundamental solution structure that is at the origin of the phenomenon known as "period-adding cascades" in our system. Using numerical continuation techniques we determine these isolas systematically, as well as the changes they undergo as secondary parameters are varied.

Origin and thermal evolution of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schubert, Gerald; Soloman, S. C.; Turcotte, D. L.; Drake, M. J.; Sleep, N. H.

1990-01-01

The thermal evolution of Mars is governed by subsolidus mantle convection beneath a thick lithosphere. Models of the interior evolution are developed by parameterizing mantle convective heat transport in terms of mantle viscosity, the superadiabatic temperature rise across the mantle, and mantle heat production. Geological, geophysical, and geochemical observations of the compositon and structure of the interior and of the timing of major events in Martian evolution are used to constrain the model computations. Such evolutionary events include global differentiation, atmospheric outgassing, and the formation of the hemispherical dichotomy and Tharsis. Numerical calculations of fully three-dimensional, spherical convection in a shell the size of the Martian mantle are performed to explore plausible patterns of Martian mantel convection and to relate convective features, such as plumes, to surface features, such as Tharsis. The results from the model calculations are presented.

Galileo's First Images of Jupiter and the Galilean Satellites

PubMed

Belton, M J S; Head, J W; Ingersoll, A P; Greeley, R; McEwen, A S; Klaasen, K P; Senske, D; Pappalardo, R; Collins, G; Vasavada, A R; Sullivan, R; Simonelli, D; Geissler, P; Carr, M H; Davies, M E; Veverka, J; Gierasch, P J; Banfield, D; Bell, M; Chapman, C R; Anger, C; Greenberg, R; Neukum, G; Pilcher, C B; Beebe, R F; Burns, J A; Fanale, F; Ip, W; Johnson, T V; Morrison, D; Moore, J; Orton, G S; Thomas, P; West, R A

1996-10-18

The first images of Jupiter, Io, Europa, and Ganymede from the Galileo spacecraft reveal new information about Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS) and the surfaces of the Galilean satellites. Features similar to clusters of thunderstorms were found in the GRS. Nearby wave structures suggest that the GRS may be a shallow atmospheric feature. Changes in surface color and plume distribution indicate differences in resurfacing processes near hot spots on Io. Patchy emissions were seen while Io was in eclipse by Jupiter. The outer margins of prominent linear markings (triple bands) on Europa are diffuse, suggesting that material has been vented from fractures. Numerous small circular craters indicate localized areas of relatively old surface. Pervasive brittle deformation of an ice layer appears to have formed grooves on Ganymede. Dark terrain unexpectedly shows distinctive albedo variations to the limit of resolution.

A High Resolution Spectroscopic Observation of CAL 83 with XMM-Newton/RGS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paerels, Frits; Rasmussen, Andrew P.; Hartmann, H. W.; Heise, J.; Brinkman, A. C.; deVries, C. P.; denHerder, J.-W.

2000-01-01

We present the first high resolution photospheric X-ray spectrum of a Supersoft X-ray Source, the famous CAL 83 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The spectrum was obtained with the Reflection Grating Spectrometer on XMM-Newton during the Calibration/Performance Verification phase of the observatory. The spectrum covers the range 20-40 A at an approximately constant resolution of 0.05 A, and shows very significant, intricate detail, that is very sensitive to the physical properties of the object. We present the results of an initial investigation of the spectrum, from which we draw the conclusion that the spectral structure is probably dominated by numerous absorption features due to transitions in the Gshells of the mid-2 elements and the M-shell of Fe, in addition to a few strong K-shell features due to CNO.

Galileo's first images of Jupiter and the Galilean satellites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Belton, M.J.S.; Head, J. W.; Ingersoll, A.P.; Greeley, R.; McEwen, A.S.; Klaasen, K.P.; Senske, D.; Pappalardo, R.; Collins, G.; Vasavada, A.R.; Sullivan, R.; Simonelli, D.; Geissler, P.; Carr, M.H.; Davies, M.E.; Veverka, J.; Gierasch, P.J.; Banfield, D.; Bell, M.; Chapman, C.R.; Anger, C.; Greenberg, R.; Neukum, G.; Pilcher, C.B.; Beebe, R.F.; Burns, J.A.; Fanale, F.; Ip, W.; Johnson, T.V.; Morrison, D.; Moore, J.; Orton, G.S.; Thomas, P.; West, R.A.

1996-01-01

The first images of Jupiter, Io, Europa, and Ganymede from the Galileo spacecraft reveal new information about Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS) and the surfaces of the Galilean satellites. Features similar to clusters of thunderstorms were found in the GRS. Nearby wave structures suggest that the GRS may be a shallow atmospheric feature. Changes in surface color and plume distribution indicate differences in resurfacing processes near hot spots on lo. Patchy emissions were seen while Io was in eclipse by Jupiter. The outer margins of prominent linear markings (triple bands) on Europa are diffuse, suggesting that material has been vented from fractures. Numerous small circular craters indicate localized areas of relatively old surface. Pervasive brittle deformation of an ice layer appears to have formed grooves on Ganymede. Dark terrain unexpectedly shows distinctive albedo variations to the limit of resolution.

A study of the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite on melt quenched Bioglass using surface sensitive shallow angle X-ray diffraction.

PubMed

Martin, R A; Twyman, H; Qiu, D; Knowles, J C; Newport, R J

2009-04-01

Melt quenched silicate glasses containing calcium, phosphorous and alkali metals have the ability to promote bone regeneration and to fuse to living bone. These glasses, including 45S5 Bioglass((R)) [(CaO)(26.9)(Na(2)O)(24.4)(SiO(2))(46.1)(P(2)O(5))(2.6)], are routinely used as clinical implants. Consequently there have been numerous studies on the structure of these glasses using conventional diffraction techniques. These studies have provided important information on the atomic structure of Bioglass((R)) but are of course intrinsically limited in the sense that they probe the bulk material and cannot be as sensitive to thin layers of near-surface dissolution/growth. The present study therefore uses surface sensitive shallow angle X-ray diffraction to study the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite on Bioglass((R)) samples, pre-reacted in simulated body fluid (SBF). Unreacted Bioglass((R)) is dominated by a broad amorphous feature around 2.2 A(-1) which is characteristic of sodium calcium silicate glass. After reacting Bioglass((R)) in SBF a second broad amorphous feature evolves ~1.6 A(-1) which is attributed to amorphous calcium phosphate. This feature is evident for samples after only 4 h reacting in SBF and by 8 h the amorphous feature becomes comparable in magnitude to the background signal of the bulk Bioglass((R)). Bragg peaks characteristic of hydroxyapatite form after 1-3 days of reacting in SBF.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pasyanos, M

We study the lithospheric structure of Africa, Arabia and adjacent oceanic regions with fundamental-mode surface waves over a wide period range. Including short period group velocities allows us to examine shallower features than previous studies of the whole continent. In the process, we have developed a crustal thickness map of Africa. Main features include crustal thickness increases under the West African, Congo, and Kalahari cratons. We find crustal thinning under Mesozoic and Cenozoic rifts, including the Benue Trough, Red Sea, and East, Central, and West African rift systems. Crustal shear wave velocities are generally faster in oceanic regions and cratons,more » and slower in more recent crust and in active and formerly active orogenic regions. Deeper structure, related to the thickness of cratons and modern rifting, is generally consistent with previous work. Under cratons we find thick lithosphere and fast upper mantle velocities, while under rifts we find thinned lithosphere and slower upper mantle velocities. There are no consistent effects in areas classified as hotspots, indicating that there seem to be numerous origins for these features. Finally, it appears that the African Superswell has had a significantly different impact in the north and the south, indicating specifics of the feature (temperature, time of influence, etc.) to be dissimilar between the two regions. Factoring in other information, it is likely that the southern portion has been active in the past, but that shallow activity is currently limited to the northern portion of the superswell.« less

PolySac3DB: an annotated data base of 3 dimensional structures of polysaccharides.

PubMed

Sarkar, Anita; Pérez, Serge

2012-11-14

Polysaccharides are ubiquitously present in the living world. Their structural versatility makes them important and interesting components in numerous biological and technological processes ranging from structural stabilization to a variety of immunologically important molecular recognition events. The knowledge of polysaccharide three-dimensional (3D) structure is important in studying carbohydrate-mediated host-pathogen interactions, interactions with other bio-macromolecules, drug design and vaccine development as well as material science applications or production of bio-ethanol. PolySac3DB is an annotated database that contains the 3D structural information of 157 polysaccharide entries that have been collected from an extensive screening of scientific literature. They have been systematically organized using standard names in the field of carbohydrate research into 18 categories representing polysaccharide families. Structure-related information includes the saccharides making up the repeat unit(s) and their glycosidic linkages, the expanded 3D representation of the repeat unit, unit cell dimensions and space group, helix type, diffraction diagram(s) (when applicable), experimental and/or simulation methods used for structure description, link to the abstract of the publication, reference and the atomic coordinate files for visualization and download. The database is accompanied by a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). It features interactive displays of polysaccharide structures and customized search options for beginners and experts, respectively. The site also serves as an information portal for polysaccharide structure determination techniques. The web-interface also references external links where other carbohydrate-related resources are available. PolySac3DB is established to maintain information on the detailed 3D structures of polysaccharides. All the data and features are available via the web-interface utilizing the search engine and can be accessed at http://polysac3db.cermav.cnrs.fr.

Numerical and experimental investigation of light trapping effect of nanostructured diatom frustules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiangfan; Wang, Chen; Baker, Evan; Sun, Cheng

2015-07-01

Recent advances in nanophotonic light-trapping technologies offer promising solutions in developing high-efficiency thin-film solar cells. However, the cost-effective scalable manufacturing of those rationally designed nanophotonic structures remains a critical challenge. In contrast, diatoms, the most common type of phytoplankton found in nature, may offer a very attractive solution. Diatoms exhibit high solar energy harvesting efficiency due to their frustules (i.e., hard porous cell wall made of silica) possessing remarkable hierarchical micro-/nano-scaled features optimized for the photosynthetic process through millions of years of evolution. Here we report numerical and experimental studies to investigate the light-trapping characteristic of diatom frustule. Rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods are employed to investigate the light-trapping characteristics of the diatom frustules. In simulation, placing the diatom frustules on the surface of the light-absorption materials is found to strongly enhance the optical absorption over the visible spectrum. The absorption spectra are also measured experimentally and the results are in good agreement with numerical simulations.

A four-field model for collisionless reconnection: Hamiltonian structure and numerical simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tassi, Emanuele; Grasso, Daniela; Pegoraro, Francesco

2008-11-01

A 4-field model for magnetic reconnection in collisionless plasmas is investigated both analytically and numerically. The model equations are shown to admit a non-canonical Hamiltonian formulation with four infinite families of Casimir invariants [1]. Numerical simulations show that, consistently with previously investigated models [2,3], in the absence of significant fluctuations along the toroidal direction, reconnection can lead to a macroscopic saturated state exhibiting filamentation on microsocopic scales, or to a secondary Kelvin-Helmholtz-like instability, depending on the value of a parameter measuring the compressibility of the electron fluid. The novel feature exhibited by the four-field model is the coexistence of significant filamentation with a secondary instability when magnetic and velocity perturbations along the toroidal direction are no longer negligible. An interpretation of this phenomenon in terms of Casimir invariants is given.[0pt] [1] E. Tassi et al., Plasma Phys. Contr. Fus., 50, 085014 (2008)[0pt] [2] D. Grasso et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 5051 (2001)[0pt] [3] D. Del Sarto, F. Califano and F. Pegoraro, Phys. Plasmas 12, 012317 (2005)

A numerical analysis of GeO2-doped multi-step index single-mode fiber for stimulated Brillouin scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, H.; Ren, G.; Dong, Y.; Li, H.; Xiao, S.; Wu, B.; Jian, S.

2018-06-01

A numerical analysis of a GeO2-doped single-mode optical fiber with a multi-step index core toward stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) based dual-parameter sensing applications is proposed. Adjusting the parameters in the fiber design, higher-order acoustic modes are sufficiently enhanced, making the fiber feasible for discriminative measurements of temperature and strain in the meantime. Numerical simulations indicate that the Brillouin frequency shifts and peak SBS efficiencies are strongly dependent on the doping concentration and the thickness of low-index ring in the proposed fiber. With appropriate structural and optical parameters, this fiber could support two distinct acoustic modes with comparable peak SBS efficiencies and well-spaced Brillouin frequency shifts. The sensing characteristics contributed by the dual-peak feature in the Brillouin gain spectrum are explored. Calculated accuracies of temperature and strain in simultaneous measurements can be up to 0.64 °C and 15.4 με, respectively. The proposed fiber might have potential applications for long-haul distributed dual-parameter simultaneous measurements.

Advances in the floral structural characterization of the major subclades of Malpighiales, one of the largest orders of flowering plants

PubMed Central

Endress, Peter K.; Davis, Charles C.; Matthews, Merran L.

2013-01-01

Background and Aims Malpighiales are one of the largest angiosperm orders and have undergone radical systematic restructuring based on molecular phylogenetic studies. The clade has been recalcitrant to molecular phylogenetic reconstruction, but has become much more resolved at the suprafamilial level. It now contains so many newly identified clades that there is an urgent need for comparative studies to understand their structure, biology and evolution. This is especially true because the order contains a disproportionally large diversity of rain forest species and includes numerous agriculturally important plants. This study is a first broad systematic step in this endeavour. It focuses on a comparative structural overview of the flowers across all recently identified suprafamilial clades of Malpighiales, and points towards areas that desperately need attention. Methods The phylogenetic comparative analysis of floral structure for the order is based on our previously published studies on four suprafamilial clades of Malpighiales, including also four related rosid orders (Celastrales, Crossosomatales, Cucurbitales, Oxalidales). In addition, the results are compiled from a survey of over 3000 publications on macrosystematics, floral structure and embryology across all orders of the core eudicots. Key Results Most new suprafamilial clades within Malpighiales are well supported by floral structural features. Inner morphological structures of the gynoecium (i.e. stigmatic lobes, inner shape of the locules, placentation, presence of obturators) and ovules (i.e. structure of the nucellus, thickness of the integuments, presence of vascular bundles in the integuments, presence of an endothelium in the inner integument) appear to be especially suitable for characterizing suprafamilial clades within Malpighiales. Conclusions Although the current phylogenetic reconstruction of Malpighiales is much improved compared with earlier versions, it is incomplete, and further focused phylogenetic and morphological studies are needed. Once all major subclades of Malpighiales are elucidated, more in-depth studies on promising structural features can be conducted. In addition, once the phylogenetic tree of Malpighiales, including closely related orders, is more fully resolved, character optimization studies will be possible to reconstruct evolution of structural and biological features within the order. PMID:23486341

Feature selection methods for object-based classification of sub-decimeter resolution digital aerial imagery

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Due to the availability of numerous spectral, spatial, and contextual features, the determination of optimal features and class separabilities can be a time consuming process in object-based image analysis (OBIA). While several feature selection methods have been developed to assist OBIA, a robust c...

Generalized Database Management System Support for Numeric Database Environments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dominick, Wayne D.; Weathers, Peggy G.

1982-01-01

This overview of potential for utilizing database management systems (DBMS) within numeric database environments highlights: (1) major features, functions, and characteristics of DBMS; (2) applicability to numeric database environment needs and user needs; (3) current applications of DBMS technology; and (4) research-oriented and…

Investigation of upwind, multigrid, multiblock numerical schemes for three dimensional flows. Volume 1: Runge-Kutta methods for a thin layer Navier-Stokes solver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cannizzaro, Frank E.; Ash, Robert L.

1992-01-01

A state-of-the-art computer code has been developed that incorporates a modified Runge-Kutta time integration scheme, upwind numerical techniques, multigrid acceleration, and multi-block capabilities (RUMM). A three-dimensional thin-layer formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations is employed. For turbulent flow cases, the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic turbulence model is used. Two different upwind techniques are available: van Leer's flux-vector splitting and Roe's flux-difference splitting. Full approximation multi-grid plus implicit residual and corrector smoothing were implemented to enhance the rate of convergence. Multi-block capabilities were developed to provide geometric flexibility. This feature allows the developed computer code to accommodate any grid topology or grid configuration with multiple topologies. The results shown in this dissertation were chosen to validate the computer code and display its geometric flexibility, which is provided by the multi-block structure.

Simulation of wind turbine wakes using the actuator line technique

PubMed Central

Sørensen, Jens N.; Mikkelsen, Robert F.; Henningson, Dan S.; Ivanell, Stefan; Sarmast, Sasan; Andersen, Søren J.

2015-01-01

The actuator line technique was introduced as a numerical tool to be employed in combination with large eddy simulations to enable the study of wakes and wake interaction in wind farms. The technique is today largely used for studying basic features of wakes as well as for making performance predictions of wind farms. In this paper, we give a short introduction to the wake problem and the actuator line methodology and present a study in which the technique is employed to determine the near-wake properties of wind turbines. The presented results include a comparison of experimental results of the wake characteristics of the flow around a three-bladed model wind turbine, the development of a simple analytical formula for determining the near-wake length behind a wind turbine and a detailed investigation of wake structures based on proper orthogonal decomposition analysis of numerically generated snapshots of the wake. PMID:25583862

Numerical simulation of large-scale field-aligned current generation from finite-amplitude magnetosonic waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamauchi, M.

1994-01-01

A two-dimensional numerical simulation of finite-amplitude magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) magnetosonic waves is performed under a finite-velocity background convection condition. Isothermal cases are considered for simplicity. External dissipation is introduced by assuming that the field-aligned currents are generated in proportion to the accumulated charges. The simulation results are as follows: Paired field-aligned currents are found from the simulated waves. The flow directions of these field-aligned currents depend on the angle between the background convection and the wave normal, and hence two pairs of field-aligned currents are found from a bowed wave if we look at the overall structure. The majority of these field-aligned currents are closed within each pair rather than between two wings. These features are not observed under slow background convection. The result could be applied to the cusp current system and the substorm current system.

