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At least 1,423 records · Page 79

Higgs phenomenology in warped extra dimensions with a fourth generation

We study a warped extra-dimension scenario where the standard model fields lie in the bulk, with the addition of a fourth family of fermions. We concentrate on the flavor structure of the Higgs couplings with fermions in the flavor anarchy ansatz. Even without a fourth family, these couplings will be generically misaligned with respect to the standard model fermion mass matrices. The presence of the fourth family typically enhances the misalignment effects and we show that one should expect them to be highly nonsymmetrical in the (34) intergenerational mixing. The radiative corrections from the new fermions and their flavor-violating couplings to the Higgs affect negligibly known experimental precision measurements such as the oblique parameters and Z{yields}bb or Z{yields}{mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup -}. On the other hand, {Delta}F=1, 2 processes, mediated by tree-level Higgs exchange, as well as radiative corrections to b{yields}s{gamma} and {mu}{yields}e{gamma} put some generic pressure on the allowed size of the flavor-violating couplings. But more importantly, these couplings will alter the Higgs decay patterns as well as those of the new fermions, and produce very interesting new signals associated to Higgs phenomenology in high energy colliders. These signals might become very important indirect signals for these type of models as they would be present even when the KK mass scale is high and no heavy KK particle is discovered.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Simplified micromechanical equations for thermal residual stress analysis of coated fiber composites

The fabrication of metal matrix composites poses unique problems to the materials engineer. The large thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) mismatch between the fiber and matrix leads to high tensile residual stresses at the fiber/matrix (F/M) interface which could lead to premature matrix cracking during cooldown. Fiber coatings could be used to reduce thermal residual stresses. A simple closed form analysis, based on a three phase composite cylinder model, was developed to calculate thermal residual stresses in a fiber/interphase/matrix system. Parametric studies showed that the tensile thermal residual stresses at the F/M interface were very sensitive to the CTE and thickness of the interphase layer. The modulus of the layer had only a moderate effect on tensile residual stresses. For a silicon carbide titanium aluminide composite, the tangential stresses were 20 to 30 pct. larger than the axial stresses, over a wide range of interphase layer properties, indicating a tendency to form radial matrix cracks during cooldown. Guidelines for the selection of appropriate material properties of the fiber coating were also derived in order to minimize thermal residual stresses in the matrix during fabrication.

Naik, R. A.↗

A Critique of a Phenomenological Fiber Breakage Model for Stress Rupture of Composite Materials

Stress rupture is not a critical failure mode for most composite structures, but there are a few applications where it can be critical. One application where stress rupture can be a critical design issue is in Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPV's), where the composite material is highly and uniformly loaded for long periods of time and where very high reliability is required. COPV's are normally required to be proof loaded before being put into service to insure strength, but it is feared that the proof load may cause damage that reduces the stress rupture reliability. Recently, a fiber breakage model was proposed specifically to estimate a reduced reliability due to proof loading. The fiber breakage model attempts to model physics believed to occur at the microscopic scale, but validation of the model has not occurred. In this paper, the fiber breakage model is re-derived while highlighting assumptions that were made during the derivation. Some of the assumptions are examined to assess their effect on the final predicted reliability.

Reeder, James R.↗

Implementing Geometric Surface Imperfections into Sandwich Composite Cylinder Finite Element Method Models

The buckling responses of certain cylindrical shell structures are extremely sensitive to geometric surface imperfections. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project (SBKF) is conducting research to develop analysis-based buckling design recommendations. Experiments are used to verify the analysis-based factors, but the sensitivity of the test articles to geometric imperfections requires implementing as-manufactured imperfections into high-fidelity finite element method models. Data collection methods such as structured light scanning are used for all geometric surface data used in this work. Common preprocessing and visualization steps used in SBKF are discussed, and steps on how surface scans are prepared for implementation into a finite element model is described. The Python Tool for Implementing Geometric Imperfections in Reduced Structures (Py_TIGIRS), written specifically for the use with SBKF, is briefly described and uses eight functions to extract, modify, and write geometric imperfections into Abaqus input files. Results of the pre-processing methods and results from Py_TIGIRS are provided and compared for Composite Test Article (CTA) 8.2B. Excellent agreement between the visualized scan data and the FEM-extracted geometry is demonstrated. A brief example of why geometric surface imperfections are significant in nonlinear numerical analyses for thin cylinders in axial compression is provided as motivation to use tools such as Py_TIGIRS. Future development of Py_TIGIRS including expansion to structures of arbitrary geometry is planned.

