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At least 55 records · Page 3

Estimation of electric fields and current from ground-based magnetometer data

Recent advances in numerical algorithms for estimating ionospheric electric fields and currents from groundbased magnetometer data are reviewed and evaluated. Tests of the adequacy of one such algorithm in reproducing large-scale patterns of electrodynamic parameters in the high-latitude ionosphere have yielded generally positive results, at least for some simple cases. Some encouraging advances in producing realistic conductivity models, which are a critical input, are pointed out. When the algorithms are applied to extensive data sets, such as the ones from meridian chain magnetometer networks during the IMS, together with refined conductivity models, unique information on instantaneous electric field and current patterns can be obtained. Examples of electric potentials, ionospheric currents, field-aligned currents, and Joule heating distributions derived from ground magnetic data are presented. Possible directions for future improvements are also pointed out.

Kamide, Y.↗

Determination of physical and chemical states of lubricants in concentrated contacts, part 1

A Fourier emission infrared microspectrometer, set up on a vibration-proof optical table and interfaced to a dedicated minicomputer, was used to record infrared emission spectra from elastohydrodynamic bearing contacts. Its range was extended to cover the entire mid-infrared from 2 to 15 micron. A series of experiments with 5P4E polyphenyl ether showed the existence of a temperature gradient through the lubricant in an ehd contact, which is perpendicular to the flow direction. The experiments also show marked polarization of some of the spectral bands, indicating a molecular alignment. Alignment is less evident at high pressure than at low pressure. To account for this behavior, a model is suggested along the lines developed for the conformational changes observed in long-chain polymers when subjected to increased pressure--to accommodate closer packing, molecules become kinked and curl up. Experiments with a traction fluid showed periodic changes of flow pattern associated with certain spectral changes. These observations will be studied further. A study by infrared attenuated total reflection spectrophotometry was undertaken to determine whether gamma irradiation would change polyethylene wear specimens. The results were negative.

Lauer, J. L.↗

Tissue Photolithography

Tissue lithography will enable physicians and researchers to obtain macromolecules with high purity (greater than 90 percent) from desired cells in conventionally processed, clinical tissues by simply annotating the desired cells on a computer screen. After identifying the desired cells, a suitable lithography mask will be generated to protect the contents of the desired cells while allowing destruction of all undesired cells by irradiation with ultraviolet light. The DNA from the protected cells can be used in a number of downstream applications including DNA sequencing. The purity (i.e., macromolecules isolated form specific cell types) of such specimens will greatly enhance the value and information of downstream applications. In this method, the specific cells are isolated on a microscope slide using photolithography, which will be faster, more specific, and less expensive than current methods. It relies on the fact that many biological molecules such as DNA are photosensitive and can be destroyed by ultraviolet irradiation. Therefore, it is possible to protect the contents of desired cells, yet destroy undesired cells. This approach leverages the technologies of the microelectronics industry, which can make features smaller than 1 micrometer with photolithography. A variety of ways has been created to achieve identification of the desired cell, and also to designate the other cells for destruction. This can be accomplished through chrome masks, direct laser writing, and also active masking using dynamic arrays. Image recognition is envisioned as one method for identifying cell nuclei and cell membranes. The pathologist can identify the cells of interest using a microscopic computerized image of the slide, and appropriate custom software. In one of the approaches described in this work, the software converts the selection into a digital mask that can be fed into a direct laser writer, e.g. the Heidelberg DWL66. Such a machine uses a metalized glass plate (with chrome metallization) on which there is a thin layer of photoresist. The laser transfers the digital mask onto the photoresist by direct writing, with typical best resolution of 2 micrometers. The plate is then developed to remove the exposed photoresist, which leaves the exposed areas susceptible to chemical chrome etch. The etch removes the unprotected chrome. The rest of the photoresist is then removed, by either ultraviolet organic solvent or over-development. The remaining chrome pattern is quickly oxidized by atmospheric exposure (typically within 30 seconds). The ready chrome mask is now applied to the tissue slide and aligned manually, or using automatic software and pre-designed alignment marks. The slide plate sandwich is then exposed to UV to destroy the DNA of the unwanted cells. The slide and plate are separated and the slide is processed in a standard way to prepare for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and potential identification of cancer sequences.