Contour integral method for obtaining the self-energy matrices of electrodes in electron transport calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwase, Shigeru; Futamura, Yasunori; Imakura, Akira; Sakurai, Tetsuya; Tsukamoto, Shigeru; Ono, Tomoya

2018-05-01

We propose an efficient computational method for evaluating the self-energy matrices of electrodes to study ballistic electron transport properties in nanoscale systems. To reduce the high computational cost incurred in large systems, a contour integral eigensolver based on the Sakurai-Sugiura method combined with the shifted biconjugate gradient method is developed to solve an exponential-type eigenvalue problem for complex wave vectors. A remarkable feature of the proposed algorithm is that the numerical procedure is very similar to that of conventional band structure calculations. We implement the developed method in the framework of the real-space higher-order finite-difference scheme with nonlocal pseudopotentials. Numerical tests for a wide variety of materials validate the robustness, accuracy, and efficiency of the proposed method. As an illustration of the method, we present the electron transport property of the freestanding silicene with the line defect originating from the reversed buckled phases.

Understanding the Structural Ensembles of a Highly Extended Disordered Protein†

PubMed Central

Daughdrill, Gary W.; Kashtanov, Stepan; Stancik, Amber; Hill, Shannon E.; Helms, Gregory; Muschol, Martin

2013-01-01

Developing a comprehensive description of the equilibrium structural ensembles for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) is essential to understanding their function. The p53 transactivation domain (p53TAD) is an IDP that interacts with multiple protein partners and contains numerous phosphorylation sites. Multiple techniques were used to investigate the equilibrium structural ensemble of p53TAD in its native and chemically unfolded states. The results from these experiments show that the native state of p53TAD has dimensions similar to a classical random coil while the chemically unfolded state is more extended. To investigate the molecular properties responsible for this behavior, a novel algorithm that generates diverse and unbiased structural ensembles of IDPs was developed. This algorithm was used to generate a large pool of plausible p53TAD structures that were reweighted to identify a subset of structures with the best fit to small angle X-ray scattering data. High weight structures in the native state ensemble show features that are localized to protein binding sites and regions with high proline content. The features localized to the protein binding sites are mostly eliminated in the chemically unfolded ensemble; while, the regions with high proline content remain relatively unaffected. Data from NMR experiments support these results, showing that residues from the protein binding sites experience larger environmental changes upon unfolding by urea than regions with high proline content. This behavior is consistent with the urea-induced exposure of nonpolar and aromatic side-chains in the protein binding sites that are partially excluded from solvent in the native state ensemble. PMID:21979461

Gis-Based Smart Cartography Using 3d Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinverni, E. S.; Tassetti, A. N.

2013-08-01

3D City Models have evolved to be important tools for urban decision processes and information systems, especially in planning, simulation, analysis, documentation and heritage management. On the other hand existing and in use numerical cartography is often not suitable to be used in GIS because not geometrically and topologically correctly structured. The research aim is to 3D structure and organize a numeric cartography for GIS and turn it into CityGML standardized features. The work is framed around a first phase of methodological analysis aimed to underline which existing standard (like ISO and OGC rules) can be used to improve the quality requirement of a cartographic structure. Subsequently, from this technical specifics, it has been investigated the translation in formal contents, using an owner interchange software (SketchUp), to support some guide lines implementations to generate a GIS3D structured in GML3. It has been therefore predisposed a test three-dimensional numerical cartography (scale 1:500, generated from range data captured by 3D laser scanner), tested on its quality according to the previous standard and edited when and where necessary. Cad files and shapefiles are converted into a final 3D model (Google SketchUp model) and then exported into a 3D city model (CityGML LoD1/LoD2). The GIS3D structure has been managed in a GIS environment to run further spatial analysis and energy performance estimate, not achievable in a 2D environment. In particular geometrical building parameters (footprint, volume etc.) are computed and building envelop thermal characteristics are derived from. Lastly, a simulation is carried out to deal with asbestos and home renovating charges and show how the built 3D city model can support municipal managers with risk diagnosis of the present situation and development of strategies for a sustainable redevelop.

Structural damage detection based on stochastic subspace identification and statistical pattern recognition: II. Experimental validation under varying temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Y. Q.; Ren, W. X.; Fang, S. E.

2011-11-01

Although most vibration-based damage detection methods can acquire satisfactory verification on analytical or numerical structures, most of them may encounter problems when applied to real-world structures under varying environments. The damage detection methods that directly extract damage features from the periodically sampled dynamic time history response measurements are desirable but relevant research and field application verification are still lacking. In this second part of a two-part paper, the robustness and performance of the statistics-based damage index using the forward innovation model by stochastic subspace identification of a vibrating structure proposed in the first part have been investigated against two prestressed reinforced concrete (RC) beams tested in the laboratory and a full-scale RC arch bridge tested in the field under varying environments. Experimental verification is focused on temperature effects. It is demonstrated that the proposed statistics-based damage index is insensitive to temperature variations but sensitive to the structural deterioration or state alteration. This makes it possible to detect the structural damage for the real-scale structures experiencing ambient excitations and varying environmental conditions.

Gear fault diagnosis based on the structured sparsity time-frequency analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Ruobin; Yang, Zhibo; Chen, Xuefeng; Tian, Shaohua; Xie, Yong

2018-03-01

Over the last decade, sparse representation has become a powerful paradigm in mechanical fault diagnosis due to its excellent capability and the high flexibility for complex signal description. The structured sparsity time-frequency analysis (SSTFA) is a novel signal processing method, which utilizes mixed-norm priors on time-frequency coefficients to obtain a fine match for the structure of signals. In order to extract the transient feature from gear vibration signals, a gear fault diagnosis method based on SSTFA is proposed in this work. The steady modulation components and impulsive components of the defective gear vibration signals can be extracted simultaneously by choosing different time-frequency neighborhood and generalized thresholding operators. Besides, the time-frequency distribution with high resolution is obtained by piling different components in the same diagram. The diagnostic conclusion can be made according to the envelope spectrum of the impulsive components or by the periodicity of impulses. The effectiveness of the method is verified by numerical simulations, and the vibration signals registered from a gearbox fault simulator and a wind turbine. To validate the efficiency of the presented methodology, comparisons are made among some state-of-the-art vibration separation methods and the traditional time-frequency analysis methods. The comparisons show that the proposed method possesses advantages in separating feature signals under strong noise and accounting for the inner time-frequency structure of the gear vibration signals.

Methodologies for Verification and Validation of Space Launch System (SLS) Structural Dynamic Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coppolino, Robert N.

2018-01-01

Responses to challenges associated with verification and validation (V&V) of Space Launch System (SLS) structural dynamics models are presented in this paper. Four methodologies addressing specific requirements for V&V are discussed. (1) Residual Mode Augmentation (RMA), which has gained acceptance by various principals in the NASA community, defines efficient and accurate FEM modal sensitivity models that are useful in test-analysis correlation and reconciliation and parametric uncertainty studies. (2) Modified Guyan Reduction (MGR) and Harmonic Reduction (HR, introduced in 1976), developed to remedy difficulties encountered with the widely used Classical Guyan Reduction (CGR) method, are presented. MGR and HR are particularly relevant for estimation of "body dominant" target modes of shell-type SLS assemblies that have numerous "body", "breathing" and local component constituents. Realities associated with configuration features and "imperfections" cause "body" and "breathing" mode characteristics to mix resulting in a lack of clarity in the understanding and correlation of FEM- and test-derived modal data. (3) Mode Consolidation (MC) is a newly introduced procedure designed to effectively "de-feature" FEM and experimental modes of detailed structural shell assemblies for unambiguous estimation of "body" dominant target modes. Finally, (4) Experimental Mode Verification (EMV) is a procedure that addresses ambiguities associated with experimental modal analysis of complex structural systems. Specifically, EMV directly separates well-defined modal data from spurious and poorly excited modal data employing newly introduced graphical and coherence metrics.

Fixture-abutment connection surface and micro-gap measurements by 3D micro-tomographic technique analysis.

PubMed

Meleo, Deborah; Baggi, Luigi; Di Girolamo, Michele; Di Carlo, Fabio; Pecci, Raffaella; Bedini, Rossella

2012-01-01

X-ray micro-tomography (micro-CT) is a miniaturized form of conventional computed axial tomography (CAT) able to investigate small radio-opaque objects at a-few-microns high resolution, in a non-destructive, non-invasive, and tri-dimensional way. Compared to traditional optical and electron microscopy techniques, which provide two-dimensional images, this innovative investigation technology enables a sample tri-dimensional analysis without cutting, coating or exposing the object to any particular chemical treatment. X-ray micro-tomography matches ideal 3D microscopy features: the possibility of investigating an object in natural conditions and without any preparation or alteration; non-invasive, non-destructive, and sufficiently magnified 3D reconstruction; reliable measurement of numeric data of the internal structure (morphology, structure and ultra-structure). Hence, this technique has multi-fold applications in a wide range of fields, not only in medical and odontostomatologic areas, but also in biomedical engineering, materials science, biology, electronics, geology, archaeology, oil industry, and semi-conductors industry. This study shows possible applications of micro-CT in dental implantology to analyze 3D micro-features of dental implant to abutment interface. Indeed, implant-abutment misfit is known to increase mechanical stress on connection structures and surrounding bone tissue. This condition may cause not only screw preload loss or screw fracture, but also biological issues in peri-implant tissues.

Representation of DNA sequences in genetic codon context with applications in exon and intron prediction.

PubMed

Yin, Changchuan

2015-04-01

To apply digital signal processing (DSP) methods to analyze DNA sequences, the sequences first must be specially mapped into numerical sequences. Thus, effective numerical mappings of DNA sequences play key roles in the effectiveness of DSP-based methods such as exon prediction. Despite numerous mappings of symbolic DNA sequences to numerical series, the existing mapping methods do not include the genetic coding features of DNA sequences. We present a novel numerical representation of DNA sequences using genetic codon context (GCC) in which the numerical values are optimized by simulation annealing to maximize the 3-periodicity signal to noise ratio (SNR). The optimized GCC representation is then applied in exon and intron prediction by Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) approach. The results show the GCC method enhances the SNR values of exon sequences and thus increases the accuracy of predicting protein coding regions in genomes compared with the commonly used 4D binary representation. In addition, this study offers a novel way to reveal specific features of DNA sequences by optimizing numerical mappings of symbolic DNA sequences.

Influence of surface roughness on the elastic-light scattering patterns of micron-sized aerosol particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auger, J.-C.; Fernandes, G. E.; Aptowicz, K. B.; Pan, Y.-L.; Chang, R. K.

2010-04-01

The relation between the surface roughness of aerosol particles and the appearance of island-like features in their angle-resolved elastic-light scattering patterns is investigated both experimentally and with numerical simulation. Elastic scattering patterns of polystyrene spheres, Bacillus subtilis spores and cells, and NaCl crystals are measured and statistical properties of the island-like intensity features in their patterns are presented. The island-like features for each class of particle are found to be similar; however, principal-component analysis applied to extracted features is able to differentiate between some of the particle classes. Numerically calculated scattering patterns of Chebyshev particles and aggregates of spheres are analyzed and show qualitative agreement with experimental results.

An Introduction to the Solar System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McBride, Neil; Gilmour, Iain

2004-02-01

Compiled by a team of experts, this textbook has been designed for introductory university courses in planetary science. It starts with a tour of the Solar System and an overview of its formation. The composition, internal structure, surface morphology and atmospheres of the terrestrial planets are then described. This leads naturally to a discussion of the giant planets and why they are compositionally different. Minor bodies are reviewed and the book concludes with a discussion of the origin of the Solar System and the evidence from meteorites. Written in an accessible style that avoids complex mathematics, and illustrated in colour throughout, this book is suitable for self-study and will appeal to amateur enthusiasts as well as undergraduate students. It contains numerous helpful learning features such as boxed summaries, student exercises with full solutions, and a glossary of terms. The book is also supported by a website hosting further teaching materials. Written by a team of experts in an accessible style that avoids complex mathematics, and illustrated in colour throughout Contains numerous pedagogical features including boxed summaries, brief biographies of pioneering astronomers, bulleted questions and answers throughout, over 90 exercises with full solutions, and a glossary of terms Supported by a website hosting additional teaching materials including illustrations, further exercises and links to other Internet resources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Tianfeng

The goal of the proposed research is to create computational flame diagnostics (CFLD) that are rigorous numerical algorithms for systematic detection of critical flame features, such as ignition, extinction, and premixed and non-premixed flamelets, and to understand the underlying physicochemical processes controlling limit flame phenomena, flame stabilization, turbulence-chemistry interactions and pollutant emissions etc. The goal has been accomplished through an integrated effort on mechanism reduction, direct numerical simulations (DNS) of flames at engine conditions and a variety of turbulent flames with transport fuels, computational diagnostics, turbulence modeling, and DNS data mining and data reduction. The computational diagnostics are primarily basedmore » on the chemical explosive mode analysis (CEMA) and a recently developed bifurcation analysis using datasets from first-principle simulations of 0-D reactors, 1-D laminar flames, and 2-D and 3-D DNS (collaboration with J.H. Chen and S. Som at Argonne, and C.S. Yoo at UNIST). Non-stiff reduced mechanisms for transportation fuels amenable for 3-D DNS are developed through graph-based methods and timescale analysis. The flame structures, stabilization mechanisms, local ignition and extinction etc., and the rate controlling chemical processes are unambiguously identified through CFLD. CEMA is further employed to segment complex turbulent flames based on the critical flame features, such as premixed reaction fronts, and to enable zone-adaptive turbulent combustion modeling.« less

Luminescence emission from nonpolar Al0.3Ga0.7N/GaN core-shell and core-multi-shell nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Namvari, E.; Shojaei, S.; Asgari, A.

2017-12-01

In the present work, we theoretically study the possibility of luminescence emission from two systems of nonpolar Al0.3Ga0.7N/GaN Core-shell and core-multi-shell c-axis oriented nanowires with hexagonal cross section. To obtain energy levels and wave functions through the solution of Schrodinger-Poisson equations, numerical Self-consistent procedure has been employed. N-type doping has been considered to investigate the two-dimensional electron gas formation and its effect on luminescence. The detailed analysis of the results as a function of the various structural parameters has been carried out. The results presents an examination of the band to band luminescence feature and its changes with involved parameters. We found that the size of the system determines the feature of luminescence emission. As main finding, our calculations show that the intensity of luminescence spectrum in facet to facet route of NW cross section is significant than that of corner to corner route. In addition, no shift of the peak position is observed with changing the amount of doping. Our numerical calculations give more insights into the luminescence emission of nonpolar GaN/AlGaN core/shell nanowire and have many implications in experiment.

A Bioinformatic Strategy for the Detection, Classification and Analysis of Bacterial Autotransporters

PubMed Central

Celik, Nermin; Webb, Chaille T.; Leyton, Denisse L.; Holt, Kathryn E.; Heinz, Eva; Gorrell, Rebecca; Kwok, Terry; Naderer, Thomas; Strugnell, Richard A.; Speed, Terence P.; Teasdale, Rohan D.; Likić, Vladimir A.; Lithgow, Trevor

2012-01-01

Autotransporters are secreted proteins that are assembled into the outer membrane of bacterial cells. The passenger domains of autotransporters are crucial for bacterial pathogenesis, with some remaining attached to the bacterial surface while others are released by proteolysis. An enigma remains as to whether autotransporters should be considered a class of secretion system, or simply a class of substrate with peculiar requirements for their secretion. We sought to establish a sensitive search protocol that could identify and characterize diverse autotransporters from bacterial genome sequence data. The new sequence analysis pipeline identified more than 1500 autotransporter sequences from diverse bacteria, including numerous species of Chlamydiales and Fusobacteria as well as all classes of Proteobacteria. Interrogation of the proteins revealed that there are numerous classes of passenger domains beyond the known proteases, adhesins and esterases. In addition the barrel-domain-a characteristic feature of autotransporters-was found to be composed from seven conserved sequence segments that can be arranged in multiple ways in the tertiary structure of the assembled autotransporter. One of these conserved motifs overlays the targeting information required for autotransporters to reach the outer membrane. Another conserved and diagnostic motif maps to the linker region between the passenger domain and barrel-domain, indicating it as an important feature in the assembly of autotransporters. PMID:22905239

Gas flows in radial micro-nozzles with pseudo-shocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiselev, S. P.; Kiselev, V. P.; Zaikovskii, V. N.

2018-07-01

In the present paper, results of an experimental and numerical study of supersonic gas flows in radial micro-nozzles are reported. A distinguishing feature of such flows is the fact that two factors, the nozzle divergence and the wall friction force, exert a substantial influence on the flow structure. Under the action of the wall friction force, in the micro-nozzle there forms a pseudo-shock that separates the supersonic from subsonic flow region. The position of the pseudo-shock can be evaluated from the condition of flow blockage in the nozzle exit section. A detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of gas flows in radial micro-nozzles is given. It is shown that the gas flow in a micro-nozzle is defined by the complicated structure of the boundary layer in the micro-nozzle, this structure being dependent on the width-to-radius ratio of the nozzle and its inlet-to-outlet pressure ratio.

A shock absorber model for structure-borne noise analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benaziz, Marouane; Nacivet, Samuel; Thouverez, Fabrice

2015-08-01

Shock absorbers are often responsible for undesirable structure-borne noise in cars. The early numerical prediction of this noise in the automobile development process can save time and money and yet remains a challenge for industry. In this paper, a new approach to predicting shock absorber structure-borne noise is proposed; it consists in modelling the shock absorber and including the main nonlinear phenomena responsible for discontinuities in the response. The model set forth herein features: compressible fluid behaviour, nonlinear flow rate-pressure relations, valve mechanical equations and rubber mounts. The piston, base valve and complete shock absorber model are compared with experimental results. Sensitivity of the shock absorber response is evaluated and the most important parameters are classified. The response envelope is also computed. This shock absorber model is able to accurately reproduce local nonlinear phenomena and improves our state of knowledge on potential noise sources within the shock absorber.

Overarching framework for data-based modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schelter, Björn; Mader, Malenka; Mader, Wolfgang; Sommerlade, Linda; Platt, Bettina; Lai, Ying-Cheng; Grebogi, Celso; Thiel, Marco

2014-02-01

One of the main modelling paradigms for complex physical systems are networks. When estimating the network structure from measured signals, typically several assumptions such as stationarity are made in the estimation process. Violating these assumptions renders standard analysis techniques fruitless. We here propose a framework to estimate the network structure from measurements of arbitrary non-linear, non-stationary, stochastic processes. To this end, we propose a rigorous mathematical theory that underlies this framework. Based on this theory, we present a highly efficient algorithm and the corresponding statistics that are immediately sensibly applicable to measured signals. We demonstrate its performance in a simulation study. In experiments of transitions between vigilance stages in rodents, we infer small network structures with complex, time-dependent interactions; this suggests biomarkers for such transitions, the key to understand and diagnose numerous diseases such as dementia. We argue that the suggested framework combines features that other approaches followed so far lack.