Sandwich structures↗

A Damage Model for the Simulation of Delamination in Advanced Composites under Variable-Mode Loading

A thermodynamically consistent damage model is proposed for the simulation of progressive delamination in composite materials under variable-mode ratio. The model is formulated in the context of Damage Mechanics. A novel constitutive equation is developed to model the initiation and propagation of delamination. A delamination initiation criterion is proposed to assure that the formulation can account for changes in the loading mode in a thermodynamically consistent way. The formulation accounts for crack closure effects to avoid interfacial penetration of two adjacent layers after complete decohesion. The model is implemented in a finite element formulation, and the numerical predictions are compared with experimental results obtained in both composite test specimens and structural components.

Turon, A.↗

Deep Inelastic Electron Scattering Off the Helium and Tritium Mirror Nuclei

We discuss a possible measurement of the ratio of nucleon structure functions, F{sub 2}{sup n}/F{sub 2}{sup p}, and the ratio of up to down quark distributions, u/d, at large Bjorken x, by performing deep inelastic electron scattering from the {sup 3}H and {sup 3}He mirror nuclei with the 11 GeV upgraded beam of Jefferson Lab. The measurement is expected to be almost free of nuclear effects, which introduce a significant uncertainty in the extraction of these two ratios from deep inelastic scattering off the proton and deuteron. The results are expected to test perturbative and non-perturbative mechanisms of spin-flavor symmetry breaking in the nucleon, and constrain the structure function parametrizations needed for the interpretation of high energy collider and neutrino oscillations data. The precision of the expected data can also test models of the nuclear EMC effect and provide valuable input for its full explanation.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Unified description of fermion masses with quasi-degenerate neutrinos in SO(10)

Obtaining a unified description of the quasi-degenerate neutrino mass spectrum together with the hierarchical charged fermions is a challenging task. In this talk, we discuss two distinct possible scenarios leading to such spectra in the supersymmetric SO(10) grand unified framework. Consistency of both scenarios is demonstrated through detailed fits to fermion masses and mixing angles, all of which can be explained with reasonable accuracy in a model with the most general Yukawa sector of SO(10). The origin of large neutrino mixing angles is linked to neutrino mass degeneracy in both the scenarios.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Charge radii of octet and decuplet baryons

The charge radii of the octet and decuplet baryons have been calculated in the framework of chiral constituent quark model ({chi}CQM) using a general parameterization (GP) method. Our results are comparable with the latest experimental studies as well as with other phenomenological models. The effects of SU(3) symmetry breaking and GP parameters pertaining to the one-, two- and three-quark contributions have also been investigated in detail.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Comparison of Structural Concepts for Transport Aircraft with a Tail Cone Turbine

An evaluation of three structural concepts for an advanced aircraft design with a tail cone turbine is presented. Structural models were developed using an innovative rapid finite element modeling tool called Conceptual Design Shop (CDS). CDS is an attempt to fill a gap in current finite element modeling software to automatically connect wings and tails to the fuselage with sufficient support structure in airframe models. For comparison with actual aircraft structures, a model of a transport aircraft design developed using CDS is compared with published structural weight data for a Boeing 737-200. A method for computing aerodynamic stability parameters from an MSC/NASTRAN finite element analysis output deck is also discussed. Finally, the weight effects for using a tail cone turbine in an advanced transport aircraft design are evaluated by comparing three composite structural models, for which component thicknesses and cross-sections are sized by the Hypersizer software.

Mason, Brian H.↗

Molecular simulation of structure and diffusion at smectite-water interfaces: Using expanded clay interlayers as model nanopores

In geologic settings relevant to a number of extraction and potential sequestration processes, nanopores bounded by clay mineral surfaces play a critical role in the transport of aqueous species. Solution structure and dynamics at clay–water interfaces are quite different from their bulk values, and the spatial extent of this disruption remains a topic of current interest. We have used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the structure and diffusion of aqueous solutions in clay nanopores approximately 6 nm thick, comparing the effect of clay composition with model Na-hectorite and Na-montmorillonite surfaces. In addition to structural properties at the interface, water and ion diffusion coefficients were calculated within each aqueous layer at the interface, as well as in the central bulk-like region of the nanopore. The results show similar solution structure and diffusion properties at each surface, with subtle differences in sodium adsorption complexes and water structure in the first adsorbed layer due to different arrangements of layer hydroxyl groups in the two clay models. Interestingly, the extent of surface disruption on bulk-like solution structure and diffusion extends to only a few water layers. Additionally, a comparison of sodium ion residence times confirms similar behavior of inner-sphere and outer-sphere surface complexes at each clay surface, but ~1% of sodium ions adsorb in ditrigonal cavities on the hectorite surface. Thus, the presence of these anhydrous ions is consistent with highly immobile anhydrous ions seen in previous nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic measurements of hectorite pastes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of Al content on structure and mechanical properties of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) high-entropy alloys