Wade, Lawrence A.↗

Biasable, Balanced, Fundamental Submillimeter Monolithic Membrane Mixer

This device is a biasable, submillimeter-wave, balanced mixer fabricated using JPL s monolithic membrane process a simplified version of planar membrane technology. The primary target application is instrumentation used for analysis of atmospheric constituents, pressure, temperature, winds, and other physical and chemical properties of the atmospheres of planets and comets. Other applications include high-sensitivity gas detection and analysis. This innovation uses a balanced configuration of two diodes allowing the radio frequency (RF) signal and local oscillator (LO) inputs to be separated. This removes the need for external diplexers that are inherently narrowband, bulky, and require mechanical tuning to change frequency. Additionally, this mixer uses DC bias-ability to improve its performance and versatility. In order to solve problems relating to circuit size, the GaAs membrane process was created. As much of the circuitry as possible is fabricated on-chip, making the circuit monolithic. The remainder of the circuitry is precision-machined into a waveguide block that holds the GaAs circuit. The most critical alignments are performed using micron-scale semiconductor technology, enabling wide bandwidth and high operating frequencies. The balanced mixer gets superior performance with less than 2 mW of LO power. This can be provided by a simple two-stage multiplier chain following an amplifier at around 90 GHz. Further, the diodes are arranged so that they can be biased. Biasing pushes the diodes closer to their switching voltage, so that less LO power is required to switch the diodes on and off. In the photo, the diodes are at the right end of the circuit. The LO comes from the waveguide at the right into a reduced-height section containing the diodes. Because the diodes are in series to the LO signal, they are both turned on and off simultaneously once per LO cycle. Conversely, the RF signal is picked up from the RF waveguide by the probe at the left, and flows rightward to the diodes. Because the RF is in a quasi- TEM (suspended, microstrip-like) mode, it impinges on the diodes in an anti-parallel mode that does not couple to the waveguide mode. This isolates the LO and RF signals. This operation is similar to a cross-bar mixer used at low frequencies, except the RF signal enters through the back-short end of the waveguide rather than through the side. The RF probe also conveys the down-converted intermediate frequency (IF) signal out to an off-chip circuit board through a simple LC low-pass filter to the left as indicated. The bias is brought to the diodes through a bypass capacitor at the top.

Siegel, Peter↗

A Model for Macromolecular Crystallization

Macromolecular crystallization is a complex process. involving a system which typically has 5 or more components (macromolecule, water, buffer + counter ion, and precipitant). Whereas small molecules have only several well defined contacts in the crystal lattice, macromolecules generally have 10's or even 100's of contacts between molecules. These can range from hydrogen bonds (direct or water-mediated), through van der Waals, hydrophobic, salt bridges, and ion-mediated contacts. The latter interactions are stronger and require some specificity in the molecular alignment, while the others are weaker, more prevalent, and more promiscuous, i.e., can often be readily broken and reformed between other sites. Formation of a consistent, ordered, 3D structure may be impossible in the absence of any or presence of too many strong interactions. Further complicating the process is the inherent structural asymmetry of monomeric single chain macromolecules. The process of crystal nucleation and growth involves the ordered assembly of growth units into a defined 3D lattice. We suggest that for many macromolecules, particularly those that are monomeric, this involves a preliminary solution-phase assembly process into a growth unit having some symmetry prior to addition to the lattice, recapitulating the initial stages of the nucleation process. If this model is correct then fluids and crystal growth models assuming a strictly monodisperse nutrient solution need to be revised. Experimental evidence, based upon face growth rate, AFM, and fluorescence energy transfer data, for a postulated model of the nucleation of tetragonal lysozyme crystals and how it transitions into crystal growth will be presented.