Multipole Superconductivity in Nonsymmorphic Sr_{2}IrO_{4}.

PubMed

Sumita, Shuntaro; Nomoto, Takuya; Yanase, Youichi

2017-07-14

Discoveries of marked similarities to high-T_{c} cuprate superconductors point to the realization of superconductivity in the doped J_{eff}=1/2 Mott insulator Sr_{2}IrO_{4}. Contrary to the mother compound of cuprate superconductors, several stacking patterns of in-plane canted antiferromagnetic moments have been reported, which are distinguished by the ferromagnetic components as -++-, ++++, and -+-+. In this paper, we clarify unconventional features of the superconductivity coexisting with -++- and -+-+ structures. Combining the group theoretical analysis and numerical calculations for an effective J_{eff}=1/2 model, we show unusual superconducting gap structures in the -++- state protected by nonsymmorphic magnetic space group symmetry. Furthermore, our calculation shows that the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov superconductivity is inevitably stabilized in the -+-+ state since the odd-parity magnetic -+-+ order makes the band structure asymmetric by cooperating with spin-orbit coupling. These unusual superconducting properties are signatures of magnetic multipole order in nonsymmorphic crystal.

Simulations of Scatterometry Down to 22 nm Structure Sizes and Beyond with Special Emphasis on LER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osten, W.; Ferreras Paz, V.; Frenner, K.; Schuster, T.; Bloess, H.

2009-09-01

In recent years, scatterometry has become one of the most commonly used methods for CD metrology. With decreasing structure size for future technology nodes, the search for optimized scatterometry measurement configurations gets more important to exploit maximum sensitivity. As widespread industrial scatterometry tools mainly still use a pre-set measurement configuration, there are still free parameters to improve sensitivity. Our current work uses a simulation based approach to predict and optimize sensitivity of future technology nodes. Since line edge roughness is getting important for such small structures, these imperfections of the periodic continuation cannot be neglected. Using fourier methods like e.g. rigorous coupled wave approach (RCWA) for diffraction calculus, nonperiodic features are hard to reach. We show that in this field certain types of fieldstitching methods show nice numerical behaviour and lead to useful results.

Multipole Superconductivity in Nonsymmorphic Sr2IrO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumita, Shuntaro; Nomoto, Takuya; Yanase, Youichi

2017-07-01

Discoveries of marked similarities to high-Tc cuprate superconductors point to the realization of superconductivity in the doped Jeff=1 /2 Mott insulator Sr2IrO4. Contrary to the mother compound of cuprate superconductors, several stacking patterns of in-plane canted antiferromagnetic moments have been reported, which are distinguished by the ferromagnetic components as -++-, ++++, and -+-+ . In this paper, we clarify unconventional features of the superconductivity coexisting with -++- and -+-+ structures. Combining the group theoretical analysis and numerical calculations for an effective Jeff=1 /2 model, we show unusual superconducting gap structures in the -++- state protected by nonsymmorphic magnetic space group symmetry. Furthermore, our calculation shows that the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov superconductivity is inevitably stabilized in the -+-+ state since the odd-parity magnetic -+-+ order makes the band structure asymmetric by cooperating with spin-orbit coupling. These unusual superconducting properties are signatures of magnetic multipole order in nonsymmorphic crystal.

Observation of the development of secondary features in a Richtmyer–Meshkov instability driven flow

DOE PAGES

Bernard, Tennille; Truman, C. Randall; Vorobieff, Peter; ...

2014-09-10

Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) has long been the subject of interest for analytical, numerical, and experimental studies. In comparing results of experiment with numerics, it is important to understand the limitations of experimental techniques inherent in the chosen method(s) of data acquisition. We discuss results of an experiment where a laminar, gravity-driven column of heavy gas is injected into surrounding light gas and accelerated by a planar shock. A popular and well-studied method of flow visualization (using glycol droplet tracers) does not produce a flow pattern that matches the numerical model of the same conditions, while revealing the primary feature ofmore » the flow developing after shock acceleration: the pair of counter-rotating vortex columns. However, visualization using fluorescent gaseous tracer confirms the presence of features suggested by the numerics; in particular, a central spike formed due to shock focusing in the heavy-gas column. Furthermore, the streamwise growth rate of the spike appears to exhibit the same scaling with Mach number as that of the counter-rotating vortex pair (CRVP).« less

Correlating electroluminescence characterization and physics-based models of InGaN/GaN LEDs: Pitfalls and open issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calciati, Marco; Goano, Michele; Bertazzi, Francesco; Vallone, Marco; Zhou, Xiangyu; Ghione, Giovanni; Meneghini, Matteo; Meneghesso, Gaudenzio; Zanoni, Enrico; Bellotti, Enrico; Verzellesi, Giovanni; Zhu, Dandan; Humphreys, Colin

2014-06-01

Electroluminescence (EL) characterization of InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs), coupled with numerical device models of different sophistication, is routinely adopted not only to establish correlations between device efficiency and structural features, but also to make inferences about the loss mechanisms responsible for LED efficiency droop at high driving currents. The limits of this investigative approach are discussed here in a case study based on a comprehensive set of current- and temperature-dependent EL data from blue LEDs with low and high densities of threading dislocations (TDs). First, the effects limiting the applicability of simpler (closed-form and/or one-dimensional) classes of models are addressed, like lateral current crowding, vertical carrier distribution nonuniformity, and interband transition broadening. Then, the major sources of uncertainty affecting state-of-the-art numerical device simulation are reviewed and discussed, including (i) the approximations in the transport description through the multi-quantum-well active region, (ii) the alternative valence band parametrizations proposed to calculate the spontaneous emission rate, (iii) the difficulties in defining the Auger coefficients due to inadequacies in the microscopic quantum well description and the possible presence of extra, non-Auger high-current-density recombination mechanisms and/or Auger-induced leakage. In the case of the present LED structures, the application of three-dimensional numerical-simulation-based analysis to the EL data leads to an explanation of efficiency droop in terms of TD-related and Auger-like nonradiative losses, with a C coefficient in the 10-30 cm6/s range at room temperature, close to the larger theoretical calculations reported so far. However, a study of the combined effects of structural and model uncertainties suggests that the C values thus determined could be overestimated by about an order of magnitude. This preliminary attempt at uncertainty quantification confirms, beyond the present case, the need for an improved description of carrier transport and microscopic radiative and nonradiative recombination mechanisms in device-level LED numerical models.

Super-massive binary black holes in galaxies. Dynamical models and observed structures in Arp 5, 87, 214, 240, and NGC 4027, 6946

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anosova, Joanna P.

2017-06-01

On 14 Sept, 2015 The LIGO reported the first direct detection of gravitational waves and the first direct observation of a binary black hole. These observations demonstrate the existence of binary black holes in stellar systems predicted by Einstein in his general theory of relativity a century earlier.A lot of violent and complicated phenomena take place on different scales in the Universe. Many of them may be caused by multiple centers of gravitational attraction: planetary rings, accretion discs of various scales, peculiar structures of single galaxies and interacting galaxies. In this work, we show that various features of celestial objects can be understood by assuming the existence of two dominant centers of gravity in stellar systems.We study numerically the dynamical evolution of models with the central super-massive binary black holes and extended shells with numerous low-mass particles inside and around the orbits of binaries. These particles could be star clusters or gas and dust complexes. We consider several tens of thousands of initial conditions for the general three-body problem and compile them. We studied the dynamical evolution of all spherical shells together and separately. Our method permits us to study the individual trajectories of particles, their close double and triple approaches, and inspect the time-depending structures in the models. Multiple runs of the models allow us to classify the numerous strong triple interactions of the binary components with low-mass particles; frequently, the "gravitational slingshot" effect occurs in the center of systems. Such strong interactions of bodies are results in various structures with "dumb-bell" bars, close and open spirals, different types of flows, jets etc. These structures are often very similar the observed structures of galaxies.We found some combinations of the initial conditions and model parameters that produce at some time similar structures as that found in the galaxies Arp 5, 87, 214, 240, and NGC 4027, 6946. Our Figures show results of such comparison and the past and future evolution of our models.

Structural controls on geothermal circulation in Surprise Valley, California: A re-evaluation of the Lake City fault zone

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anne E. Egger,; Glen, Jonathan; McPhee, Darcy K.

2014-01-01

Faults and fractures play an important role in the circulation of geothermal fluids in the crust, and the nature of that role varies according to structural setting and state of stress. As a result, detailed geologic and geophysical mapping that relates thermal springs to known structural features is essential to modeling geothermal systems. Published maps of Surprise Valley in northeastern California suggest that the “Lake City fault” or “Lake City fault zone” is a significant structural feature, cutting obliquely across the basin and connecting thermal springs across the valley. Newly acquired geophysical data (audio-magnetotelluric, gravity, and magnetic), combined with existing geochemical and geological data, suggest otherwise. We examine potential field profiles and resistivity models that cross the mapped Lake City fault zone. While there are numerous geophysical anomalies that suggest subsurface structures, they mostly do not coincide with the mapped traces of the Lake City fault zone, nor do they show a consistent signature in gravity, magnetics, or resistivities that would suggest a through-going fault that would promote connectivity through lateral fluid flow. Instead of a single, continuous fault, we propose the presence of a deformation zone associated with the growth of the range-front Surprise Valley fault. The implication for geothermal circulation is that this is a zone of enhanced porosity but lacks length-wise connectivity that could conduct fluids across the valley. Thermal fluid circulation is most likely controlled primarily by interactions between N-S–trending normal faults.

GeneratorSE: A Sizing Tool for Variable-Speed Wind Turbine Generators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sethuraman, Latha; Dykes, Katherine L

This report documents a set of analytical models employed by the optimization algorithms within the GeneratorSE framework. The initial values and boundary conditions employed for the generation of the various designs and initial estimates for basic design dimensions, masses, and efficiency for the four different models of generators are presented and compared with empirical data collected from previous studies and some existing commercial turbines. These models include designs applicable for variable-speed, high-torque application featuring direct-drive synchronous generators and low-torque application featuring induction generators. In all of the four models presented, the main focus of optimization is electromagnetic design with themore » exception of permanent-magnet and wire-wound synchronous generators, wherein the structural design is also optimized. Thermal design is accommodated in GeneratorSE as a secondary attribute by limiting the winding current densities to acceptable limits. A preliminary validation of electromagnetic design was carried out by comparing the optimized magnetic loading against those predicted by numerical simulation in FEMM4.2, a finite-element software for analyzing electromagnetic and thermal physics problems for electrical machines. For direct-drive synchronous generators, the analytical models for the structural design are validated by static structural analysis in ANSYS.« less

The structure of intense vorticity in homogeneous isotropic turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jimenez, J.; Wray, A. A.; Saffman, P. G.; Rogallo, R. S.

1992-01-01

The structure of the intense vorticity regions is studied in numerically simulated homogeneous, isotropic, equilibrium turbulent flow fields at four different Reynolds numbers in the range Re(sub lambda) = 36-171. In accordance with previous investigators, this vorticity is found to be organized in coherent, cylindrical or ribbon-like, vortices ('worms'). A statistical study suggests that they are just especially intense features of the background, O(omega'), vorticity. Their radii scale with the Kolmogorov microscale and their lengths with the integral scale of the flow. An interesting observation is that the Reynolds number based on the circulation of the intense vortices, gamma/nu, increases monotonically with Re(sub lambda), raising the question of the stability of the structures in the limit of Re(sub lambda) approaching infinity. One and two-dimensional statistics of vorticity and strain are presented; they are non-gaussian, and the behavior of their tails depends strongly on the Reynolds number. There is no evidence of convergence to a limiting distribution in our range of Re(sub lambda), even though the energy spectra and the energy dissipation rate show good asymptotic properties in the higher Reynolds number cases. Evidence is presented to show that worms are natural features of the flow and that they do not depend on the particular forcing scheme.

Internal polarization dynamics of vector dissipative-soliton-resonance pulses in normal dispersion fiber lasers.

PubMed

Li, Daojing; Shen, Deyuan; Li, Lei; Tang, Dingyuan; Su, Lei; Zhao, Luming

2018-03-15

Internal polarization dynamics of vector dissipative-soliton-resonance (DSR) pulses in a mode-locked fiber laser are investigated. By utilizing a wave plate analyzer configuration to analyze the special structure of a DSR pulse, we find that polarization state is not uniform across a resonant dissipative soliton. Specifically, although the central plane wave of the resonant dissipative soliton acquires nearly a single fixed polarization, the dissipative fronts feature polarization states that are different and spatially varying. This distinct polarization distribution is maintained while the whole soliton extends with increasing gain. Numerical simulation further confirms the experimental observations.

Bistatic passive radar simulator with spatial filtering subsystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hossa, Robert; Szlachetko, Boguslaw; Lewandowski, Andrzej; Górski, Maksymilian

2009-06-01

The purpose of this paper is to briefly introduce the structure and features of the developed virtual passive FM radar implemented in Matlab system of numerical computations and to present many alternative ways of its performance. An idea of the proposed solution is based on analytic representation of transmitted direct signals and reflected echo signals. As a spatial filtering subsystem a beamforming network of ULA and UCA dipole configuration dedicated to bistatic radar concept is considered and computationally efficient procedures are presented in details. Finally, exemplary results of the computer simulations of the elaborated virtual simulator are provided and discussed.

On the Isolation of Science Payloads from Spacecraft Vibrations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sparks, Dean W.; Horta, Lucas G.; Elliott, Kenny B.; Belvin, W. Keith

1995-01-01

The remote sensing of the Earth's features from space requires precision pointing of scientific instruments. To this end, the NASA Langley Research Center has been involved in developing numerous controlled structures technologies. This paper describes one of the more promising technologies for minimizing pointing jitter, namely, payload isolation. The application of passive and active payload mounts for attenuation of pointing jitter of the EOS AM-1 spacecraft is discussed. In addition, analysis and ground tests to validate the performance of isolation mounts using a scaled dynamics model of the EOS AM-1 spacecraft are presented.

Phase separation and emergent structures in an active nematic fluid.

PubMed

Putzig, Elias; Baskaran, Aparna

2014-10-01

We consider a phenomenological continuum theory for an active nematic fluid and show that there exists a universal, model-independent instability which renders the homogeneous nematic state unstable to order fluctuations. Using numerical and analytic tools we show that, in the vicinity of a critical point, this instability leads to a phase-separated state in which the ordered regions form bands in which the direction of nematic order is perpendicular to the direction of the density gradient. We argue that the underlying mechanism that leads to this phase separation is a universal feature of active fluids of different symmetries.

Net Generation's Learning Styles in Nursing Education.

PubMed

Christodoulou, Eleni; Kalokairinou, Athina

2015-01-01

Numerous surveys have confirmed that emerging technologies and Web 2.0 tools have been a defining feature in the lives of current students, estimating that there is a fundamental shift in the way young people communicate, socialize and learn. Nursing students in higher education are characterized as digital literate with distinct traits which influence their learning styles. Millennials exhibit distinct learning preferences such as teamwork, experiential activities, structure, instant feedback and technology integration. Higher education institutions should be aware of the implications of the Net Generation coming to university and be prepared to meet their expectations and learning needs.

Imaging 2D optical diffuse reflectance in skeletal muscle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranasinghesagara, Janaka; Yao, Gang

2007-04-01

We discovered a unique pattern of optical reflectance from fresh prerigor skeletal muscles, which can not be described using existing theories. A numerical fitting function was developed to quantify the equiintensity contours of acquired reflectance images. Using this model, we studied the changes of reflectance profile during stretching and rigor process. We found that the prominent anisotropic features diminished after rigor completion. These results suggested that muscle sarcomere structures played important roles in modulating light propagation in whole muscle. When incorporating the sarcomere diffraction in a Monte Carlo model, we showed that the resulting reflectance profiles quantitatively resembled the experimental observation.

The Sharma-Parthasarathy stochastic two-body problem

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cresson, J.; SYRTE/Observatoire de Paris, 75014 Paris; Pierret, F.

2015-03-15

We study the Sharma-Parthasarathy stochastic two-body problem introduced by Sharma and Parthasarathy in [“Dynamics of a stochastically perturbed two-body problem,” Proc. R. Soc. A 463, 979-1003 (2007)]. In particular, we focus on the preservation of some fundamental features of the classical two-body problem like the Hamiltonian structure and first integrals in the stochastic case. Numerical simulations are performed which illustrate the dynamical behaviour of the osculating elements as the semi-major axis, the eccentricity, and the pericenter. We also derive a stochastic version of Gauss’s equations in the planar case.

Dynamical Meteorology of the Equatorial and Extratropical Stratosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunkerton, Tomothy

1999-01-01

Observational studies were performed of westward propagating synoptic scale waves in the tropical troposphere, the structure of monsoon circulations in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, and zonally propagating features in deep tropical convection. The effect of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) were investigated, and a numerical study of the QBO was performed using a two-dimensional model, highlighting the role of gravity waves in the momentum balance of the QBO. Vertical coupling of the troposphere and stratosphere was examined in polar regions on intraseasonal and interannual timescales. A deep circumpolar mode was discovered, now known as the Arctic Oscillation.

Serenity: A subsystem quantum chemistry program.

PubMed

Unsleber, Jan P; Dresselhaus, Thomas; Klahr, Kevin; Schnieders, David; Böckers, Michael; Barton, Dennis; Neugebauer, Johannes

2018-05-15

We present the new quantum chemistry program Serenity. It implements a wide variety of functionalities with a focus on subsystem methodology. The modular code structure in combination with publicly available external tools and particular design concepts ensures extensibility and robustness with a focus on the needs of a subsystem program. Several important features of the program are exemplified with sample calculations with subsystem density-functional theory, potential reconstruction techniques, a projection-based embedding approach and combinations thereof with geometry optimization, semi-numerical frequency calculations and linear-response time-dependent density-functional theory. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Spermatozoa scattering by a microchannel feature: an elastohydrodynamic model

PubMed Central

Montenegro-Johnson, T. D.; Gadêlha, H.; Smith, D. J.

