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At least 469 records · Page 26

Liquid bicontinuous stabilized assemblies by interfacial jamming of nanoparticles

A method for preparing a stabilized assembly includes combining a first liquid phase including nanoparticles and a second, immiscible liquid phase, dissolving in the second phase a first end-functionalized polymer having a first molecular weight, and a second end-functionalized polymer having a second molecular weight, wherein the second molecular weight is greater than the first molecular weight, applying a shearing external deformation field to increase the surface area of the first phase to create a new interface, wherein the nanoparticle surfactants form a disordered, jammed assembly at the new interface, and releasing the shearing external deformation field. The polymer and the nanoparticles can interact at an interface through ligand interactions to form nanoparticle surfactants and upon releasing the external deformation field the jammed assembly at the new interface traps the first phase in a deformed state having the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase as interpenetrating domains.

Huang, Caili↗

An adaptive space-time phase field formulation for dynamic fracture of brittle shells based on LR NURBS

Here, we present an adaptive space-time phase field formulation for dynamic fracture of brittle shells. Their deformation is characterized by the Kirchhoff–Love thin shell theory using a curvilinear surface description. All kinematical objects are defined on the shell’s mid-plane. The evolution equation for the phase field is determined by the minimization of an energy functional based on Griffith’s theory of brittle fracture. Membrane and bending contributions to the fracture process are modeled separately and a thickness integration is established for the latter. The coupled system consists of two nonlinear fourth-order PDEs and all quantities are defined on an evolving two-dimensional manifold. Since the weak form requires C 1 -continuity, isogeometric shape functions are used. The mesh is adaptively refined based on the phase field using Locally Refinable (LR) NURBS. Time is discretized based on a generalized-α method using adaptive time-stepping, and the discretized coupled system is solved with a monolithic Newton–Raphson scheme. Finally, the interaction between surface deformation and crack evolution is demonstrated by several numerical examples showing dynamic crack propagation and branching.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Modular invariance and uniqueness of $T\overline{T} $ deformed CFT

Any two dimensional quantum field theory that can be consistently defined on a torus is invariant under modular transformations. In this paper we study families of quantum field theories labeled by a dimensionful parameter t, that have the additional property that the energy of a state at finite t is a function only of t and of the energy and momentum of the corresponding state at t = 0, where the theory becomes conformal. We show that under this requirement, the partition sum of the theory at t = 0 uniquely determines the partition sum (and thus the spectrum) of the perturbed theory, to all orders in t, to be that of a $T\bar{T}$ deformed CFT. Non-perturbatively, we find that for one sign of t (for which the energies are real) the partition sum is uniquely determined, while for the other sign we find non-perturbative ambiguities. We characterize these ambiguities and comment on their possible relations to holography.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Time–series Analysis of Volume Change at Brady Hot Springs, Nevada, USA using Geodetic Data from 2003 – 2018

Brady Hot Springs geothermal field has exhibited subsidence, as measured by interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). Previous studies have examined both the temporal evolution of the deformation from 2004 through 2016 and the spatial extent of the deformation, directly relating the observed subsidence to volumetric changes below the surface. We extend the modeling at Brady to analyze a data set of interferometric pairs spanning from the end of 2003 through 2018. We examine spatial and temporal trends in the observed deformation by time–series analysis of each of the 1656 cubic voxels in a parameterized elastic dislocation model to identify areas where the subsurface volume changes as a function of time. Joint time–series analysis of Global Positioning System and InSAR pairs confirm significant changes in rates of volume change during time intervals when well operations were varied. Here, the rate of subsidence increases with increased injection, consistent with the identification of thermal contraction of the rock matrix as the dominant driving mechanism. Conversely, the modeled volume increases when pumping ceases, suggesting thermal expansion of the rock matrix.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Constitutive Behavior and Processing Map of T2 Pure Copper Deformed from 293 to 1073 K

The deformation behavior of T2 pure copper compressed from 293 to 1073 K with strain rates from 0.01 to 10 s{sup −1} was investigated. The constitutive equations were established by the Arrhenius constitutive model, which can be expressed as a piecewise function of temperature with two sections, in the ranges 293-723 K and 723-1073 K. The processing maps were established according to the dynamic material model for strains of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8, and the optimal processing parameters of T2 copper were determined accordingly. In order to obtain a better understanding of the deformation behavior, the microstructures of the compressed samples were studied by electron back-scattered diffraction. The grains tend to be more refined with decreases in temperature and increases in strain rate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Plastic Deformation of Materials Under Loading Along Piecewise Smooth Trajectories with Areas of Unloading by the Elastic Law