Pusey, Marc L.↗

A Model for Tetragonal Lysozyme Crystal Nucleation and Growth

Macromolecular crystallization is a complex process, involving a system that typically has 5 or more components (macromolecule, water, buffer + counter ion, and precipitant). Whereas small molecules have only a few contacts in the crystal lattice, macromolecules generally have 10's or even 100's of contacts between molecules. These can range from hydrogen bonds (direct or water-mediated), through van der Waals, hydrophobic, salt bridges, and ion-mediated contacts. The latter interactions are stronger and require some specificity in the molecular alignment, while the others are weaker, more prevalent, and more promiscuous, i.e., can be readily broken and reformed between other sites. Formation of a consistent, ordered, 3D structure may be difficult or impossible in the absence of any or presence of too many strong interactions. Further complicating the process is the inherent structural asymmetry of monomeric (single chain) macromolecules. The process of crystal nucleation and growth involves the ordered assembly of growth units into a defined 3D lattice. We suggest that for many macromolecules, particularly those that are monomeric, this involves a preliminary solution-phase assembly process into a growth unit having some symmetry prior to addition to the lattice, recapitulating the initial stages of the nucleation process. If this model is correct then fluids and crystal growth models assuming a strictly monodisperse nutrient solution need to be revised. This model has been developed from experimental evidence based upon face growth rate, AFM, and fluorescence energy transfer data for the nucleation and growth of tetragonal lysozyme crystals.

Pusey, Marc L.↗

The NASA VLBI2010 Proof-of-Concept Demonstration and Future Plans

The next generation geodetic VLBI instrument is being developed with a goal of 1 mm position uncertainty in twenty-four hours. We have implemented a proof-of-concept system for a possible VLBI2010 signal chain, from feed through recorder, on the Westford (Massachusetts, USA) 18-m and MV-3 (Maryland, USA) 5-m antennas. Data have been obtained in four 512 MHz bands spanning the range 3.5 to 11 GHz to investigate the sensitivity and phase delay capability of the system. Using a new phase cal design, the phases have been aligned across four bands spanning 2 GHz with an RMS deviation of approximately eight degrees. Several components of the system will be improved for the prototype version of VLBI2010, including the feed, digital backend, and recorder, and these will be installed on a 12-m antenna that has been purchased and is ready for installation at the Goddard Space Flight Center outside of Washington, D.C., USA, site of the MV-3 antenna.

Niell, Arthur↗

The western red cedar (Thuja plicata) 8-8' DIRIGENT family displays diverse expression patterns and conserved monolignol coupling specificity

The isolation and characterization of a multigene family of the first class of dirigent proteins (namely that mainly involved in 8-8' coupling leading to (+)-pinoresinol in this case) is reported, this comprising of nine western red cedar (Thuja plicata) DIRIGENT genes (DIR1-9) of 72-99.5% identity to each other. Their corresponding cDNA clones had coding regions for 180-183 amino acids with each having a predicted molecular mass of ca. 20 kDa including the signal peptide. Real time-PCR established that the DIRIGENT isovariants were differentially expressed during growth and development of T. plicata (P < 0.05). The phylogenetic relationships and the rates and patterns of nucleotide substitution suggest that the DIRIGENT gene may have evolved via paralogous expansion at an early stage of vascular plant diversification. Thereafter, western red cedar paralogues have maintained an high homogeneity presumably via a concerted evolutionary mode. This, in turn, is assumed to be the driving force for the differential formation of 8-8'-linked pinoresinol derived (poly)lignans in the needles, stems, bark and branches, as well as for massive accumulation of 8-8'-linked plicatic acid-derived (poly)lignans in heartwood.

Non-NASA Center↗

King Crater and its environs, part M

Superb photographs of King Crater were returned by the Apollo 16 crew. The metric and panoramic cameras provided stereoscopic coverage with which high quality topographic maps may be made. King crater, approximately 75 km in diameter and, on the average, 3.8 km deep, is among the most significant features photographed and visually studied from lunar orbit on the Apollo 16 mission. It is the freshest crater on the far side in its size range and has several unique characteristics. (1) Although its ejecta blanket displays very sharp features, the crater does not appear to have extensive ray systems and secondary crater chains. (2) As depicted for the first time by Apollo 16 photographs, the ejecta blanket is strewn with numerous flow fronts and scarps. (3) A flat and smooth, dark, lavalike deposit 15 km across is on the northern rim of the crater. (4) The central peak of the crater is a Y-shaped structure that begins at the southern rim. (5) Bright units that are aligned with the central peak on the northern wall and rim suggest that a preexisting tabular body was excavated by the cratering process.