2015-01-01

Sperm traverse their microenvironment through viscous fluid by propagating flagellar waves; the waveform emerges as a consequence of elastic structure, internal active moments and low Reynolds number fluid dynamics. Engineered microchannels have recently been proposed as a method of sorting and manipulating motile cells; the interaction of cells with these artificial environments therefore warrants investigation. A numerical method is presented for large-amplitude elastohydrodynamic interaction of active swimmers with domain features. This method is employed to examine hydrodynamic scattering by a model microchannel backstep feature. Scattering is shown to depend on backstep height and the relative strength of viscous and elastic forces in the flagellum. In a ‘high viscosity’ parameter regime corresponding to human sperm in cervical mucus analogue, this hydrodynamic contribution to scattering is comparable in magnitude to recent data on contact effects, being of the order of 5°–10°. Scattering can be positive or negative depending on the relative strength of viscous and elastic effects, emphasizing the importance of viscosity on the interaction of sperm with their microenvironment. The modulation of scattering angle by viscosity is associated with variations in flagellar asymmetry induced by the elastohydrodynamic interaction with the boundary feature. PMID:26064617

Selective Laser Treatment on Cold-Sprayed Titanium Coatings: Numerical Modeling and Experimental Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlone, Pierpaolo; Astarita, Antonello; Rubino, Felice; Pasquino, Nicola; Aprea, Paolo

2016-12-01

In this paper, a selective laser post-deposition on pure grade II titanium coatings, cold-sprayed on AA2024-T3 sheets, was experimentally and numerically investigated. Morphological features, microstructure, and chemical composition of the treated zone were assessed by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Microhardness measurements were also carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of the coating. A numerical model of the laser treatment was implemented and solved to simulate the process and discuss the experimental outcomes. Obtained results highlighted the key role played by heat input and dimensional features on the effectiveness of the treatment.

A comparison of three feature selection methods for object-based classification of sub-decimeter resolution UltraCam-L imagery

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The availability of numerous spectral, spatial, and contextual features with object-based image analysis (OBIA) renders the selection of optimal features a time consuming and subjective process. While several feature election methods have been used in conjunction with OBIA, a robust comparison of th...

Numerical Methods for the Analysis of Power Transformer Tank Deformation and Rupture Due to Internal Arcing Faults

PubMed Central

Yan, Chenguang; Hao, Zhiguo; Zhang, Song; Zhang, Baohui; Zheng, Tao

2015-01-01

Power transformer rupture and fire resulting from an arcing fault inside the tank usually leads to significant security risks and serious economic loss. In order to reveal the essence of tank deformation or explosion, this paper presents a 3-D numerical computational tool to simulate the structural dynamic behavior due to overpressure inside transformer tank. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a 17.3MJ and a 6.3MJ arcing fault were simulated on a real full-scale 360MVA/220kV oil-immersed transformer model, respectively. By employing the finite element method, the transformer internal overpressure distribution, wave propagation and von-Mises stress were solved. The numerical results indicate that the increase of pressure and mechanical stress distribution are non-uniform and the stress tends to concentrate on connecting parts of the tank as the fault time evolves. Given this feature, it becomes possible to reduce the risk of transformer tank rupture through limiting the fault energy and enhancing the mechanical strength of the local stress concentrative areas. The theoretical model and numerical simulation method proposed in this paper can be used as a substitute for risky and costly field tests in fault overpressure analysis and tank mitigation design of transformers. PMID:26230392

Numerical Methods for the Analysis of Power Transformer Tank Deformation and Rupture Due to Internal Arcing Faults.

PubMed

Yan, Chenguang; Hao, Zhiguo; Zhang, Song; Zhang, Baohui; Zheng, Tao

2015-01-01

Power transformer rupture and fire resulting from an arcing fault inside the tank usually leads to significant security risks and serious economic loss. In order to reveal the essence of tank deformation or explosion, this paper presents a 3-D numerical computational tool to simulate the structural dynamic behavior due to overpressure inside transformer tank. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a 17.3 MJ and a 6.3 MJ arcing fault were simulated on a real full-scale 360MVA/220kV oil-immersed transformer model, respectively. By employing the finite element method, the transformer internal overpressure distribution, wave propagation and von-Mises stress were solved. The numerical results indicate that the increase of pressure and mechanical stress distribution are non-uniform and the stress tends to concentrate on connecting parts of the tank as the fault time evolves. Given this feature, it becomes possible to reduce the risk of transformer tank rupture through limiting the fault energy and enhancing the mechanical strength of the local stress concentrative areas. The theoretical model and numerical simulation method proposed in this paper can be used as a substitute for risky and costly field tests in fault overpressure analysis and tank mitigation design of transformers.

Processing-microstructure relationships in thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers: Experimental and numerical modeling studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Jun

Thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers (TLCPs) are a class of promising engineering materials for high-demanding structural applications. Their excellent mechanical properties are highly correlated to the underlying molecular orientation states, which may be affected by complex flow fields during melt processing. Thus, understanding and eventually predicting how processing flows impact molecular orientation is a critical step towards rational design work in order to achieve favorable, balanced physical properties in finished products. This thesis aims to develop deeper understanding of orientation development in commercial TLCPs during processing by coordinating extensive experimental measurements with numerical computations. In situ measurements of orientation development of LCPs during processing are a focal point of this thesis. An x-ray capable injection molding apparatus is enhanced and utilized for time-resolved measurements of orientation development in multiple commercial TLCPs during injection molding. Ex situ wide angle x-ray scattering is also employed for more thorough characterization of molecular orientation distributions in molded plaques. Incompletely injection molded plaques ("short shots") are studied to gain further insights into the intermediate orientation states during mold filling. Finally, two surface orientation characterization techniques, near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) are combined to investigate the surface orientation distribution of injection molded plaques. Surface orientation states are found to be vastly different from their bulk counterparts due to different kinematics involved in mold filling. In general, complex distributions of orientation in molded plaques reflect the spatially varying competition between shear and extension during mold filling. To complement these experimental measurements, numerical calculations based on the Larson-Doi polydomain model are performed. The implementation of the Larson-Doi in complex processing flows is performed using a commercial process modeling software suite (MOLDFLOWRTM), exploiting a nearly exact analogy between the Larson-Doi model and a fiber orientation model that has been widely used in composites processing simulations. The modeling scheme is first verified by predicting many qualitative and quantitative features of molecular orientation distributions in isothermal extrusion-fed channel flows. In coordination with experiments, the model predictions are found to capture many qualitative features observed in injection molded plaques (including short shots). The final, stringent test of Larson-Doi model performance is prediction of in situ transient orientation data collected during mold filling. The model yields satisfactory results, though certain numerical approximations limit performance near the mold front.

Lunar surface structural concepts and construction studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikulas, Martin

1991-01-01

The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: lunar surface structures construction research areas; lunar crane related disciplines; shortcomings of typical mobile crane in lunar base applications; candidate crane cable suspension systems; NIST six-cable suspension crane; numerical example of natural frequency; the incorporation of two new features for improved performance of the counter-balanced actively-controlled lunar crane; lunar crane pendulum mechanics; simulation results; 1/6 scale lunar crane testbed using GE robot for global manipulation; basic deployable truss approaches; bi-pantograph elevator platform; comparison of elevator platforms; perspective of bi-pantograph beam; bi-pantograph synchronously deployable tower/beam; lunar module off-loading concept; module off-loader concept packaged; starburst deployable precision reflector; 3-ring reflector deployment scheme; cross-section of packaged starburst reflector; and focal point and thickness packaging considerations.

On structure-exploiting trust-region regularized nonlinear least squares algorithms for neural-network learning.

PubMed

Mizutani, Eiji; Demmel, James W

2003-01-01

This paper briefly introduces our numerical linear algebra approaches for solving structured nonlinear least squares problems arising from 'multiple-output' neural-network (NN) models. Our algorithms feature trust-region regularization, and exploit sparsity of either the 'block-angular' residual Jacobian matrix or the 'block-arrow' Gauss-Newton Hessian (or Fisher information matrix in statistical sense) depending on problem scale so as to render a large class of NN-learning algorithms 'efficient' in both memory and operation costs. Using a relatively large real-world nonlinear regression application, we shall explain algorithmic strengths and weaknesses, analyzing simulation results obtained by both direct and iterative trust-region algorithms with two distinct NN models: 'multilayer perceptrons' (MLP) and 'complementary mixtures of MLP-experts' (or neuro-fuzzy modular networks).

From three-dimensional long-term tectonic numerical models to synthetic structural data: semi-automatic extraction of instantaneous & finite strain quantities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duclaux, Guillaume; May, Dave

2017-04-01

Over the past three decades thermo-mechanical numerical modelling has transformed the way we look at deformation in the lithosphere. More than just generating aesthetically pleasing pictures, the output from a numerical models contains a rich source of quantitative information that can be used to measure deformation quantities in plan view or three-dimensions. Adding value to any numerical experiment requires a thorough post-processing of the modelling results. Such work aims to produce visual information that will resonate to seasoned structural geologists and assist with comparing experimental and observational data. Here we introduce two methods to generate synthetic structural data from numerical model outputs. We first present an image processing and shape recognition workflow developed to extract the active faults orientation from surface velocity gradients. In order to measure the active faults lengths and directions along with their distribution at the surface of the model we implemented an automated sequential mapping technique based on the second invariant of the strain rate tensor and using a suite a python functions. Active fault direction measurements are achieved using a probabilistic method for extracting linear features orientation from any surface. This method has the undeniable advantage to avoid interpretation bias. Strike measurements for individual segments are weighted according to their length and orientation distribution data are presented in an equal-area moving average rose diagrams produced using a weighted method. Finally, we discuss a method for mapping finite strain in three-dimensions. A high-resolution Lagrangian regular grid which advects during the numerical experiment is used to track the progressive deformation within the model. Thanks to this data we can measure the finite strain ellipsoids for any region of interest in the model. This method assumes that the finite strain is homogenous within one unit cell of the grid. We can compute individual ellipsoid's parameters (orientation, shape, etc.) and represent the finite deformation for any region of interest in a Flinn diagram. In addition, we can use the finite strain ellipsoids to estimate the prevailing foliation and/or lineation directions anywhere in the model. These two methods are applied to measure the instantaneous and finite deformation patterns within an oblique rift zone ongoing constant extension in the absence of surface processes.

Feedback topology and XOR-dynamics in Boolean networks with varying input structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciandrini, L.; Maffi, C.; Motta, A.; Bassetti, B.; Cosentino Lagomarsino, M.

2009-08-01

We analyze a model of fixed in-degree random Boolean networks in which the fraction of input-receiving nodes is controlled by the parameter γ . We investigate analytically and numerically the dynamics of graphs under a parallel XOR updating scheme. This scheme is interesting because it is accessible analytically and its phenomenology is at the same time under control and as rich as the one of general Boolean networks. We give analytical formulas for the dynamics on general graphs, showing that with a XOR-type evolution rule, dynamic features are direct consequences of the topological feedback structure, in analogy with the role of relevant components in Kauffman networks. Considering graphs with fixed in-degree, we characterize analytically and numerically the feedback regions using graph decimation algorithms (Leaf Removal). With varying γ , this graph ensemble shows a phase transition that separates a treelike graph region from one in which feedback components emerge. Networks near the transition point have feedback components made of disjoint loops, in which each node has exactly one incoming and one outgoing link. Using this fact, we provide analytical estimates of the maximum period starting from topological considerations.

A structure adapted multipole method for electrostatic interactions in protein dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedermeier, Christoph; Tavan, Paul

1994-07-01

We present an algorithm for rapid approximate evaluation of electrostatic interactions in molecular dynamics simulations of proteins. Traditional algorithms require computational work of the order O(N2) for a system of N particles. Truncation methods which try to avoid that effort entail untolerably large errors in forces, energies and other observables. Hierarchical multipole expansion algorithms, which can account for the electrostatics to numerical accuracy, scale with O(N log N) or even with O(N) if they become augmented by a sophisticated scheme for summing up forces. To further reduce the computational effort we propose an algorithm that also uses a hierarchical multipole scheme but considers only the first two multipole moments (i.e., charges and dipoles). Our strategy is based on the consideration that numerical accuracy may not be necessary to reproduce protein dynamics with sufficient correctness. As opposed to previous methods, our scheme for hierarchical decomposition is adjusted to structural and dynamical features of the particular protein considered rather than chosen rigidly as a cubic grid. As compared to truncation methods we manage to reduce errors in the computation of electrostatic forces by a factor of 10 with only marginal additional effort.

Numerical Modeling of Shatter Cones Development in Impact Craters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baratoux, D.; Melosh, H. J.

2003-01-01

Shatter cones are the characteristic forms of rock fractures in impact structures. They have been used for decades as unequivocal fingerprints of meteoritic impacts on Earth. The abundant data about shapes, apical angles, sizes and distributions of shatter cones for many terrestrial impact structures should provide insights for the determination of impact conditions and characteristics of shock waves produced by high-velocity projectiles in geologic media. However, previously proposed models for the formation of shatter cones do not agree with observations. For example, the widely accepted Johnson-Talbot mechanism requires that the longitudinal stress drops to zero between the arrival of the elastic precursor and the main plastic wave. Unfortunately, observations do not support such a drop. A model has been also proposed to explain the striated features on the surface of shatter cones but can not invoked for their conical shape. The mechanism by which shatter cones form thus remains enigmatic to date. In this paper we present a new model for the formation of shatter cones. Our model has been tested by means of numerical simulations using the hydrocodes SALE 2D enhanced with the Grady-Kipp-Melosh fragmentation model.

Feedback topology and XOR-dynamics in Boolean networks with varying input structure.

PubMed

Ciandrini, L; Maffi, C; Motta, A; Bassetti, B; Cosentino Lagomarsino, M

2009-08-01

We analyze a model of fixed in-degree random Boolean networks in which the fraction of input-receiving nodes is controlled by the parameter gamma. We investigate analytically and numerically the dynamics of graphs under a parallel XOR updating scheme. This scheme is interesting because it is accessible analytically and its phenomenology is at the same time under control and as rich as the one of general Boolean networks. We give analytical formulas for the dynamics on general graphs, showing that with a XOR-type evolution rule, dynamic features are direct consequences of the topological feedback structure, in analogy with the role of relevant components in Kauffman networks. Considering graphs with fixed in-degree, we characterize analytically and numerically the feedback regions using graph decimation algorithms (Leaf Removal). With varying gamma , this graph ensemble shows a phase transition that separates a treelike graph region from one in which feedback components emerge. Networks near the transition point have feedback components made of disjoint loops, in which each node has exactly one incoming and one outgoing link. Using this fact, we provide analytical estimates of the maximum period starting from topological considerations.

Merits and limitations of optimality criteria method for structural optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patnaik, Surya N.; Guptill, James D.; Berke, Laszlo

1993-01-01

The merits and limitations of the optimality criteria (OC) method for the minimum weight design of structures subjected to multiple load conditions under stress, displacement, and frequency constraints were investigated by examining several numerical examples. The examples were solved utilizing the Optimality Criteria Design Code that was developed for this purpose at NASA Lewis Research Center. This OC code incorporates OC methods available in the literature with generalizations for stress constraints, fully utilized design concepts, and hybrid methods that combine both techniques. Salient features of the code include multiple choices for Lagrange multiplier and design variable update methods, design strategies for several constraint types, variable linking, displacement and integrated force method analyzers, and analytical and numerical sensitivities. The performance of the OC method, on the basis of the examples solved, was found to be satisfactory for problems with few active constraints or with small numbers of design variables. For problems with large numbers of behavior constraints and design variables, the OC method appears to follow a subset of active constraints that can result in a heavier design. The computational efficiency of OC methods appears to be similar to some mathematical programming techniques.

A mega Ultra Low Velocity Zone at the Base of the Iceland Plume: a Target for Tomographic Telescope Implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanowicz, Barbara; Yuan, Kaiqing; Masson, Yder; Adourian, Sevan

2017-04-01

We have recently constructed the first global whole mantle radially anisotropic shear wave velocity model based on time domain full waveform inversion and numerical wavefield computations using the Spectral Element Method (French et al., 2013; French and Romanowicz, 2014). This model's most salient features are broad chimney-like low velocity conduits, rooted within the large-low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVPs) at the base of the mantle, and extending from the core-mantle boundary up through most of the lower mantle, projecting to the earth's surface in the vicinity of major hotspots. The robustness of these features is confirmed through several non-linear synthetic tests, which we present here, including several iterations of inversion using a different starting model than that which served for the published model. The roots of these not-so-classical "plumes" are regions of more pronounced low shear velocity. While the detailed structure is not yet resolvable tomographically, at least two of them contain large (>800 km diameter) ultra-low-velocity zones (ULVZs), one under Hawaii (Cottaar and Romanowicz, 2012) and the other one under Samoa (Thorne et al., 2013). Through 3D numerical forward modelling of Sdiff phases down to 10s period, using data from broadband arrays illuminating the base of the Iceland plume from different directions, we show that such a large ULVZ also exists at the root of this plume, embedded within a taller region of moderately reduced low shear velocity, such as proposed by He et al. (2015). We also show that such a wide, but localized ULVZ is unique in a broad region around the base of the Iceland Plume. Because of the intense computational effort required for forward modelling of trial structures, to first order this ULVZ is represented by a cylindrical structure of diameter 900 km, height 20 km and velocity reduction 20%. To further refine the model, we have developed a technique which we call "tomographic telescope", in which we are able to compute the teleseismic wavefield down to periods of 10s only once, while subsequent iterations require numerical wavefield computations only within the target region, in this case, around the base of the Iceland plume. We describe the method and preliminary results of its implementation.

Geodatabase of sites, basin boundaries, and topology rules used to store drainage basin boundaries for the U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Science Center

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dupree, Jean A.; Crowfoot, Richard M.