Within the framework of a version of plasticity theory based on the concept of slip, we propose a method for the determination of plastic strains in materials with regard for the strain anisotropy in the case of loading applied along piecewise smooth trajectories (with areas of unloading according to the elastic law). The material function of plasticity Π used in this theory is determined, for a given function of hardening F , either from the tension–compression tests or from the tests with alternating torsion of thin-walled pipes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Comments on the quantum field theory of the Coulomb gas formalism

The holomorphic Coulomb gas formalism, as developed by Feigin-Fuchs, Dotsenko-Fateev and Felder, is a set of rules for computing minimal model observables using free field techniques. We attempt to derive and clarify these rules using standard techniques of quantum field theory. We begin with a careful examination of the timelike linear dilaton. Although the background charge of the model breaks the scalar field’s continuous shift symmetry, the exponential of the action remains invariant under a discrete shift because the background charge is imaginary. Gauging this symmetry makes the dilaton compact and introduces winding modes into the spectrum. One of these winding operators corresponds to the anti-holomorphic completion of the BRST current first introduced by Felder, and the full left/right cohomology of this BRST charge isolates the irreducible representations of the Virasoro algebra within the degenerate Fock space of the linear dilaton. The “supertrace” in the BRST complex reproduces the minimal model partition function and exhibits delicate cancellations between states with both momentum and winding. The model at the radius $R=\sqrt{pp^{\prime }}$ has two marginal operators corresponding to the Dotsenko-Fateev “screening charges”. Deforming by them, we obtain a model that might be called a “BRST quotiented compact timelike Liouville theory”. The Hamiltonian of the zero-mode quantum mechanics of this model is not Hermitian, but it is PT -symmetric and exactly solvable. Its eigenfunctions have support on an infinite number of plane waves, suggesting an infinite reduction in the number of independent states in the full quantum field theory. Applying conformal perturbation theory to the exponential interactions reproduces the Coulomb gas calculations of minimal model correlation functions. In contrast to spacelike Liouville, these “resonance correlators” are finite because the zero mode is compact. We comment on subtleties regarding the reflection operator identification, as well as naive violations of truncation in correlators with multiple reflection operators inserted. This work is part of an attempt to understand the relationship between the JT model of two dimen- sional gravity and the worldsheet description of the (2 , p ) minimal string as suggested by Seiberg and Stanford.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Understanding the Thermal Stability of Palladium–Platinum Core–Shell Nanocrystals by In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy and Density Functional Theory

Core–shell nanocrystals offer many advantages for heterogeneous catalysis, including precise control over both the surface structure and composition, as well as reduction in loading for rare and costly metals. Although many catalytic processes are operated at elevated temperatures, the adverse impacts of heating on the shape and structure of core–shell nanocrystals are yet to be understood. In this work, we used ex situ heating experiments to demonstrate that Pd@Pt 4L core–shell nanoscale cubes and octahedra are promising for catalytic applications at temperatures up to 400 °C. We also used in situ transmission electron microscopy to monitor the thermal stability of the core–shell nanocrystals in real time. Our results demonstrate a facet dependence for the thermal stability in terms of shape and composition. Specifically, the cubes enclosed by {100} facets readily deform shape at a temperature 300 °C lower than that of the octahedral counterparts enclosed by {111} facets. A reversed trend is observed for composition, as alloying between the Pd core and the Pt shell of an octahedron occurs at a temperature 200 °C lower than that for the cubic counterpart. Density functional theory calculations provide atomic-level explanations for the experimentally observed behaviors, demonstrating that the barriers for edge reconstruction determine the relative ease of shape deformation for cubes compared to octahedra. Furthermore, the opposite trend for alloying of the core–shell structure can be attributed to a higher propensity for subsurface Pt vacancy formation in octahedra than in cubes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Complete Equations of State for Cyclotetramethylene Tetranitramine

Complete equations of state for the volumetric deformation of the β-polymorph of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (β-HMX) have been derived from its Helmholtz free energy. Dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations were used to compute the dependence of the frequencies of the vibrational normal modes on specific volume. Here, the normal mode frequencies were used directly to generate both a tabular equation of state and an approximate model where the sum over normal mode frequencies is replaced by a set of five Debye models.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Thick graded interfaces increase wear resistance in Ti/TiN nanolayered thin films