El-Baz, F.↗

Organization of P, S, and Fe Inclusions in a Freshwater Magnetococcus

Magnetotactic bacteria are a heterogeneous group of motile, mainly aquatic procaryotes that align and swim along geomagnetic field lines. They are of interest to astrobiologists because of the magnetite crystals found in the Mars meteorite ALH84001 which share many characteristics with the magnetite produced intracellularly by magnetotactic bacteria. These bacteria are diverse morphologically, physiologically and phylogenetically, sharing a few key characteristics: 1) the presence of intracellular membrane-bound magnetic crystals (magnetosomes), usually but not always arranged in chains; 2) motility by means of flagella; and 3) microaerophillic or anaerobic physiology. The bilophotrichous (having two flagella bundles) magnetotactic cocci (MC) are ubiquitous in aquatic habitats but have proven extremely difficult to cultivate. Because only several marine strains have been isolated and grown in axenic culture, little is known about the physiology and the biogeochemical roles of the MC. We studied the composition and distribution of intracellular structures in an uncultured MC, designated ARB-1. To do this, a combination of light microscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used. Cells of ARB-1 were separated from sediments collected from Baldwin Lake (Los Angeles Arboretum, Arcadia, CA). They are large spherical to oblate spheroidal Gram-negative cells, ranging from 1 to 4 micrometers along the maximum dimension, which is perpendicular to the direction of swimming. Cells have two large phosphorus-containing inclusions that comprise a large percentage of the cell volume. Many smaller sulfur inclusions are located at the convex end of the cell. Most of the cellular Fe is present in the magnetosomes. These may be arranged as a clump at the concave end of the cell, near the two flagella bundles, or as chains, or as both a clump and chains. The magnetosomes were identified as magnetite (Fe3O4) by selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and high resolution TEM. We saw a trend between cell size and organization of the magnetosomes. Smaller, more spherical cells were more likely to have chains than were larger, more oblate cells. This may indicate different populations of cells, or it may be attributed to variations in cell growth cycle. The size distribution (length) of magnetosomes in chains was similar to that of magnetosomes in clusters, except that there was a larger size range for clustered magnetosomes. Magnetosomes from ARB-1 cells average 82 nm in length. If plotted on a graph of length as a function of aspect ratio, they fall within the single domain region of the plot. If compared with the size distributions of magnetite from ALH84001 and magnetosomes from the cultured magnetotactic vibrio MV-1, the magnetites produced by ARB-1 cells are, on average, larger and have a wider range of aspect ratio. ARB-1 cells have a specific organization of the P, S, and Fe inclusions. The P inclusions always occupy the majority of the cell volume and separate the S inclusions from the disorganized clumps of magnetosomes and the flagella bundles. The P inclusions may contain polyphosphate, which could play several roles in motility, adaptation to stress, growth and division, buoyancy, and energy. The S inclusions might be a way to store S, a potential energy source, when the cells move from sulfide to oxygen zones. The consistency of P, S, and Fe organization in ARB-1 cells suggests that these inclusions have some specific and interactive functions.

Cox, Lea↗

The aurora - An electrical discharge phenomenon surrounding the earth

An attempt to model the processes underlying the appearance of auroral phenomena as a chain of events beginning with power production and resulting in auroral light emissions is presented. Power is produced by the interaction of the solar wind with the earth magnetosphere, creating a dynamo effect which is a function of the solar wind speed and the magnitude and orientation of the solar wind magnetic field. The dynamo power generates the convective motion of magnetospheric plasma, and subsequent magnetic-field aligned currents communicate the dynamo power to the polar ionosphere. The currents close as Pederson currents, and the associated Lorentz force accelerates the ionosphere in the direction of the convective motion. An electric potential structure develops at a few thousand km height, forcing current-carrying electrons to flow down the field lines to the ionosphere, where interactions with atmospheric constituents create auroral displays.

Akasofu, S.-I.↗

TIC 168789840: A Sextuply Eclipsing Sextuple Star System

We report the discovery of a sextuply eclipsing sextuple star system from TESS data, TIC 168789840, also known as TYC 7037-89-1, the first known sextuple system consisting of three eclipsing binaries. The target was observed in Sectors 4 and 5 during Cycle 1, with light curves extracted from TESS Full Frame Image data. It was also previously observed by the WASP survey and ASAS-SN. The system consists of three gravitationally bound eclipsing binaries in a hierarchical structure of an inner quadruple system with an outer binary subsystem. Follow up observations from several different observatories were conducted as a means of determining additional parameters. The system was resolved by speckle interferometry with a 0 42 separation between the inner quadruple and outer binary, inferring an estimated outer period of ∼2 kyr. It was determined that the fainter of the two resolved components is an 8.217 day eclipsing binary, which orbits the inner quadruple that contains two eclipsing binaries with periods of 1.570 days and 1.306 days. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis of the stellar parameters has shown that the three binaries of TIC 168789840 are “triplets,” as each binary is quite similar to the others in terms of mass, radius, and Teff. As a consequence of its rare composition, structure, and orientation, this object can provide important new insight into the formation, dynamics, and evolution of multiple star systems. Future observations could reveal if the intermediate and outer orbital planes are all aligned with the planes of the three inner eclipsing binaries.