In present study, structure and mechanical properties of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) high-entropy alloys after arc melting and annealing at 1200 °C for 24 h are investigated. The CrNbTiVZr alloy is composed of body centered cubic (bcc) and C15 (face centered cubic) Laves phases while the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0.25; 0.5; 1) alloys consist of bcc and two C14 (hexagonal close packed) Laves phases with different chemical compositions. Thermodynamic modeling predicts existence of two phases – bcc and C15 Laves phase and broadening of single bcc phase field due to Al addition. The density of the alloys decreases with the increase of Al content. The alloys are found to be extremely brittle at room temperature and 600 °C. The alloys have high strength at temperatures of 800–1000 °C. For example, yield strength at 800 °C increases from 440 MPa for the CrNbTiVZr alloy to 1250 MPa for the AlCrNbTiVZr alloy. The experimental phase composition of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr alloys is compared with predicted equilibrium phases and the factors governing the transformation of C15 to C14 Laves phases due to Al addition to the CrNbTiVZr alloy analyzed. Specific properties of the alloys are compared with other high-entropy alloys and commercial Ni-based superalloys. - Highlights: •Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) alloys are arc melted and annealed at 1200 °C. •The CrNbTiVZr alloy has bcc and C15 Laves phases. •The Al-containing alloys are composed of bcc and two C14 Laves phases. •The alloys demonstrate high specific strength at temperatures of 800 °C and 1000 °C. •The strength of the alloys increases in proportion with increase of Al content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Structural Significance of Lipid Diversity as Studied by Small Angle Neutron and X-ray Scattering

We review recent developments in the rapidly growing field of membrane biophysics, with a focus on the structural properties of single lipid bilayers determined by different scattering techniques, namely neutron and X-ray scattering. The need for accurate lipid structural properties is emphasized by the sometimes conflicting results found in the literature, even in the case of the most studied lipid bilayers. Increasingly, accurate and detailed structural models require more experimental data, such as those from contrast varied neutron scattering and X-ray scattering experiments that are jointly refined with molecular dynamics simulations. This experimental and computational approach produces robust bilayer structural parameters that enable insights, for example, into the interplay between collective membrane properties and its components (e.g., hydrocarbon chain length and unsaturation, and lipid headgroup composition). From model studies such as these, one is better able to appreciate how a real biological membrane can be tuned by balancing the contributions from the lipid’s different moieties (e.g., acyl chains, headgroups, backbones, etc.).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

{phi} meson production in pp annihilation at rest

Apparent channel-dependent violations of the Okubo-Zwieg-Iizuka (OZI) rule in nucleon-antinucleon annihilation reactions in the presence of an intrinsic strangeness component in the nucleon are discussed. Admixture of ss quark pairs in the nucleon wave function enables the direct coupling to the {phi}-meson in the annihilation channel without violating the OZI rule. Three forms are considered in this work for the strangeness content of the proton wave function, namely, the uud cluster with a ss sea-quark component, kaon-hyperon clusters based on a simple chiral quark model, and the pentaquark picture uudss. Nonrelativistic quark model calculations reveal that the strangeness magnetic moment {mu}{sub s} and the strangeness contribution to the proton spin {sigma}{sub s} from the first two models are consistent with recent experimental data, where {mu}{sub s} and {sigma}{sub s} are negative. For the third model, the uuds subsystem with the configurations [31]{sub FS}[211]{sub F}[22]{sub S} and [31]{sub FS}[31]{sub F}[22]{sub S} leads to negative values of {mu}{sub s} and {sigma}{sub s}. With effective quark line diagrams incorporating the {sup 3}P{sub 0} model, we give estimates for the branching ratios of the annihilation reactions at rest pp{yields}{phi}X (X={pi}{sup 0}, {eta}, {rho}{sup 0}, {omega}). Results for the branching ratios of {phi}X production from atomic pp s-wave states are for the first and third model found to be strongly channel dependent, in good agreement with measured rates.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Titan atmosphere models, 1973

The composition and structure of the atmosphere of Titan, based on theory and on spectroscopic and infrared data, is reviewed for the development of numerical engineering models. Light, nominal, and heavy atmospheres are described and tabulated, and their profiles of radius, temperature, pressure, and density are illustrated. Corresponding descriptions of atmospheric dynamics, condensates and surfaces are outlined.