2012-01-01

This geodatabase and its component datasets are part of U.S. Geological Survey Digital Data Series 650 and were generated to store basin boundaries for U.S. Geological Survey streamgages and other sites in Colorado. The geodatabase and its components were created by the U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Science Center, and are used to derive the numeric drainage areas for Colorado that are input into the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Information System (NWIS) database and also published in the Annual Water Data Report and on NWISWeb. The foundational dataset used to create the basin boundaries in this geodatabase was the National Watershed Boundary Dataset. This geodatabase accompanies a U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods report (Book 11, Section C, Chapter 6) entitled "Digital Database Architecture and Delineation Methodology for Deriving Drainage Basins, and Comparison of Digitally and Non-Digitally Derived Numeric Drainage Areas." The Techniques and Methods report details the geodatabase architecture, describes the delineation methodology and workflows used to develop these basin boundaries, and compares digitally derived numeric drainage areas in this geodatabase to non-digitally derived areas. 1. COBasins.gdb: This geodatabase contains site locations and basin boundaries for Colorado. It includes a single feature dataset, called BasinsFD, which groups the component feature classes and topology rules. 2. BasinsFD: This feature dataset in the "COBasins.gdb" geodatabase is a digital container that holds the feature classes used to archive site locations and basin boundaries as well as the topology rules that govern spatial relations within and among component feature classes. This feature dataset includes three feature classes: the sites for which basins have been delineated (the "Sites" feature class), basin bounding lines (the "BasinLines" feature class), and polygonal basin areas (the "BasinPolys" feature class). The feature dataset also stores the topology rules (the "BasinsFD_Topology") that constrain the relations within and among component feature classes. The feature dataset also forces any feature classes inside it to have a consistent projection system, which is, in this case, an Albers-Equal-Area projection system. 3. BasinsFD_Topology: This topology contains four persistent topology rules that constrain the spatial relations within the "BasinLines" feature class and between the "BasinLines" feature class and the "BasinPolys" feature classes. 4. Sites: This point feature class contains the digital representations of the site locations for which Colorado Water Science Center basin boundaries have been delineated. This feature class includes point locations for Colorado Water Science Center active (as of September 30, 2009) gages and for other sites. 5. BasinLines: This line feature class contains the perimeters of basins delineated for features in the "Sites" feature class, and it also contains information regarding the sources of lines used for the basin boundaries. 6. BasinPolys: This polygon feature class contains the polygonal basin areas delineated for features in the "Sites" feature class, and it is used to derive the numeric drainage areas published by the Colorado Water Science Center.

Chemical structure and pharmacokinetics of novel quinolone agents represented by avarofloxacin, delafloxacin, finafloxacin, zabofloxacin and nemonoxacin.

PubMed

Kocsis, Bela; Domokos, J; Szabo, D

2016-05-23

Quinolones are potent antimicrobial agents with a basic chemical structure of bicyclic ring. Fluorine atom at position C-6 and various substitutions on the basic quinolone structure yielded fluoroquinolones, namely norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and numerous other agents. The target molecules of quinolones and fluoroquinolones are bacterial gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes. Broad-spectrum and excellent tissue penetration make fluoroquinolones potent agents but their toxic side effects and increasing number of resistant pathogens set limits on their use. This review focuses on recent advances concerning quinolones and fluoroquinolones, we will be summarising chemical structure, mode of action, pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity. We will be describing fluoroquinolones introduced in clinical trials, namely avarofloxacin, delafloxacin, finafloxacin, zabofloxacin and non-fluorinated nemonoxacin. These agents have been proved to have enhanced antibacterial effect even against ciprofloxacin resistant pathogens, and found to be well tolerated in both oral and parenteral administrations. These features are going to make them potential antimicrobial agents in the future.

Time-variant random interval natural frequency analysis of structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Binhua; Wu, Di; Gao, Wei; Song, Chongmin

2018-02-01

This paper presents a new robust method namely, unified interval Chebyshev-based random perturbation method, to tackle hybrid random interval structural natural frequency problem. In the proposed approach, random perturbation method is implemented to furnish the statistical features (i.e., mean and standard deviation) and Chebyshev surrogate model strategy is incorporated to formulate the statistical information of natural frequency with regards to the interval inputs. The comprehensive analysis framework combines the superiority of both methods in a way that computational cost is dramatically reduced. This presented method is thus capable of investigating the day-to-day based time-variant natural frequency of structures accurately and efficiently under concrete intrinsic creep effect with probabilistic and interval uncertain variables. The extreme bounds of the mean and standard deviation of natural frequency are captured through the embedded optimization strategy within the analysis procedure. Three particularly motivated numerical examples with progressive relationship in perspective of both structure type and uncertainty variables are demonstrated to justify the computational applicability, accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.

Modeling process-structure-property relationships for additive manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Wentao; Lin, Stephen; Kafka, Orion L.; Yu, Cheng; Liu, Zeliang; Lian, Yanping; Wolff, Sarah; Cao, Jian; Wagner, Gregory J.; Liu, Wing Kam

2018-02-01

This paper presents our latest work on comprehensive modeling of process-structure-property relationships for additive manufacturing (AM) materials, including using data-mining techniques to close the cycle of design-predict-optimize. To illustrate the processstructure relationship, the multi-scale multi-physics process modeling starts from the micro-scale to establish a mechanistic heat source model, to the meso-scale models of individual powder particle evolution, and finally to the macro-scale model to simulate the fabrication process of a complex product. To link structure and properties, a highefficiency mechanistic model, self-consistent clustering analyses, is developed to capture a variety of material response. The model incorporates factors such as voids, phase composition, inclusions, and grain structures, which are the differentiating features of AM metals. Furthermore, we propose data-mining as an effective solution for novel rapid design and optimization, which is motivated by the numerous influencing factors in the AM process. We believe this paper will provide a roadmap to advance AM fundamental understanding and guide the monitoring and advanced diagnostics of AM processing.

3D printed hierarchical honeycombs with shape integrity under large compressive deformations

DOE PAGES

Chen, Yanyu; Li, Tiantian; Jia, Zian; ...

2017-10-12

Here, we describe the in-plane compressive performance of a new type of hierarchical cellular structure created by replacing cell walls in regular honeycombs with triangular lattice configurations. The fabrication of this relatively complex material architecture with size features spanning from micrometer to centimeter is facilitated by the availability of commercial 3D printers. We apply to these hierarchical honeycombs a thermal treatment that facilitates the shape preservation and structural integrity of the structures under large compressive loading. The proposed hierarchical honeycombs exhibit a progressive failure mode, along with improved stiffness and energy absorption under uniaxial compression. High energy dissipation and shapemore » integrity at large imposed strains (up to 60%) have also been observed in these hierarchical honeycombs under cyclic loading. Experimental and numerical studies suggest that these anomalous mechanical behaviors are attributed to the introduction of a structural hierarchy, intrinsically controlled by the cell wall slenderness of the triangular lattice and by the shape memory effect induced by the thermal and mechanical compressive treatment.« less

Interpretation of aeromagnetic data in the Jameson Land Basin, central East Greenland: Structures and related mineralized systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brethes, Anaïs; Guarnieri, Pierpaolo; Rasmussen, Thorkild Maack; Bauer, Tobias Erich

2018-01-01

This paper provides a detailed interpretation of several aeromagnetic datasets over the Jameson Land Basin in central East Greenland. The interpretation is based on texture and lineament analysis of magnetic data and derivatives of these, in combination with geological field observations. Numerous faults and Cenozoic intrusions were identified and a chronological interpretation of the events responsible for the magnetic features is proposed built on crosscutting relationships and correlated with absolute ages. Lineaments identified in enhanced magnetic data are compared with structures controlling the mineralized systems occurring in the area and form the basis for the interpretations presented in this paper. Several structures associated with base metal mineralization systems that were known at a local scale are here delineated at a larger scale; allowing the identification of areas displaying favorable geological settings for mineralization. This study demonstrates the usefulness of high-resolution airborne magnetic data for detailed structural interpretation and mineral exploration in geological contexts such as the Jameson Land Basin.

Void statistics, scaling, and the origins of large-scale structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fry, J. N.; Giovanelli, Riccardo; Haynes, Martha P.; Melott, Adrian L.; Scherrer, Robert J.

1989-01-01

The probability that a volume of the universe of given size and shape spaced at random will be void of galaxies is used here to study various models of the origin of cosmological structures. Numerical simulations are conducted on hot-particle and cold-particle-modulated inflationary models with and without biasing, on isothermal or initially Poisson models, and on models where structure is seeded by loops of cosmic string. For the Pisces-Perseus redshift compilation of Giovanelli and Haynes (1985), it is found that hierarchical scaling is obeyed for subsamples constructed with different limiting magnitudes and subsamples taken at random. This result confirms that the hierarchical ansatz holds valid to high order and supports the idea that structure in the observed universe evolves by a regular process from an almost Gaussian primordial state. Neutrino models without biasing show the effect of a strong feature in the initial power spectrum. Cosmic string models do not agree well with the galaxy data.

3D printed hierarchical honeycombs with shape integrity under large compressive deformations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Yanyu; Li, Tiantian; Jia, Zian

Here, we describe the in-plane compressive performance of a new type of hierarchical cellular structure created by replacing cell walls in regular honeycombs with triangular lattice configurations. The fabrication of this relatively complex material architecture with size features spanning from micrometer to centimeter is facilitated by the availability of commercial 3D printers. We apply to these hierarchical honeycombs a thermal treatment that facilitates the shape preservation and structural integrity of the structures under large compressive loading. The proposed hierarchical honeycombs exhibit a progressive failure mode, along with improved stiffness and energy absorption under uniaxial compression. High energy dissipation and shapemore » integrity at large imposed strains (up to 60%) have also been observed in these hierarchical honeycombs under cyclic loading. Experimental and numerical studies suggest that these anomalous mechanical behaviors are attributed to the introduction of a structural hierarchy, intrinsically controlled by the cell wall slenderness of the triangular lattice and by the shape memory effect induced by the thermal and mechanical compressive treatment.« less

Nanoantennas for enhancing and confining the magnetic optical field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grosjean, Thierry; Mivelle, Mathieu; Baida, Fadi I.; Burr, Geoffrey W.; Fischer, Ulrich C.

2011-05-01

We propose different optical antenna structures for enhancing and confining the magnetic optical field. A common feature of these structures are concave corners in thin metal films as locations of the enhanced magnetic field. This proposal is inspired by Babinet's principle as the concave edges are the complementary structures to convex metal corners, which are known to be locations of a strongly enhanced electric field. Bowtie antennas and the bowtie apertures of appropriate size were shown to exhibit resonances in the infrared frequency range with an especially strong enhancement of the electrical field in the gap between 2 convex metal corners. We show by numerical calculations, that the complementary structures, the complementary bowtie aperture - the diabolo antenna - and the complementary bow tie antenna - two closely spaced triangular apertures in a metal film with a narrow gap between two opposing concave corners - exhibit resonances with a strongly enhanced magnetic field at the narrow metal constriction between the concave corners. We suggest sub-wavelength circuits of concave and convex corners as building blocks of planar metamaterials.

Origami-based mechanical metamaterials with tunable frequency band structures (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuda, Hiromi; Pratt, Riley; Yang, Jinkyu

2017-04-01

We investigate wave dynamics in origami-based mechanical metamaterials composed of bellows-like origami structures, specifically the Tachi-Miura Polyhedron (TMP). One of the unique features of the TMP is that its structural deformations take place only along the crease lines, therefore the structure can be made of rigid plates and hinges. By utilizing this feature, we introduce linear torsional springs to model the crease lines and derive the force and displacement relationship of the TMP structure along the longitudinal direction. Our analysis shows strain softening/hardening behaviors in compression/tensile regions respectively, and the force-displacement curve can be manipulated by altering the initial configuration of the TMP (e.g., the initial folding angle). We also fabricate physical prototypes and measure the force-displacement behavior to verify our analytical model. Based on this static analysis on the TMP, we simplify the TMP structure into a linkage model, preserving the tunable strain softening/hardening behaviors. Dynamic analysis is also conducted numerically to analyze the frequency response of the simplified TMP unit cell under harmonic excitations. The simplified TMP exhibits a transition between linear and nonlinear behaviors, which depends on the amplitude of the excitation and the initial configuration. In addition, we design a 1D system composed of simplified TMP unit cells and analyze the relationship between frequency and wave number. If two different configurations of the unit cell (e.g., different initial folding angles) are connected in an alternating arrangement, the system develops frequency bandgaps. These unique static/dynamic behaviors can be exploited to design engineering devices which can handle vibrations and impact in an efficient manner.

Integrated Numerical Model for the East African Rift System: Plume-induced Rifting and Continental Break-up from Lake Malawi to Red Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koptev, A.; Leroy, S. D.; Calais, E.; Gerya, T.

2016-12-01

We present numerical experiments that target to reveal the role of active mantle plume, far-field tectonic forces and pre-existing lithospheric heterogeneities in structural development of the East African Rift system (EARS). Starting with models capturing the essential geophysical features of the central and southern parts of the EARS (two «cratonic» bodies (Tanzanian craton and Bangweulu block) embedded into a «normal» surrounding lithosphere) we show that development of the magmatic Eastern branch, the amagmatic Western branch and its southern prolongation (Malawi rift) can be the result of non-uniform splitting of some hot plume material that has been initially seeded underneath the southern part of Tanzanian craton. The second series of experiments has been designed in order to investigate northern segment of the EARS where Afro-Arabian plate separation is supposed to be related with the impact of Afar mantle plume. These models permit us to reproduce observed orientation and relative position of two spreading axes (Red Sea, Gulf of Aden) and rifting (Main Ethiopian rift) one. All are joining at Afar triple junction. Finally, for laterally extended experiment we have used parameters of the best-fit models for the southern and northern segments of the EARS in order to define the position of Kenyan plume and the velocity boundary conditions. This model cover all rifting and spreading structure associated with both Afar and Kenyan plumes: Red Sea Rift and the Aden Ridge to the north of the Afar Triple Junction; Main Ethiopian Rift running to the south that continues as the Kenyan Rift; Western Rift and its southern prolongation corresponding to Malawi rift.We argue that main features of the EARS can be reproduced in a relatively simple context of the interaction between two mantle anomalies corresponding to Afar and Kenyan plumes and pre-stressed rheologically stratified continental lithosphere containing only first-order structural heterogeneities (such as Tanzanian and Bangweulu cratons).

Short-Time Glassy Dynamics in Viscous Protein Solutions with Competing Interactions

DOE PAGES

Godfrin, P. Douglas; Hudson, Steven; Hong, Kunlun; ...

2015-11-24

Although there have been numerous investigations of the glass transition for colloidal dispersions with only a short-ranged attraction, less is understood for systems interacting with a long-ranged repulsion in addition to this attraction, which is ubiquitous in aqueous protein solutions at low ionic strength. Highly puri ed concentrated lysozyme solutions are used as a model system and investigated over a large range of protein concentrations at very low ionic strength. Newtonian liquid behavior is observed at all concentrations, even up to 480 mg/mL, where the zero shear viscosity increases by more than three orders of magnitude with increasing concentration. Remarkably,more » despite this macroscopic liquid-like behavior, the measurements of the dynamics in the short-time limit shows features typical of glassy colloidal systems. Investigation of the inter-protein structure indicates that the reduced short-time mobility of the protein is caused by localized regions of high density within a heterogeneous density distribution. This structural heterogeneity occurs on intermediate range length scale, driven by the competing potential features, and is distinct from commonly studied colloidal gel systems in which a heterogeneous density distribution tends to extend to the whole system. The presence of long-ranged repulsion also allows for more mobility over large length and long time scales resulting in the macroscopic relaxation of the structure. The experimental results provide evidence for the need to explicitly include intermediate range order in theories for the macroscopic properties of protein solutions interacting via competing potential features.« less

A Method for Analyzing Commonalities in Clinical Trial Target Populations

PubMed Central

He, Zhe; Carini, Simona; Hao, Tianyong; Sim, Ida; Weng, Chunhua

2014-01-01

ClinicalTrials.gov presents great opportunities for analyzing commonalities in clinical trial target populations to facilitate knowledge reuse when designing eligibility criteria of future trials or to reveal potential systematic biases in selecting population subgroups for clinical research. Towards this goal, this paper presents a novel data resource for enabling such analyses. Our method includes two parts: (1) parsing and indexing eligibility criteria text; and (2) mining common eligibility features and attributes of common numeric features (e.g., A1c). We designed and built a database called “Commonalities in Target Populations of Clinical Trials” (COMPACT), which stores structured eligibility criteria and trial metadata in a readily computable format. We illustrate its use in an example analytic module called CONECT using COMPACT as the backend. Type 2 diabetes is used as an example to analyze commonalities in the target populations of 4,493 clinical trials on this disease. PMID:25954450

A numerical relativity scheme for cosmological simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daverio, David; Dirian, Yves; Mitsou, Ermis

2017-12-01

Cosmological simulations involving the fully covariant gravitational dynamics may prove relevant in understanding relativistic/non-linear features and, therefore, in taking better advantage of the upcoming large scale structure survey data. We propose a new 3  +  1 integration scheme for general relativity in the case where the matter sector contains a minimally-coupled perfect fluid field. The original feature is that we completely eliminate the fluid components through the constraint equations, thus remaining with a set of unconstrained evolution equations for the rest of the fields. This procedure does not constrain the lapse function and shift vector, so it holds in arbitrary gauge and also works for arbitrary equation of state. An important advantage of this scheme is that it allows one to define and pass an adaptation of the robustness test to the cosmological context, at least in the case of pressureless perfect fluid matter, which is the relevant one for late-time cosmology.

Single helically folded aromatic oligoamides that mimic the charge surface of double-stranded B-DNA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziach, Krzysztof; Chollet, Céline; Parissi, Vincent; Prabhakaran, Panchami; Marchivie, Mathieu; Corvaglia, Valentina; Bose, Partha Pratim; Laxmi-Reddy, Katta; Godde, Frédéric; Schmitter, Jean-Marie; Chaignepain, Stéphane; Pourquier, Philippe; Huc, Ivan

2018-05-01

Numerous essential biomolecular processes require the recognition of DNA surface features by proteins. Molecules mimicking these features could potentially act as decoys and interfere with pharmacologically or therapeutically relevant protein-DNA interactions. Although naturally occurring DNA-mimicking proteins have been described, synthetic tunable molecules that mimic the charge surface of double-stranded DNA are not known. Here, we report the design, synthesis and structural characterization of aromatic oligoamides that fold into single helical conformations and display a double helical array of negatively charged residues in positions that match the phosphate moieties in B-DNA. These molecules were able to inhibit several enzymes possessing non-sequence-selective DNA-binding properties, including topoisomerase 1 and HIV-1 integrase, presumably through specific foldamer-protein interactions, whereas sequence-selective enzymes were not inhibited. Such modular and synthetically accessible DNA mimics provide a versatile platform to design novel inhibitors of protein-DNA interactions.