Brian P. Powell↗

A 4 MPC X-Ray Filament Falling into the Cluster A85

We have completed a first paper confirming the ROSAT observation of a merging filamentary structure associated with the rich cluster A85. We detected a portion of the extended 4 Mpc filament first seen by the ROSAT PSPC. We confirm that there is an extended feature, aligned at the same position angle as the major axis of the central cD, the bright cluster galaxies, and nearby groups and clusters. We find that the X-ray emission from the filament is best described by thermal emission with a temperature of approx. 2 keV, which is significantly lower than the ambient cluster medium, but is significantly higher than anticipated for a gas in a weakly bound extended filament. It is not clear whether this is a filament of diffuse emission, a chain of several groups of galaxies, or stripped gas from the infalling south blob. In conclusion, the XMM-Newton observations confirmed that there really is a highly elongated filamentary like structure extending from the the merging south clump to the south east of Abell-85 along the direction defined by all the structures pointed out by Durret et al. (1998b). The fact that the spatial structure of the X-ray filament detected by XMM-Newton cannot be exactly superimposed to that obtained from ROSAT data shows that it is still difficult to determine exactly its nature. However, the X-ray spectrum from this structure is most likely thermal and its temperature is about 2.0 keV, consistent with that of groups. This value is notably cooler than that of the main cluster: the temperature map by Markevitch et al. (1998) shows the presence of gas at about 3-4 keV in the region at a distance from the cluster center at least as far as the northern part of the ellipse. So, we appear to be seeing cool gas as it enters the cluster core. Another possibility is that the filament is associated with the wake of cool stripped gas left behind by the south blob as it falls onto the cluster. In this case, the 'filament', whether it is diffuse or made of groups, would not really be a filament in the large scale structure formation sense. Besides X-ray observations with a much better signal to noise ratio, which probably will have to wait for the next generation of X-ray satellites, optical data can shed light on this question. With this purpose, we intend to perform wide field imaging in various bands to estimate galaxy photometric redshifts and determine how galaxies are distributed in the 'filament' area.

Forman, William↗

Investigating the Strength and Variability of El Niño Southern Oscillation Teleconnections to Hydroclimate and Maize Yields in Southern and East Africa

The state of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is critical for seasonal climate forecasts, but recent events diverged substantially from expectations in many regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa where seasonal forecasts are critical tools for addressing food security. Here, we evaluate 39 years (1982–2020) of data on hydroclimate, leaf area index, and maize yields to investigate the strength of ENSO teleconnections in southern and East Africa. Teleconnections to precipitation, soil moisture, and leaf area index are generally stronger during ENSO phases that cause drought conditions (El Niño in southern Africa and La Niña in East Africa), with seasonality that aligns well with the maize growing seasons. Within maize growing areas, however, ENSO teleconnections to hydroclimate and vegetation are generally weaker compared to the broader geographic regions, especially in East Africa. There is also little evidence that the magnitude of the ENSO event affects the hydroclimate or vegetation response in these maize regions. Maize yields in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe all correlate significantly with hydroclimate and leaf area index, with South Africa and Zimbabwe showing the strongest and most consistent yield responses to ENSO events. Our results highlight the chain of causality from El Niño and La Niña forcing of regional anomalies in hydroclimate to vegetation health and maize yields in southern and East Africa. The large spread across individual ENSO events, however, underscores the limitations of this climate mode for seasonal climate prediction in the region, and the importance of finding additional sources of skill for improving climate and yield forecasts.