Divine, N.↗

Thermal Stability of a 4 Meter Primary Reflector for the Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder

We describe the fabrication and thermal-stability analysis and test of a composite demonstration model of the Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder (SMLS) primary reflector, having full 4m height and 1/3 the width planned for flight. SMLS is a space-borne heterodyne radiometer which will measure pressure, temperature and atmospheric constituents from thermal emission between 180 and 660 GHz. Current MLS instruments in low Earth orbit scan pencil-beam antennas (sized to resolve about one scale height) vertically over the atmospheric limb. SMLS, planned for the Global Atmospheric Composition Mission of the NRC Decadal Survey, adds azimuthal scanning for better horizontal and temporal resolution and coverage than typical orbit spacing provides. SMLS combines the wide scan range of the parabolic torus with unblocked offset Cassegrain optics. The resulting system is diffraction-limited in the vertical plane but highly astigmatic in the horizontal, having a beam aspect ratio [tilde operator]1:20. Symmetry about the nadir axis ensures that beam shape is nearly invariant over +/-65(white bullet) azimuth. The a feeds a low-noise SIS receiver whose FOV is swept over the reflector system by a small scanning mirror. Using finiteelement models of antenna reflectors and structure, we evaluate thermal deformations and the resulting optical performance for 4 orbital environments and isothermal soak. We compare deformations with photogrammetric measurements made during wide-range (ambient+[-97,+75](white bullet) C) thermal soak tests of the primary in a chamber. This range exceeds predicted orbital soak ranges by large factors, implying in-orbit thermal stability of 0.21(mu)m rms/(white bullet)C, which meets SMLS requirements.

Thermal stability tests↗

A Design Framework for Thick and Thin Tow-Steered Composites Using Mechanics of Structure Genome

The design of tow-steered composites is one of the most popular and promising topics under the class of variable stiffness structures. In this work, the authors propose a new design framework and tool for the optimization of tow-steered composites. Mechanics of structure genome (MSG) provides accurate computation of plate/shell section properties including thick and highly curved structures. The computed section properties can be directly used in commercial computer-aided engineering tools. Tow-steered composites are modeled through a design framework wherein tow paths are parameterized in a general way and projected onto a finite element mesh, and MSG calculates the local shell/plate properties. The result is a complete workflow from design parameter input to structural performance evaluation. An open-source optimization software package is used to enable constrained optimization of structural stiffness for the broad tow-steered composite design space. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the capabilities of this tool and the promise and potential of tow-steered designs that optimize structural performance while satisfying manufacturing constraints.

Su Tian↗

A Design Framework for Thick and Thin Tow-Steered Composites Using Mechanics of Structure Genome

The design of tow-steered composites is one of the most popular and promising topics under the class of variable stiffness structures. In this work, the authors propose a new design framework and tool for the optimization of tow-steered composites. Mechanics of structure genome (MSG) provides accurate computation of plate/shell section properties including thick and highly curved structures. The computed section properties can be directly used in commercial computer-aided engineering tools. Tow-steered composites are modeled through a design framework wherein tow paths are parameterized in a general way and projected onto a finite element mesh, and MSG calculates the local shell/plate properties. The result is a complete workflow from design parameter input to structural performance evaluation. An open-source optimization software package is used to enable constrained optimization of structural stiffness for the broad tow-steered composite design space. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the capabilities of this tool and the promise and potential of tow-steered designs that optimize structural performance while satisfying manufacturing constraints.

Su Tian↗

Analyzing Unfavored Fragmentation Functions Using NJL-Jet Model

The Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (NJL)-jet model provides a sound framework for calculating the fragmentation functions in an effective chiral quark theory, where the momentum and isospin sum rules are satisfied without the introduction of ad hoc parameters. The most recent version of the model includes the fragmentation of the light and strange quarks to pions, kaons, nucleons, and antinucleons; where the effects of the production of secondary pions and kaons from the vector mesons {rho}, K* and {phi} are also calculated. The results for the model fragmentation function exhibit a qualitative agreement with the empirical parameterizations. The results also allow to test, within the model assumptions, several assumption in parametrizations of the unfavored fragmentation functions used in empirical fits to the experimental data.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