Multilayered composites with nanoscale layer thickness incorporating titanium and titanium nitride (Ti/TiN) are used as a model system to study the effects of heterophase interface structure on elastic and plastic deformation, as well as wear behavior. Here, in this work, hardness, modulus, and wear rate under dry reciprocating sliding contact are quantified as a function of Ti-TiN heterophase interfacial nitrogen gradient thickness for Ti/TiN multilayers with 10–80 nm layer thickness. Hardness and modulus are found to be inversely proportional to layer thickness and independent of interface gradient for most specimens. Wear rate is found to be inversely proportional to interface gradient thickness at constant layer thickness, demonstrating that control of nanoscale interface structure is a valid approach to enhancing wear behavior. The materials studied in this work wear comparably or slower than other Ti- and TiN-based composites in the literature, providing a promising avenue for engineering wear-resistant materials for use in industrially relevant applications.

Graded interfaces↗

Dislocation mechanisms and 3D twin architectures generate exceptional strength-ductility-toughness combination in CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy

Combinations of high strength and ductility are hard to attain in metals. Exceptions include materials exhibiting twinning-induced plasticity. To understand how the strength-ductility trade-off can be defeated, we apply in situ, and aberration-corrected scanning, transmission electron microscopy to examine deformation mechanisms in the medium-entropy alloy CrCoNi that exhibits one of the highest combinations of strength, ductility and toughness on record. Ab initio modelling suggests that it has negative stacking-fault energy at 0K and high propensity for twinning. With deformation we find that a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical twin network forms from the activation of three twinning systems. This serves a dual function: conventional twin-boundary (TB) strengthening from blockage of dislocations impinging on TBs, coupled with the 3D twin network which offers pathways for dislocation glide along, and cross-slip between, intersecting TB-matrix interfaces. The stable twin architecture is not disrupted by interfacial dislocation glide, serving as a continuous source of strength, ductility and toughness.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of temperature and geometric parameters on elastic properties of tungsten nanowire: A molecular dynamics study

Tungsten is a promising material and has potential use as battery anode. Tungsten nanowires are gaining attention from researchers all over the world for this wide field of application. In this paper, we investigated effect of temperature and geometric parameters (diameter and aspect ratio) on elastic properties of Tungsten nanowire. Aspect ratios (length to diameter ratio) considered are 8:1, 10:1, and 12:1 while diameter of the nanowire is varied from 1-4 nm. For 2 nm diameter sample (aspect ratio 10:1), temperature is varied (10 K ~ 1500 K) to observe elastic behavior of Tungsten nanowire under uniaxial tensile loading. EAM potential is used for molecular dynamic simulation. We applied constant strain rate of 10{sup 9} s{sup −1} to deform the nanowire. Elastic behavior is expressed through stress vs. strain plot. We also investigated the fracture mechanism of tungsten nanowire and radial distribution function. Investigation suggests peculiar behavior of Tungsten nanowire in nano-scale with double peaks in stress vs. strain diagram. Necking before final fracture suggests that actual elastic behavior of the material is successfully captured through atomistic modeling.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Effective of the q-deformed pseudoscalar magnetic field on the charge carriers in graphene

In this paper, we have obtained exact analytical solutions of the time-independent Dirac-Weyl equation for the charge carriers with q-deformed pseudoscalar magnetic barrier (PMB) in graphene by using the ansatz method. We have also found a solution that describes the left propagating wave function to calculation of the reflection and transmission coefficients using the Riemann’s equation. This allows us to conclude about the Dirac-Weyl equation with PMB and to understand quantum behavior of the Dirac fermions. Finally, some of the numerical results are shown, too.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Elastic-instability–enabled locomotion

Locomotion of an organism interacting with an environment is the consequence of a symmetry-breaking action in space-time. Here we show a minimal instantiation of this principle using a thin circular sheet, actuated symmetrically by a pneumatic source, using pressure to change shape nonlinearly via a spontaneous buckling instability. This leads to a polarized, bilaterally symmetric cone that can walk on land and swim in water. In either mode of locomotion, the emergence of shape asymmetry in the sheet leads to an asymmetric interaction with the environment that generates movement––via anisotropic friction on land, and via directed inertial forces in water. Scaling laws for the speed of the sheet of the actuator as a function of its size, shape, and the frequency of actuation are consistent with our observations. The presence of easily controllable reversible modes of buckling deformation further allows for a change in the direction of locomotion in open arenas and the ability to squeeze through confined environments––both of which we demonstrate using simple experiments. Our simple approach of harnessing elastic instabilities in soft structures to drive locomotion enables the design of novel shape-changing robots and other bioinspired machines at multiple scales.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Relativistic hybrid stars in light of the NICER PSR J0740 + 6620 radius measurement