El Niño Southern Oscillation↗

Harmonizing Food Systems Emissions Accounting for More Effective Climate Action

Food systems—encompassing activities in food production, land-use change, supply chains and waste management—contribute significantly to climate change. Recent estimates indicate that food systems produce over 30% of annual anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (about 20% of CO 2 , 50% of CH 4 , and 75% of N 2 O), with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimating a notably broad range of 23%–42% of global GHG emissions. This paper synthesizes current research on the contributions of food systems to climate change, highlights challenges in quantifying their impact and proposes a harmonized accounting framework for more effective climate action. We recommend that an expert committee aligned with the IPCC develop guidance for food systems emissions accounting in four key areas, including: (1) defining system boundaries and nomenclature; (2) developing protocols to allocate broader sectoral emissions to food systems; (3) prioritizing critical areas for research into activity data and emissions factors; and (4) developing a balanced framework for evaluating the impact of mitigation interventions in light of other food systems imperatives. The committee should be integrated into two key international policy processes—the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the United Nations Food Systems Summit—to support coordinated action towards global net-zero goals. Guidance from the committee could significantly improve the ability of governments, companies, and researchers to estimate, report, monitor and ultimately reduce the climate impacts of food systems.

GHG accounting↗

Constitutive Modeling of Nanotube-Reinforced Polymer Composites

In this study, a technique is presented for developing constitutive models for polymer composite systems reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT). Because the polymer molecules are on the same size scale as the nanotubes, the interaction at the polymer/nanotube interface is highly dependent on the local molecular structure and bonding. At these small length scales, the lattice structures of the nanotube and polymer chains cannot be considered continuous, and the bulk mechanical properties can no longer be determined through traditional micromechanical approaches that are formulated by using continuum mechanics. It is proposed herein that the nanotube, the local polymer near the nanotube, and the nanotube/polymer interface can be modeled as an effective continuum fiber using an equivalent-continuum modeling method. The effective fiber serves as a means for incorporating micromechanical analyses for the prediction of bulk mechanical properties of SWNT/polymer composites with various nanotube shapes, sizes, concentrations, and orientations. As an example, the proposed approach is used for the constitutive modeling of two SWNT/LaRC-SI (with a PmPV interface) composite systems, one with aligned SWNTs and the other with three-dimensionally randomly oriented SWNTs. The Young's modulus and shear modulus have been calculated for the two systems for various nanotube lengths and volume fractions.

Odegard, G. M.↗

Constitutive Modeling of Nanotube-Reinforced Polymer Composite Systems

In this study, a technique has been proposed for developing constitutive models for polymer composite systems reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT). Since the polymer molecules are on the same size scale as the nanotubes, the interaction at the polymer/nanotube interface is highly dependent on the local molecular structure and bonding. At these small length scales, the lattice structures of the nanotube and polymer chains cannot be considered continuous, and the bulk mechanical properties of the SWNT/polymer composites can no longer be determined through traditional micromechanical approaches that are formulated using continuum mechanics. It is proposed herein that the nanotube, the local polymer near the nanotube, and the nanotube/polymer interface can be modeled as an effective continuum fiber using an equivalent-continuum modeling method. The effective fiber retains the local molecular structure and bonding information and serves as a means for incorporating micromechanical analyses for the prediction of bulk mechanical properties of SWNT/polymer composites with various nanotube sizes and orientations. As an example, the proposed approach is used for the constitutive modeling of two SWNT/polyethylene composite systems, one with continuous and aligned SWNT and the other with discontinuous and randomly aligned nanotubes.

Odegard, Gregory M.↗

Constitutive Modeling of Nanotube-Reinforced Polymer Composite Systems

In this study, a technique has been proposed for developing constitutive models for polymer composite systems reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT). Since the polymer molecules are on the same size scale as the nanotubes, the interaction at the polymer/nanotube interface is highly dependent on the local molecular structure and bonding. At these small length scales, the lattice structures of the nanotube and polymer chains cannot be considered continuous, and the bulk mechanical properties of the SWNT/polymer composites can no longer be determined through traditional micromechanical approaches that are formulated using continuum mechanics. It is proposed herein that the nanotube, the local polymer near the nanotube, and the nanotube/polymer interface can be modeled as an effective continuum fiber using an equivalent-continuum modeling method. The effective fiber retains the local molecular structure and bonding information and serves as a means for incorporating micromechanical analyses for the prediction of bulk mechanical properties of SWNT/polymer composites with various nanotube sizes and orientations. As an example, the proposed approach is used for the constitutive modeling of two SWNT/polyethylene composite systems, one with continuous and aligned SWNT and the other with discontinuous and randomly aligned nanotubes.

Odegard, Gregory M.↗