Histological features of the vomeronasal organ in the giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis.

PubMed

Kondoh, Daisuke; Nakamura, Kentaro G; Ono, Yurie S; Yuhara, Kazutoshi; Bando, Gen; Watanabe, Kenichi; Horiuchi, Noriyuki; Kobayashi, Yoshiyasu; Sasaki, Motoki; Kitamura, Nobuo

2017-06-01

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) that preferentially detects species-specific substances is diverse among animal species, and its morphological properties seem to reflect the ecological features of animals. This histological study of two female reticulated giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) found that the VNO is developed in giraffes. The lateral and medial regions of the vomeronasal lumen were covered with sensory and nonsensory epithelia, respectively. The vomeronasal glands were positive for periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue (pH 2.5) stains. The VNO comprises several large veins like others in the order Cetartiodactyla, suggesting that these veins function in a pumping mechanism in this order. In addition, numerous thin-walled vessels located immediately beneath the epithelia covering the lumen entirely surrounded the vomeronasal lumen. This sponge-like structure might function as a specific secondary pump in giraffes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A delta-rule model of numerical and non-numerical order processing.

PubMed

Verguts, Tom; Van Opstal, Filip

2014-06-01

Numerical and non-numerical order processing share empirical characteristics (distance effect and semantic congruity), but there are also important differences (in size effect and end effect). At the same time, models and theories of numerical and non-numerical order processing developed largely separately. Currently, we combine insights from 2 earlier models to integrate them in a common framework. We argue that the same learning principle underlies numerical and non-numerical orders, but that environmental features determine the empirical differences. Implications for current theories on order processing are pointed out. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

A feature-based inference model of numerical estimation: the split-seed effect.

PubMed

Murray, Kyle B; Brown, Norman R

2009-07-01

Prior research has identified two modes of quantitative estimation: numerical retrieval and ordinal conversion. In this paper we introduce a third mode, which operates by a feature-based inference process. In contrast to prior research, the results of three experiments demonstrate that people estimate automobile prices by combining metric information associated with two critical features: product class and brand status. In addition, Experiments 2 and 3 demonstrated that when participants are seeded with the actual current base price of one of the to-be-estimated vehicles, they respond by revising the general metric and splitting the information carried by the seed between the two critical features. As a result, the degree of post-seeding revision is directly related to the number of these features that the seed and the transfer items have in common. The paper concludes with a general discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of our findings.

Synchronization of finite-size particles by a traveling wave in a cylindrical flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melnikov, D. E.; Pushkin, D. O.; Shevtsova, V. M.

2013-09-01

Motion of small finite-size particles suspended in a cylindrical thermocapillary flow with an azimuthally traveling wave is studied experimentally and numerically. At certain flow regimes the particles spontaneously align in dynamic accumulation structures (PAS) of spiral shape. We find that long-time trajectories of individual particles in this flow fall into three basic categories that can be described, borrowing the dynamical systems terminology, as the stable periodic, the quasiperiodic, and the quasistable periodic orbits. Besides these basic types of orbits, we observe the "doubled" periodic orbits and shuttle-like particle trajectories. We find that ensembles of particles having periodic orbits give rise to one-dimensional spiral PAS, while ensembles of particles having quasiperiodic orbits form two-dimensional PAS of toroidal shape. We expound the reasons why these types of orbits and the emergence of the corresponding accumulation structures should naturally be anticipated based on the phase locking theory of PAS formation. We give a further discussion of PAS features, such as the finite thickness of PAS spirals and the probable scenarios of the spiral PAS destruction. Finally, in numerical simulations of inertial particles we observe formation of the spiral structures corresponding to the 3:1 "resonance" between the particle turnover frequency and the wave oscillations frequency, thus confirming another prediction of the phase locking theory. In view of the generality of the arguments involved, we expect the importance of this structure-forming mechanism to go far beyond the realm of the laboratory-friendly thermocapillary flows.

Cytoarchitecture of Caudiverbera caudiverbera stage VI oocytes: a light and electron microscope study.

PubMed

Dabiké, M; Preller, A

1999-06-01

The general characteristics and salient features of the full-grown stage VI Caudiverbera caudiverbera oocyte at the light and electron microscopy level are described. The oocyte is a huge cell with radial symmetry and distinct polarity. A black animal hemisphere, rich in pigment granules and containing the nucleus, is clearly distinguished from the unpigmented white-yellowish vegetal hemisphere. The cell is surrounded by a highly invaginated plasma membrane, with numerous microvilli. The cortex underlying the plasma membrane contains cortical and pigment granules, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum and coated vesicles. Cytoskeletal components, such as actin filaments and microtubules, are also found in this region. The predominant structures, distributed throughout the cell, are the yolk platelets, which show a gradient in size with small platelets in the animal half and very large ones in the vegetal zone. Mitochondria are also very abundant in both hemispheres and clouds of these organelles are found in the perinuclear region, frequently associated with microtubules. Developed Golgi complexes are present in the cytoplasm and occasionally, annulate lamellae appear towards the inner zones. The nucleus is a large structure containing numerous nucleoli. The nuclear envelope is highly invaginated, especially at the side facing the vegetal pole. It is regularly perforated by large nuclear pores. Our results show that the structural organization of Caudiverbera oocytes, although similar to that of other amphibian oocytes, differs from them especially concerning the spatial distribution of several structural components.

Numerical modeling of mechanical behavior of multilayered composite plates with defects under static loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korepanov, V. V.; Serovaev, G. S.

2017-06-01

Evaluation of the mechanical state of a structure or its components in the process of operation based on detection of internal damages (damage detection) becomes especially important in such rapidly developing spheres of production as machine building, aerospace industry, etc. One of the most important features of these industries is the application of new types of materials among which polymer based composite materials occupy a significant position. Hence, they must have sufficient operational rigidity and strength. However, defects of various kinds may arise during the manufacture. Delamination is the most common defect in structures made from composite materials and represents a phenomenon that involves the complex fracture of layers and interlayer compounds. Among the reasons of delamination occurrence are: disposition of anti-adhesive lubricants, films; insufficient content of binder, high content of volatile elements; violation of the molding regime; poor quality of anti-adhesive coating on the surface of the tooling. One of the effective methods for analyzing the influence of defects is numerical simulation. With the help of numerical methods, it is possible to track the evolution of various parameters when the defect size and quantity change. In the paper, a multilayered plate of an equally resistant carbon fiber reinforced plastic was considered, with a thickness of each layer equal to 0.2 mm. Various static loading cases are studied: uniaxial tension, three and four-point bending. For each type of loading, a numerical calculation of the stress-strain state was performed for healthy and delaminated plates, with different number and size of the defects. Contact interaction between adjacent surfaces in the zone of delamination was taken into account.

Data-driven Modeling of the Solar Corona by a New Three-dimensional Path-conservative Osher-Solomon MHD Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Xueshang; Li, Caixia; Xiang, Changqing; Zhang, Man; Li, HuiChao; Wei, Fengsi

2017-11-01

A second-order path-conservative scheme with a Godunov-type finite-volume method has been implemented to advance the equations of single-fluid solar wind plasma magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) in time. This code operates on the six-component composite grid system in three-dimensional spherical coordinates with hexahedral cells of quadrilateral frustum type. The generalized Osher-Solomon Riemann solver is employed based on a numerical integration of the path-dependent dissipation matrix. For simplicity, the straight line segment path is used, and the path integral is evaluated in a fully numerical way by a high-order numerical Gauss-Legendre quadrature. Besides its very close similarity to Godunov type, the resulting scheme retains the attractive features of the original solver: it is nonlinear, free of entropy-fix, differentiable, and complete, in that each characteristic field results in a different numerical viscosity, due to the full use of the MHD eigenstructure. By using a minmod limiter for spatial oscillation control, the path-conservative scheme is realized for the generalized Lagrange multiplier and the extended generalized Lagrange multiplier formulation of solar wind MHD systems. This new model that is second order in space and time is written in the FORTRAN language with Message Passing Interface parallelization and validated in modeling the time-dependent large-scale structure of the solar corona, driven continuously by Global Oscillation Network Group data. To demonstrate the suitability of our code for the simulation of solar wind, we present selected results from 2009 October 9 to 2009 December 29 show its capability of producing a structured solar corona in agreement with solar coronal observations.

Data-Driven Modeling of Solar Corona by a New 3d Path-Conservative Osher-Solomon MHD Odel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, X. S.; Li, C.

2017-12-01

A second-order path-conservative scheme with Godunov-type finite volume method (FVM) has been implemented to advance the equations of single-fluid solar wind plasma magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) in time. This code operates on the six-component composite grid system in 3D spherical coordinates with hexahedral cells of quadrilateral frustum type. The generalized Osher-Solomon Riemann solver is employed based on a numerical integration of the path-dependentdissipation matrix. For simplicity, the straight line segment path is used and the path-integral is evaluated in a fully numerical way by high-order numerical Gauss-Legendre quadrature. Besides its closest similarity to Godunov, the resulting scheme retains the attractive features of the original solver: it is nonlinear, free of entropy-fix, differentiable and complete in that each characteristic field results in a different numerical viscosity, due to the full use of the MHD eigenstructure. By using a minmod limiter for spatial oscillation control, the pathconservative scheme is realized for the generalized Lagrange multiplier (GLM) and the extended generalized Lagrange multiplier (EGLM) formulation of solar wind MHD systems. This new model of second-order in space and time is written in FORTRAN language with Message Passing Interface (MPI) parallelization, and validated in modeling time-dependent large-scale structure of solar corona, driven continuously by the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) data. To demonstrate the suitability of our code for the simulation of solar wind, we present selected results from October 9th, 2009 to December 29th, 2009 , & Year 2008 to show its capability of producing structured solar wind in agreement with the observations.

Pattern matching through Chaos Game Representation: bridging numerical and discrete data structures for biological sequence analysis

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Chaos Game Representation (CGR) is an iterated function that bijectively maps discrete sequences into a continuous domain. As a result, discrete sequences can be object of statistical and topological analyses otherwise reserved to numerical systems. Characteristically, CGR coordinates of substrings sharing an L-long suffix will be located within 2-L distance of each other. In the two decades since its original proposal, CGR has been generalized beyond its original focus on genomic sequences and has been successfully applied to a wide range of problems in bioinformatics. This report explores the possibility that it can be further extended to approach algorithms that rely on discrete, graph-based representations. Results The exploratory analysis described here consisted of selecting foundational string problems and refactoring them using CGR-based algorithms. We found that CGR can take the role of suffix trees and emulate sophisticated string algorithms, efficiently solving exact and approximate string matching problems such as finding all palindromes and tandem repeats, and matching with mismatches. The common feature of these problems is that they use longest common extension (LCE) queries as subtasks of their procedures, which we show to have a constant time solution with CGR. Additionally, we show that CGR can be used as a rolling hash function within the Rabin-Karp algorithm. Conclusions The analysis of biological sequences relies on algorithmic foundations facing mounting challenges, both logistic (performance) and analytical (lack of unifying mathematical framework). CGR is found to provide the latter and to promise the former: graph-based data structures for sequence analysis operations are entailed by numerical-based data structures produced by CGR maps, providing a unifying analytical framework for a diversity of pattern matching problems. PMID:22551152

AQUATOX Features and Tools

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Numerous features have been included to facilitate the modeling process, from model setup and data input, presentation and analysis of results, to easy export of results to spreadsheet programs for additional analysis.

Confocal microscopy patterns in nonmelanoma skin cancer and clinical applications.

PubMed

González, S; Sánchez, V; González-Rodríguez, A; Parrado, C; Ullrich, M

2014-06-01

Reflectance confocal microscopy is currently the most promising noninvasive diagnostic tool for studying cutaneous structures between the stratum corneum and the superficial reticular dermis. This tool gives real-time images parallel to the skin surface; the microscopic resolution is similar to that of conventional histology. Numerous studies have identified the main confocal features of various inflammatory skin diseases and tumors, demonstrating the good correlation of these features with certain dermatoscopic patterns and histologic findings. Confocal patterns and diagnostic algorithms have been shown to have high sensitivity and specificity in melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Possible present and future applications of this noninvasive technology are wide ranging and reach beyond its use in noninvasive diagnosis. This tool can also be used, for example, to evaluate dynamic skin processes that occur after UV exposure or to assess tumor response to noninvasive treatments such as photodynamic therapy. We explain the characteristic confocal features found in the main nonmelanoma skin tumors and discuss possible applications for this novel diagnostic technique in routine dermatology practice. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. and AEDV. All rights reserved.

The signature of positive selection at randomly chosen loci.

PubMed

Przeworski, Molly

2002-03-01

In Drosophila and humans, there are accumulating examples of loci with a significant excess of high-frequency-derived alleles or high levels of linkage disequilibrium, relative to a neutral model of a random-mating population of constant size. These are features expected after a recent selective sweep. Their prevalence suggests that positive directional selection may be widespread in both species. However, as I show here, these features do not persist long after the sweep ends: The high-frequency alleles drift to fixation and no longer contribute to polymorphism, while linkage disequilibrium is broken down by recombination. As a result, loci chosen without independent evidence of recent selection are not expected to exhibit either of these features, even if they have been affected by numerous sweeps in their genealogical history. How then can we explain the patterns in the data? One possibility is population structure, with unequal sampling from different subpopulations. Alternatively, positive selection may not operate as is commonly modeled. In particular, the rate of fixation of advantageous mutations may have increased in the recent past.

Coexistence of fraternity and egoism for spatial social dilemmas.

PubMed

Szabó, György; Szolnoki, Attila; Czakó, Lilla

2013-01-21

We have studied an evolutionary game with spatially arranged players who can choose one of the two strategies (named cooperation and defection for social dilemmas) when playing with their neighbors. In addition to the application of the usual strategies in the present model the players are also characterized by one of the two extreme personal features representing the egoist or fraternal behavior. During the evolution each player can modify both her own strategy and/or personal feature via a myopic update process in order to improve her utility. The results of numerical simulations and stability analysis are summarized in phase diagrams representing a wide scale of spatially ordered distribution of strategies and personal features when varying the payoff parameters. In most of the cases only two of the four possible options prevail and may form sublattice ordered spatial structure. The evolutionary advantage of the fraternal attitude is demonstrated within a large range of payoff parameters including the region of prisoner's dilemma where egoist defectors and fraternal cooperators form a role-separating chessboard like pattern. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Liping; He, Jiansen; Tu, Chuanyi

Observations with the space-based solar observatory Hinode show that small-scale magnetic structures in the photosphere are found to be associated with a particular class of jets of plasma in the chromosphere called anemone jets. The goal of our study is to conduct a numerical experiment of such chromospheric anemone jets related to the moving magnetic features (MMFs). We construct a 2.5 dimensional numerical MHD model to describe the process of magnetic reconnection between the MMFs and the pre-existing ambient magnetic field, which is driven by the horizontal motion of the magnetic structure in the photosphere. We include thermal conduction parallelmore » to the magnetic field and optically thin radiative losses in the corona to account for a self-consistent description of the evaporation process during the heating of the plasma due to the reconnection process. The motion of the MMFs leads to the expected jet and our numerical results can reproduce many observed characteristics of chromospheric anemone jets, topologically and quantitatively. As a result of the tearing instability, plasmoids are generated in the reconnection process that are consistent with the observed bright moving blobs in the anemone jets. An increase in the thermal pressure at the base of the jet is also driven by the reconnection, which induces a train of slow-mode shocks propagating upward. These shocks are a secondary effect, and only modulate the outflow of the anemone jet. The jet itself is driven by the energy input due to the reconnection of the MMFs and the ambient magnetic field.« less

An orthotropic viscoelastic model for the passive myocardium: continuum basis and numerical treatment.

PubMed

Gültekin, Osman; Sommer, Gerhard; Holzapfel, Gerhard A

2016-11-01

This study deals with the viscoelastic constitutive modeling and the respective computational analysis of the human passive myocardium. We start by recapitulating the locally orthotropic inner structure of the human myocardial tissue and model the mechanical response through invariants and structure tensors associated with three orthonormal basis vectors. In accordance with recent experimental findings the ventricular myocardial tissue is assumed to be incompressible, thick-walled, orthotropic and viscoelastic. In particular, one spring element coupled with Maxwell elements in parallel endows the model with viscoelastic features such that four dashpots describe the viscous response due to matrix, fiber, sheet and fiber-sheet fragments. In order to alleviate the numerical obstacles, the strictly incompressible model is altered by decomposing the free-energy function into volumetric-isochoric elastic and isochoric-viscoelastic parts along with the multiplicative split of the deformation gradient which enables the three-field mixed finite element method. The crucial aspect of the viscoelastic formulation is linked to the rate equations of the viscous overstresses resulting from a 3-D analogy of a generalized 1-D Maxwell model. We provide algorithmic updates for second Piola-Kirchhoff stress and elasticity tensors. In the sequel, we address some numerical aspects of the constitutive model by applying it to elastic, cyclic and relaxation test data obtained from biaxial extension and triaxial shear tests whereby we assess the fitting capacity of the model. With the tissue parameters identified, we conduct (elastic and viscoelastic) finite element simulations for an ellipsoidal geometry retrieved from a human specimen.

The foamed structures in numerical testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, Antoni; John, Małgorzata

2018-01-01

In the paper numerical simulation of the foamed metal structures using numerical homogenization algorithm is prescribed. From the beginning, numerical model of heterogeneous porous simplified structures of typical foamed metal, based on the FEM was built and material parameters (coefficients of elasticity matrix of the considered structure) were determined with use of numerical homogenization algorithm. During the work the different RVE models of structure were created and their properties were compared at different relative density, different numbers and the size and structure of the arrangement of voids. Finally, obtained results were used in modeling of typical elements made from foam metals structures - sandwich structure and profile filled with metal foam. Simulation were performed for different dimensions of cladding and core. Additionally, the test of influence material orientation (arrangement of voids in RVE element) on the maximum stresses and displacement during bending test was performed.

Wavelet-based Adaptive Mesh Refinement Method for Global Atmospheric Chemical Transport Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rastigejev, Y.