We explore the implications of the recent radius determination of PSR J0740 + 6620 by the NICER experiment, combined with the neutron skin measurement by the PREX-II experiment and the associated inference of the slope of symmetry energy, for the structure of hybrid stars with a strong first-order phase transition from nucleonic to quark matter. Furthermore, we combine a covariant density-functional nucleonic equation of state (EOS) with a constant-speed-of-sound EOS for quark matter. We show that the radius and tidal deformability ranges obtained from GW170817 can be reconciled with the implication of the PREX-II experiment if there is a phase transition to quark matter in the low-mass compact star. In the high-mass segment, the EOS needs to be stiff to comply with the large-radius inference for PSR J0740 + 6620 and J0030 + 0451 with masses M ≃ 2 M ⊙ and M≃1.4 M⊙. We show that twin stars are not excluded, but the mass and radius ranges (with M ≥ M ⊙ ) are restricted to narrow domains ΔM twin ≲ 0.05 M ⊙ and ΔR twin ~ 1.0 km. We also show that the existence of twin configurations is compatible with the light companion in the GW190814 event being a hybrid star in the case of values of the sound-speed square s = 0.6 and s = 1/3.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Probing Sizes and Shapes of Nobelium Isotopes by Laser Spectroscopy

Until recently, ground-state nuclear moments of the heaviest nuclei could only be inferred from nuclear spectroscopy, where model assumptions are required. Here, laser spectroscopy in combination with modern atomic structure calculations is now able to probe these moments directly, in a comprehensive and nuclear- model-independent way. In this work, we reported on unique access to the differential mean-square charge radii of 252,253,254 No, and therefore to changes in nuclear size and shape. State-of-the-art nuclear density functional calculations describe well the changes in nuclear charge radii in the region of the heavy actinides, indicating an appreciable central depression in the deformed proton density distribution in 252,254 No isotopes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Interfacial actin protrusions mechanically enhance killing by cytotoxic T cells

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) kill by forming immunological synapses with target cells and secreting toxic proteases and the pore-forming protein perforin into the intercellular space. Immunological synapses are highly dynamic structures that boost perforin activity by applying mechanical force against the target cell. Here, we used high-resolution imaging and microfabrication to investigate how CTLs exert synaptic forces and coordinate their mechanical output with perforin secretion. Using micropatterned stimulatory substrates that enable synapse growth in three dimensions, we found that perforin release occurs at the base of actin-rich protrusions that extend from central and intermediate locations within the synapse. These protrusions, which depended on the cytoskeletal regulator WASP and the Arp2/3 actin nucleation complex, were required for synaptic force exertion and efficient killing. They also mediated physical deformation of the target cell surface during CTL–target cell interactions. Here our results reveal the mechanical basis of cellular cytotoxicity and highlight the functional importance of dynamic, three-dimensional architecture in immune cell-cell interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Skyrme–Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov mass models on a 3D mesh: IIb. Fission properties of BSkG2

Large-scale models of nuclear structure are currently the only way to provide consistent datasets for the many properties of thousands of exotic nuclei that are required by nucleosynthesis simulations. In [W. Ryssens et al., Eur. Phys. J. A 58, 246 (2022)], we recently presented the new BSkG2 model based on an energy density functional of the Skyrme type. Relying on a flexible three-dimensional coordinate representation of the nucleus, the model takes into account both triaxial deformation and time-reversal symmetry breaking. BSkG2 achieves a state-of-the-art global description of nuclear ground state (g.s.) properties and reproduces in particular the known masses with a root-mean-square (rms) deviation of 678 keV. Moving beyond g.s. properties, the model also reproduces all empirical values for the primary and secondary barriers as well as isomer excitation energies of actinide nuclei with rms deviations below 500 keV, i.e. with unprecedented accuracy. Here we discuss in detail the extension of our framework to the calculation of the fission barriers of 45 actinide nuclei, including odd-mass and odd-odd systems. We focus in particular on the impact of symmetry breaking which is key to the accuracy of the model: we allow systematically for axial, reflection and time-reversal symmetry breaking. The effect of the latter on the fission properties of odd-mass and odd-odd nuclei is small, but we find that allowing for shapes with triaxial or octupole deformation, as well as shapes with both, is crucial to achieving this accuracy. Here, the numerical accuracy of our coordinate space approach, the variety of nuclear configurations explored and the simultaneous successful description of fission properties and known masses makes BSkG2 the tool of choice for the large-scale study of nuclear structure.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