2011-12-01

Numerical modeling of global atmospheric chemical transport presents enormous computational difficulties, associated with simulating a wide range of time and spatial scales. The described difficulties are exacerbated by the fact that hundreds of chemical species and thousands of chemical reactions typically are used for chemical kinetic mechanism description. These computational requirements very often forces researches to use relatively crude quasi-uniform numerical grids with inadequate spatial resolution that introduces significant numerical diffusion into the system. It was shown that this spurious diffusion significantly distorts the pollutant mixing and transport dynamics for typically used grid resolution. The described numerical difficulties have to be systematically addressed considering that the demand for fast, high-resolution chemical transport models will be exacerbated over the next decade by the need to interpret satellite observations of tropospheric ozone and related species. In this study we offer dynamically adaptive multilevel Wavelet-based Adaptive Mesh Refinement (WAMR) method for numerical modeling of atmospheric chemical evolution equations. The adaptive mesh refinement is performed by adding and removing finer levels of resolution in the locations of fine scale development and in the locations of smooth solution behavior accordingly. The algorithm is based on the mathematically well established wavelet theory. This allows us to provide error estimates of the solution that are used in conjunction with an appropriate threshold criteria to adapt the non-uniform grid. Other essential features of the numerical algorithm include: an efficient wavelet spatial discretization that allows to minimize the number of degrees of freedom for a prescribed accuracy, a fast algorithm for computing wavelet amplitudes, and efficient and accurate derivative approximations on an irregular grid. The method has been tested for a variety of benchmark problems including numerical simulation of transpacific traveling pollution plumes. The generated pollution plumes are diluted due to turbulent mixing as they are advected downwind. Despite this dilution, it was recently discovered that pollution plumes in the remote troposphere can preserve their identity as well-defined structures for two weeks or more as they circle the globe. Present Global Chemical Transport Models (CTMs) implemented for quasi-uniform grids are completely incapable of reproducing these layered structures due to high numerical plume dilution caused by numerical diffusion combined with non-uniformity of atmospheric flow. It is shown that WAMR algorithm solutions of comparable accuracy as conventional numerical techniques are obtained with more than an order of magnitude reduction in number of grid points, therefore the adaptive algorithm is capable to produce accurate results at a relatively low computational cost. The numerical simulations demonstrate that WAMR algorithm applied the traveling plume problem accurately reproduces the plume dynamics unlike conventional numerical methods that utilizes quasi-uniform numerical grids.

Protein folding optimization based on 3D off-lattice model via an improved artificial bee colony algorithm.

PubMed

Li, Bai; Lin, Mu; Liu, Qiao; Li, Ya; Zhou, Changjun

2015-10-01

Protein folding is a fundamental topic in molecular biology. Conventional experimental techniques for protein structure identification or protein folding recognition require strict laboratory requirements and heavy operating burdens, which have largely limited their applications. Alternatively, computer-aided techniques have been developed to optimize protein structures or to predict the protein folding process. In this paper, we utilize a 3D off-lattice model to describe the original protein folding scheme as a simplified energy-optimal numerical problem, where all types of amino acid residues are binarized into hydrophobic and hydrophilic ones. We apply a balance-evolution artificial bee colony (BE-ABC) algorithm as the minimization solver, which is featured by the adaptive adjustment of search intensity to cater for the varying needs during the entire optimization process. In this work, we establish a benchmark case set with 13 real protein sequences from the Protein Data Bank database and evaluate the convergence performance of BE-ABC algorithm through strict comparisons with several state-of-the-art ABC variants in short-term numerical experiments. Besides that, our obtained best-so-far protein structures are compared to the ones in comprehensive previous literature. This study also provides preliminary insights into how artificial intelligence techniques can be applied to reveal the dynamics of protein folding. Graphical Abstract Protein folding optimization using 3D off-lattice model and advanced optimization techniques.

Statistical features of rapidly rotating decaying turbulence: Enstrophy and energy spectra and coherent structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Manohar K.; Kumar, Abhishek; Verma, Mahendra K.; Chakraborty, Sagar

2018-04-01

In this paper, we investigate the properties of rapidly rotating decaying turbulence using numerical simulations and phenomenological modeling. We find that as the turbulent flow evolves in time, the Rossby number decreases to ˜10-3, and the flow becomes quasi-two-dimensional with strong coherent columnar structures arising due to the inverse cascade of energy. We establish that a major fraction of energy is confined in Fourier modes (±1, 0, 0) and (0, ±1, 0) that correspond to the largest columnar structure in the flow. For wavenumbers (k) greater than the enstrophy dissipation wavenumber (kd), our phenomenological arguments and numerical study show that the enstrophy flux and spectrum of a horizontal cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation are given by ɛω⁡exp (-C (k/kd ) 2 ) and C ɛω2 /3k-1⁡exp (-C (k/kd ) 2 ) , respectively; for this 2D flow, ɛω is the enstrophy dissipation rate, and C is a constant. Using these results, we propose a new form for the energy spectrum of rapidly rotating decaying turbulence: E (k ) =C ɛω2 /3k-3⁡exp (-C (k/kd ) 2 ) . This model of the energy spectrum is based on wavenumber-dependent enstrophy flux, and it deviates significantly from power law energy spectrum reported earlier.

Prediction of the characteristics of two types of pressure waves in the cochlea: Theoretical considerations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andoh, Masayoshi; Wada, Hiroshi

2004-07-01

The aim of this study was to predict the characteristics of two types of cochlear pressure waves, so-called fast and slow waves. A two-dimensional finite-element model of the organ of Corti (OC), including fluid-structure interaction with the surrounding lymph fluid, was constructed. The geometry of the OC at the basal turn was determined from morphological measurements of others in the gerbil hemicochlea. As far as mechanical properties of the materials within the OC are concerned, previously determined mechanical properties of portions within the OC were adopted, and unknown mechanical features were determined from the published measurements of static stiffness. Time advance of the fluid-structure scheme was achieved by a staggered approach. Using the model, the magnitude and phase of the fast and slow waves were predicted so as to fit the numerically obtained pressure distribution in the scala tympani with what is known about intracochlear pressure measurement. When the predicted pressure waves were applied to the model, the numerical result of the velocity of the basilar membrane showed good agreement with the experimentally obtained velocity of the basilar membrane documented by others. Thus, the predicted pressure waves appeared to be reliable. Moreover, it was found that the fluid-structure interaction considerably influences the dynamic behavior of the OC at frequencies near the characteristic frequency.

3D Structures of the Sea-Breeze Front in Dual-Doppler Lidar Analysis and a State-of-the-Art Modeling System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, G.; Iwai, H.; Seko, H.; Saito, K. K.; Sha, W.; Iwasaki, T.

2017-12-01

Sea breeze occurs at coastal regions around the world, with great impacts on the weather and air quality. Observations and forecasts of the fine-scale structures and local impacts of sea-breeze front (SBF) are a challenge. Three-dimensional structures of a quasi-stationary SBF were observed by dual-Doppler lidar over Sendai Airport in June 2007. Using a state-of-the-art local prediction system in which a computational fluid dynamics model is nested to a mesoscale model with data assimilation, we perform a realistic simulation of the observed SBF structures at 10-m resolution. Numerical simulations reproduce the detailed features of the SBF, such as frontal lobes/clefts, intense updrafts, rear downdrafts, and Kelvin-Helmholtz billows, consistent with lidar observations. Several localized maxima of updrafts occur at the active SBF lobes with ascending marine air mass and adjacent windward sides, where the ambient warm flows encounter a steep front face and penetrate SBF aloft. Strong downdrafts of marine cool air dominate at the SBF rear where they trap a high concentration of air pollutants. These features are regularly activated by the arc-shaped gravity currents at a horizontal scale of several kilometers and a period of 30 minutes. They are also influenced by the coastal buildings and strongly regulate the spatio-temporal variations of local winds near surface. The findings suggest that a novel full-scale nested prediction system has potential for forecasting coastal weather and environment at high precision, which are valuable for aviation safety, marine activities, and air quality monitoring. AcknowledgmentsThis study was supported by the Strategic Programs for Innovative Research (SPIRE) funded by the Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The numerical calculations were performed using the K computer at RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science (Proposal numbers hp130012 and hp140220). The observational data were collected in a field experiment funded by the MEXT (PI: Prof. T. Iwasaki, 19204046) through the collaboration of NICT, ENRI, JAXA, and Tohoku University.

GeoSciML version 3: A GML application for geologic information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

International Union of Geological Sciences., I. C.; Richard, S. M.

2011-12-01

After 2 years of testing and development, XML schema for GeoSciML version 3 are now ready for application deployment. GeoSciML draws from many geoscience data modelling efforts to establish a common suite of feature types to represent information associated with geologic maps (materials, structures, and geologic units) and observations including structure data, samples, and chemical analyses. After extensive testing and use case analysis, in December 2008 the CGI Interoperability Working Group (IWG) released GeoSciML 2.0 as an application schema for basic geological information. GeoSciML 2.0 is in use to deliver geologic data by the OneGeology Europe portal, the Geological Survey of Canada Groundwater Information Network (wet GIN), and the Auscope Mineral Resources portal. GeoSciML to version 3.0 is updated to OGC Geography Markup Language v3.2, re-engineered patterns for association of element values with controlled vocabulary concepts, incorporation of ISO19156 Observation and Measurement constructs for representing numeric and categorical values and for representing analytical data, incorporation of EarthResourceML to represent mineral occurrences and mines, incorporation of the GeoTime model to represent GSSP and stratigraphic time scale, and refactoring of the GeoSciML namespace to follow emerging ISO practices for decoupling of dependencies between standardized namespaces. These changes will make it easier for data providers to link to standard vocabulary and registry services. The depth and breadth of GeoSciML remains largely unchanged, covering the representation of geologic units, earth materials and geologic structures. ISO19156 elements and patterns are used to represent sampling features such as boreholes and rock samples, as well as geochemical and geochronologic measurements. Geologic structures include shear displacement structures (brittle faults and ductile shears), contacts, folds, foliations, lineations and structures with no preferred orientation (e.g. 'miarolitic cavities'). The Earth material package allows for the description of both individual components, such as minerals, and compound materials, such as rocks or unconsolidated materials. Provision is made for alteration, weathering, metamorphism, particle geometry, fabric, and petrophysical descriptions. Mapped features describe the shape of the geological features using standard GML geometries, such as polygons, lines, points or 3D volumes. Geological events provide the age, process and environment of formation of geological features. The Earth Resource section includes features to represent mineral occurrences and mines and associated human activities independently. This addition allows description of resources and reserves that can comply with national and internationally accepted reporting codes. GeoSciML v3 is under consideration as the data model for INSPIRE annex 2 geologic reporting in Europe.

Origin and development of plains-type folds in the mid-continent (United States) during the late Paleozoic

USGS Publications Warehouse

Merriam, D.F.

2005-01-01

Plains-type folds are local, subtle anticlines formed in the thin sedimentary package overlying a shallow, crystalline basement on the craton. They are small in areal extent (usually less than 1-3 km 2 [0.4-1.2 mi2]), and their amplitude increases with depth (usually tens of meters), which is mainly the result of differential compaction of sediments (usually clastic units) over tilted, rigid, basement fault blocks. The development of these structural features by continuous but intermittent movement of the basement fault blocks in the late Paleozoic in the United States mid-continent is substantiated by a record of stratigraphic and sedimentological evidence. The recurrent structural movement, which reflects adjustment to external stresses, is expressed by the change in thickness of stratigraphic units over the crest of the fold compared to the flanks. By plotting the change in thickness for different stratigraphic units of anticlines on different fault blocks, it is possible to determine the timing of movement of the blocks that reflect structural adjustment. These readjustments are confirmed by sedimentological evidence, such as convolute, soft-sediment deformation features and small intraformational faults. The stratigraphic interval change in thickness for numerous structures in the Cherokee, Forest City, and Salina basins and on the Nemaha anticline of the mid-continent United States was determined and compared for location and timing of the adjustments. Most of the adjustment occurred during and after time of deposition of the Permian-Pennsylvanian clastic units, which, in turn, reflect tectonic disturbance in adjacent areas, and the largest amount of movement on the plains-type structures occurred on those nearest and semiparallel to major positive features, such as the Nemaha anticline. Depending on the time of origin and development of plains-type folds, they may control the entrapment and occurrence of oil and gas. Copyright ??2005. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Physicochemical and Structural Properties Determining HIV-1 Coreceptor Usage

PubMed Central

Bozek, Katarzyna; Lengauer, Thomas; Sierra, Saleta; Kaiser, Rolf; Domingues, Francisco S.

2013-01-01

The relationship of HIV tropism with disease progression and the recent development of CCR5-blocking drugs underscore the importance of monitoring virus coreceptor usage. As an alternative to costly phenotypic assays, computational methods aim at predicting virus tropism based on the sequence and structure of the V3 loop of the virus gp120 protein. Here we present a numerical descriptor of the V3 loop encoding its physicochemical and structural properties. The descriptor allows for structure-based prediction of HIV tropism and identification of properties of the V3 loop that are crucial for coreceptor usage. Use of the proposed descriptor for prediction results in a statistically significant improvement over the prediction based solely on V3 sequence with 3 percentage points improvement in AUC and 7 percentage points in sensitivity at the specificity of the 11/25 rule (95%). We additionally assessed the predictive power of the new method on clinically derived ‘bulk’ sequence data and obtained a statistically significant improvement in AUC of 3 percentage points over sequence-based prediction. Furthermore, we demonstrated the capacity of our method to predict therapy outcome by applying it to 53 samples from patients undergoing Maraviroc therapy. The analysis of structural features of the loop informative of tropism indicates the importance of two loop regions and their physicochemical properties. The regions are located on opposite strands of the loop stem and the respective features are predominantly charge-, hydrophobicity- and structure-related. These regions are in close proximity in the bound conformation of the loop potentially forming a site determinant for the coreceptor binding. The method is available via server under http://structure.bioinf.mpi-inf.mpg.de/. PMID:23555214

Moving overlapping grids with adaptive mesh refinement for high-speed reactive and non-reactive flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henshaw, William D.; Schwendeman, Donald W.

2006-08-01

We consider the solution of the reactive and non-reactive Euler equations on two-dimensional domains that evolve in time. The domains are discretized using moving overlapping grids. In a typical grid construction, boundary-fitted grids are used to represent moving boundaries, and these grids overlap with stationary background Cartesian grids. Block-structured adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) is used to resolve fine-scale features in the flow such as shocks and detonations. Refinement grids are added to base-level grids according to an estimate of the error, and these refinement grids move with their corresponding base-level grids. The numerical approximation of the governing equations takes place in the parameter space of each component grid which is defined by a mapping from (fixed) parameter space to (moving) physical space. The mapped equations are solved numerically using a second-order extension of Godunov's method. The stiff source term in the reactive case is handled using a Runge-Kutta error-control scheme. We consider cases when the boundaries move according to a prescribed function of time and when the boundaries of embedded bodies move according to the surface stress exerted by the fluid. In the latter case, the Newton-Euler equations describe the motion of the center of mass of the each body and the rotation about it, and these equations are integrated numerically using a second-order predictor-corrector scheme. Numerical boundary conditions at slip walls are described, and numerical results are presented for both reactive and non-reactive flows that demonstrate the use and accuracy of the numerical approach.

Adaptive Wavelet Modeling of Geophysical Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plattner, A.; Maurer, H.; Dahmen, W.; Vorloeper, J.

2009-12-01

Despite the ever-increasing power of modern computers, realistic modeling of complex three-dimensional Earth models is still a challenging task and requires substantial computing resources. The overwhelming majority of current geophysical modeling approaches includes either finite difference or non-adaptive finite element algorithms, and variants thereof. These numerical methods usually require the subsurface to be discretized with a fine mesh to accurately capture the behavior of the physical fields. However, this may result in excessive memory consumption and computing times. A common feature of most of these algorithms is that the modeled data discretizations are independent of the model complexity, which may be wasteful when there are only minor to moderate spatial variations in the subsurface parameters. Recent developments in the theory of adaptive numerical solvers have the potential to overcome this problem. Here, we consider an adaptive wavelet based approach that is applicable to a large scope of problems, also including nonlinear problems. To the best of our knowledge such algorithms have not yet been applied in geophysics. Adaptive wavelet algorithms offer several attractive features: (i) for a given subsurface model, they allow the forward modeling domain to be discretized with a quasi minimal number of degrees of freedom, (ii) sparsity of the associated system matrices is guaranteed, which makes the algorithm memory efficient, and (iii) the modeling accuracy scales linearly with computing time. We have implemented the adaptive wavelet algorithm for solving three-dimensional geoelectric problems. To test its performance, numerical experiments were conducted with a series of conductivity models exhibiting varying degrees of structural complexity. Results were compared with a non-adaptive finite element algorithm, which incorporates an unstructured mesh to best fit subsurface boundaries. Such algorithms represent the current state-of-the-art in geoelectrical modeling. An analysis of the numerical accuracy as a function of the number of degrees of freedom revealed that the adaptive wavelet algorithm outperforms the finite element solver for simple and moderately complex models, whereas the results become comparable for models with spatially highly variable electrical conductivities. The linear dependency of the modeling error and the computing time proved to be model-independent. This feature will allow very efficient computations using large-scale models as soon as our experimental code is optimized in terms of its implementation.

3D coupled heat and mass transfer processes at the scale of sedimentary basisn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cacace, M.; Scheck-Wenderoth, M.; Kaiser, B. O.

2014-12-01

We use coupled 3D simulations of fluid, heat, and transport based on a 3D structural model of a complex geological setting, the Northeast German Basin (NEGB). The geological structure of the NEGB is characterized by a relatively thick layer of Permian Zechstein salt, structured in differnet diapirs (up to 5000 m thick) and pillows locally reaching nearly the surface. Salt is thermally more conductive than other sediments, hydraulically impervious but highly solvable. Thus salt structures have first order influence on the temperature distribution, the deep flow regime and the salinity of groundawater bearing aquifers. In addition, the post-Permian sedimentary sequence is vertically subdivided into several aquifers and aquitards. The shallow Quaternary to late Tertiary freshwater aquifer is separated from the underlying Mesozoic saline aquifers by an embedded Tertiary clay enriched aquitard (Rupelian Aquitard). An important feature of this aquitard is that hydraulic connections between the upper and lower aquifers exist in areas where the Rupelian Aquitard is missing (hydrogeological windows). By means of 3D numerical simulations we explore the role of heat conduction, pressure, and density driven groundwater flow as well as fluid viscosity-related and salinity-dependent effects on the resulting flow and temperature fields. Our results suggest that the regional temperature distribution within the basin results from interactions between regional pressure forces and thermal diffusion locally enhanced by thermal conductivity contrasts between the different sedimentary rocks with the highly conductive salt. Buoyancy forces triggered by temperature-dependent fluid density variations affect only locally the internal thermal configuration. Locations, geometry, and wavelengths of convective thermal anomalies are mainly controlled by the permeability field and thickness values of the respective geological layers. Numerical results from 3D thermo-haline numerical simulations suggest that hydrogeological windows act as preferential domains of hydraulic interconnectivity between the different aquifers at depth, and enable vigorous heat and mass transport which causes a mixing of warm and saline groundwater with cold and less saline groundwater within both aquifers.

Natural frequency identification of smart washer by using adaptive observer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Hitoshi; Okugawa, Masayuki

2014-04-01

Bolted joints are used in many machines/structures and some of them have been loosened during long time use, and unluckily these bolt loosening may cause a great accident of machines/structures system. These bolted joint, especially in important places, are main object of maintenance inspection. Maintenance inspection with human- involvement is desired to be improved owing to time-consuming, labor-intensive and high-cost. By remote and full automation monitoring of the bolt loosening, constantly monitoring of bolted joint is achieved. In order to detect loosening of bolted joints without human-involvement, applying a structural health monitoring technique and smart structures/materials concept is the key objective. In this study, a new method of bolt loosening detection by adopting a smart washer has been proposed, and the basic detection principle was discussed with numerical analysis about frequency equation of the system, was confirmed experimentally. The smart washer used in this study is in cantilever type with piezoelectric material, which adds the washer the self-sensing and actuation function. The principle used to detect the loosening of the bolts is a method of a bolt loosening detection noted that the natural frequency of a smart washer system is decreasing by the change of the bolt tightening axial tension. The feature of this proposed method is achieving to identify the natural frequency at current condition on demand by adopting the self-sensing and actuation function and system identification algorithm for varying the natural frequency depending the bolt tightening axial tension. A novel bolt loosening detection method by adopting adaptive observer is proposed in this paper. The numerical simulations are performed to verify the possibility of the adaptive observer-based loosening detection. Improvement of the detection accuracy for a bolt loosening is confirmed by adopting initial parameter and variable adaptive gain by numerical simulation.

Investigation of progressive failure robustness and alternate load paths for damage tolerant structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marhadi, Kun Saptohartyadi

Structural optimization for damage tolerance under various unforeseen damage scenarios is computationally challenging. It couples non-linear progressive failure analysis with sampling-based stochastic analysis of random damage. The goal of this research was to understand the relationship between alternate load paths available in a structure and its damage tolerance, and to use this information to develop computationally efficient methods for designing damage tolerant structures. Progressive failure of a redundant truss structure subjected to small random variability was investigated to identify features that correlate with robustness and predictability of the structure's progressive failure. The identified features were used to develop numerical surrogate measures that permit computationally efficient deterministic optimization to achieve robustness and predictability of progressive failure. Analysis of damage tolerance on designs with robust progressive failure indicated that robustness and predictability of progressive failure do not guarantee damage tolerance. Damage tolerance requires a structure to redistribute its load to alternate load paths. In order to investigate the load distribution characteristics that lead to damage tolerance in structures, designs with varying degrees of damage tolerance were generated using brute force stochastic optimization. A method based on principal component analysis was used to describe load distributions (alternate load paths) in the structures. Results indicate that a structure that can develop alternate paths is not necessarily damage tolerant. The alternate load paths must have a required minimum load capability. Robustness analysis of damage tolerant optimum designs indicates that designs are tailored to specified damage. A design Optimized under one damage specification can be sensitive to other damages not considered. Effectiveness of existing load path definitions and characterizations were investigated for continuum structures. A load path definition using a relative compliance change measure (U* field) was demonstrated to be the most useful measure of load path. This measure provides quantitative information on load path trajectories and qualitative information on the effectiveness of the load path. The use of the U* description of load paths in optimizing structures for effective load paths was investigated.

Engineering a Biocompatible Scaffold with Either Micrometre or Nanometre Scale Surface Topography for Promoting Protein Adsorption and Cellular Response

PubMed Central

Le, Xuan; Poinern, Gérrard Eddy Jai; Ali, Nurshahidah; Berry, Cassandra M.; Fawcett, Derek

2013-01-01

Surface topographical features on biomaterials, both at the submicrometre and nanometre scales, are known to influence the physicochemical interactions between biological processes involving proteins and cells. The nanometre-structured surface features tend to resemble the extracellular matrix, the natural environment in which cells live, communicate, and work together. It is believed that by engineering a well-defined nanometre scale surface topography, it should be possible to induce appropriate surface signals that can be used to manipulate cell function in a similar manner to the extracellular matrix. Therefore, there is a need to investigate, understand, and ultimately have the ability to produce tailor-made nanometre scale surface topographies with suitable surface chemistry to promote favourable biological interactions similar to those of the extracellular matrix. Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology have produced many new nanomaterials and numerous manufacturing techniques that have the potential to significantly improve several fields such as biological sensing, cell culture technology, surgical implants, and medical devices. For these fields to progress, there is a definite need to develop a detailed understanding of the interaction between biological systems and fabricated surface structures at both the micrometre and nanometre scales. PMID:23533416

Probing the Curious Case of a Galaxy Cluster Merger in Abell 115 with High-fidelity Chandra X-Ray Temperature and Radio Maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hallman, Eric J.; Alden, Brian; Rapetti, David; Datta, Abhirup; Burns, Jack O.

2018-05-01

We present results from an X-ray and radio study of the merging galaxy cluster Abell 115. We use the full set of five Chandra observations taken of A115 to date (360 ks total integration) to construct high-fidelity temperature and surface brightness maps. We also examine radio data from the Very Large Array at 1.5 GHz and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope at 0.6 GHz. We propose that the high X-ray spectral temperature between the subclusters results from the interaction of the bow shocks driven into the intracluster medium by the motion of the subclusters relative to one another. We have identified morphologically similar scenarios in Enzo numerical N-body/hydrodynamic simulations of galaxy clusters in a cosmological context. In addition, the giant radio relic feature in A115, with an arc-like structure and a relatively flat spectral index, is likely consistent with other shock-associated giant radio relics seen in other massive galaxy clusters. We suggest a dynamical scenario that is consistent with the structure of the X-ray gas, the hot region between the clusters, and the radio relic feature.

Broken Ergodicity in Two-Dimensional Homogeneous Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shebalin, John V.

2010-01-01

Two-dimensional (2-D) homogeneous magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence has many of the same qualitative features as three-dimensional (3-D) homogeneous MHD turbulence.The se features include several ideal invariants, along with the phenomenon of broken ergodicity. Broken ergodicity appears when certain modes act like random variables with mean values that are large compared to their standard deviations, indicating a coherent structure or dynamo.Recently, the origin of broken ergodicity in 3-D MHD turbulence that is manifest in the lowest wavenumbers was explained. Here, a detailed description of the origins of broken ergodicity in 2-D MHD turbulence is presented. It will be seen that broken ergodicity in ideal 2-D MHD turbulence can be manifest in the lowest wavenumbers of a finite numerical model for certain initial conditions or in the highest wavenumbers for another set of initial conditions.T he origins of broken ergodicity in ideal 2-D homogeneous MHD turbulence are found through an eigen analysis of the covariance matrices of the modal probability density functions.It will also be shown that when the lowest wavenumber magnetic field becomes quasi-stationary, the higher wavenumber modes can propagate as Alfven waves on these almost static large-scale magnetic structures

The 2D analytic signal for envelope detection and feature extraction on ultrasound images.

PubMed

Wachinger, Christian; Klein, Tassilo; Navab, Nassir

2012-08-01

The fundamental property of the analytic signal is the split of identity, meaning the separation of qualitative and quantitative information in form of the local phase and the local amplitude, respectively. Especially the structural representation, independent of brightness and contrast, of the local phase is interesting for numerous image processing tasks. Recently, the extension of the analytic signal from 1D to 2D, covering also intrinsic 2D structures, was proposed. We show the advantages of this improved concept on ultrasound RF and B-mode images. Precisely, we use the 2D analytic signal for the envelope detection of RF data. This leads to advantages for the extraction of the information-bearing signal from the modulated carrier wave. We illustrate this, first, by visual assessment of the images, and second, by performing goodness-of-fit tests to a Nakagami distribution, indicating a clear improvement of statistical properties. The evaluation is performed for multiple window sizes and parameter estimation techniques. Finally, we show that the 2D analytic signal allows for an improved estimation of local features on B-mode images. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structured chaos in a devil's staircase of the Josephson junction.

PubMed

Shukrinov, Yu M; Botha, A E; Medvedeva, S Yu; Kolahchi, M R; Irie, A

2014-09-01

The phase dynamics of Josephson junctions (JJs) under external electromagnetic radiation is studied through numerical simulations. Current-voltage characteristics, Lyapunov exponents, and Poincaré sections are analyzed in detail. It is found that the subharmonic Shapiro steps at certain parameters are separated by structured chaotic windows. By performing a linear regression on the linear part of the data, a fractal dimension of D = 0.868 is obtained, with an uncertainty of ±0.012. The chaotic regions exhibit scaling similarity, and it is shown that the devil's staircase of the system can form a backbone that unifies and explains the highly correlated and structured chaotic behavior. These features suggest a system possessing multiple complete devil's staircases. The onset of chaos for subharmonic steps occurs through the Feigenbaum period doubling scenario. Universality in the sequence of periodic windows is also demonstrated. Finally, the influence of the radiation and JJ parameters on the structured chaos is investigated, and it is concluded that the structured chaos is a stable formation over a wide range of parameter values.

Structured chaos in a devil's staircase of the Josephson junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukrinov, Yu. M.; Botha, A. E.; Medvedeva, S. Yu.; Kolahchi, M. R.; Irie, A.

2014-09-01

The phase dynamics of Josephson junctions (JJs) under external electromagnetic radiation is studied through numerical simulations. Current-voltage characteristics, Lyapunov exponents, and Poincaré sections are analyzed in detail. It is found that the subharmonic Shapiro steps at certain parameters are separated by structured chaotic windows. By performing a linear regression on the linear part of the data, a fractal dimension of D = 0.868 is obtained, with an uncertainty of ±0.012. The chaotic regions exhibit scaling similarity, and it is shown that the devil's staircase of the system can form a backbone that unifies and explains the highly correlated and structured chaotic behavior. These features suggest a system possessing multiple complete devil's staircases. The onset of chaos for subharmonic steps occurs through the Feigenbaum period doubling scenario. Universality in the sequence of periodic windows is also demonstrated. Finally, the influence of the radiation and JJ parameters on the structured chaos is investigated, and it is concluded that the structured chaos is a stable formation over a wide range of parameter values.

Scalings of intermittent structures in magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhdankin, Vladimir, E-mail: zhdankin@jila.colorado.edu; Boldyrev, Stanislav; Space Science Institute, Boulder, Colorado 80301

Turbulence is ubiquitous in plasmas, leading to rich dynamics characterized by irregularity, irreversibility, energy fluctuations across many scales, and energy transfer across many scales. Another fundamental and generic feature of turbulence, although sometimes overlooked, is the inhomogeneous dissipation of energy in space and in time. This is a consequence of intermittency, the scale-dependent inhomogeneity of dynamics caused by fluctuations in the turbulent cascade. Intermittency causes turbulent plasmas to self-organize into coherent dissipative structures, which may govern heating, diffusion, particle acceleration, and radiation emissions. In this paper, we present recent progress on understanding intermittency in incompressible magnetohydrodynamic turbulence with a strongmore » guide field. We focus on the statistical analysis of intermittent dissipative structures, which occupy a small fraction of the volume but arguably account for the majority of energy dissipation. We show that, in our numerical simulations, intermittent structures in the current density, vorticity, and Elsässer vorticities all have nearly identical statistical properties. We propose phenomenological explanations for the scalings based on general considerations of Elsässer vorticity structures. Finally, we examine the broader implications of intermittency for astrophysical systems.« less

Structured chaos in a devil's staircase of the Josephson junction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shukrinov, Yu. M.; Botha, A. E., E-mail: bothaae@unisa.ac.za; Medvedeva, S. Yu.

2014-09-01

The phase dynamics of Josephson junctions (JJs) under external electromagnetic radiation is studied through numerical simulations. Current-voltage characteristics, Lyapunov exponents, and Poincaré sections are analyzed in detail. It is found that the subharmonic Shapiro steps at certain parameters are separated by structured chaotic windows. By performing a linear regression on the linear part of the data, a fractal dimension of D = 0.868 is obtained, with an uncertainty of ±0.012. The chaotic regions exhibit scaling similarity, and it is shown that the devil's staircase of the system can form a backbone that unifies and explains the highly correlated and structured chaotic behavior.more » These features suggest a system possessing multiple complete devil's staircases. The onset of chaos for subharmonic steps occurs through the Feigenbaum period doubling scenario. Universality in the sequence of periodic windows is also demonstrated. Finally, the influence of the radiation and JJ parameters on the structured chaos is investigated, and it is concluded that the structured chaos is a stable formation over a wide range of parameter values.« less

Large stationary wave features appearing repeatedly at the cloud top of Venus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kouyama, Toru; Imamura, Takeshi; Taguchi, Makoto; Fukuhara, Tetsuya; Sato, Takao M.; Hashimoto, George L.; Futaguchi, Masahiko; Takamura, Mao; Yamada, Takeru; Satoh, Takehiko; Nakamura, Masato; Akatsuki Science Team

2017-10-01

At the first observation sequence after Akatsuki’s Venus orbiter re-insertion (VOI-R) on December 7, 2015, Akatsuki revealed an existence of a large-scale “bow-shaped” feature staying at almost same geographic location (above Aphrodite Terra) at the cloud top level with the Longwave Infrared Camera (LIR) and Ultra Violet Imager (UVI). It expanded ~10,000 km from south to north and bended to downstream side of the super-rotation of Venus. A numerical calculation in Fukuhara et al. (2017) suggested that a gravity wave generated in the lower atmosphere can propagate upward to the cloud top and reproduce the observed bow-shape structure. Because the wave can transport momentum to the upper atmosphere which possibly decelerates the super-rotation, it is an interesting topic whether the stationary wave event is regular or just an occasional event. For more than three Venus years, or four Venus solar days, Akatsuki has observed huge stationary wave features in LIR images again and again since the VOI-R. It has been confirmed that four high-altitude regions, east and west part of Aphrodite Terra, Atra Regio, and Beta Regio, accompany with the large stationary features. All four regions are located in lower latitudes (< 30°), while no clear stationary feature has been confirmed above Maxwell Mountain, which is the highest mountain but located at a high latitude (60°), indicating geographical and latitudinal dependencies of the generation of the stationary waves. Akatsuki also reveals the stationary features can be considered as "daily" phenomena in Venus atmosphere. At every timing when the four high-altitude regions were passing afternoon region of Venus, huge stationary waves became clearer. On the other hand, when the high mountains were located around mid-night and morning, stationary features were much weaker than that in afternoon, or cannot be confirmed, indicating strong local time dependency of the appearance. Since lower latitude has more incident solar flux and afternoon area experiences longer solar heating than morning area, the geographical and the local time dependencies indicate that interaction between mountains and solar heating or solar fixed atmospheric structure may cause the large-scale features.

Interface- and discontinuity-aware numerical schemes for plasma 3-T radiation diffusion in two and three dimensions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dai, William W., E-mail: dai@lanl.gov; Scannapieco, Anthony J.

2015-11-01

A set of numerical schemes is developed for two- and three-dimensional time-dependent 3-T radiation diffusion equations in systems involving multi-materials. To resolve sub-cell structure, interface reconstruction is implemented within any cell that has more than one material. Therefore, the system of 3-T radiation diffusion equations is solved on two- and three-dimensional polyhedral meshes. The focus of the development is on the fully coupling between radiation and material, the treatment of nonlinearity in the equations, i.e., in the diffusion terms and source terms, treatment of the discontinuity across cell interfaces in material properties, the formulations for both transient and steady states,more » the property for large time steps, and second order accuracy in both space and time. The discontinuity of material properties between different materials is correctly treated based on the governing physics principle for general polyhedral meshes and full nonlinearity. The treatment is exact for arbitrarily strong discontinuity. The scheme is fully nonlinear for the full nonlinearity in the 3-T diffusion equations. Three temperatures are fully coupled and are updated simultaneously. The scheme is general in two and three dimensions on general polyhedral meshes. The features of the scheme are demonstrated through numerical examples for transient problems and steady states. The effects of some simplifications of numerical schemes are also shown through numerical examples, such as linearization, simple average of diffusion coefficient, and approximate treatment for the coupling between radiation and material.« less

Numerical study on 3D composite morphing actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oishi, Kazuma; Saito, Makoto; Anandan, Nishita; Kadooka, Kevin; Taya, Minoru

2015-04-01

There are a number of actuators using the deformation of electroactive polymer (EAP), where fewer papers seem to have focused on the performance of 3D morphing actuators based on the analytical approach, due mainly to their complexity. The present paper introduces a numerical analysis approach on the large scale deformation and motion of a 3D half dome shaped actuator composed of thin soft membrane (passive material) and EAP strip actuators (EAP active coupon with electrodes on both surfaces), where the locations of the active EAP strips is a key parameter. Simulia/Abaqus Static and Implicit analysis code, whose main feature is the high precision contact analysis capability among structures, are used focusing on the whole process of the membrane to touch and wrap around the object. The unidirectional properties of the EAP coupon actuator are used as input data set for the material properties for the simulation and the verification of our numerical model, where the verification is made as compared to the existing 2D solution. The numerical results can demonstrate the whole deformation process of the membrane to wrap around not only smooth shaped objects like a sphere or an egg, but also irregularly shaped objects. A parametric study reveals the proper placement of the EAP coupon actuators, with the modification of the dome shape to induce the relevant large scale deformation. The numerical simulation for the 3D soft actuators shown in this paper could be applied to a wider range of soft 3D morphing actuators.