Nanoscale fracture of graphene under coupled in-plane opening and shear
mechanical loading is investigated by extensive molecular dynamics
simulations. Under opening-dominant loading, zigzag edge cracks grow
self-similarly. Otherwise, complex stresses concentrated around
crack-tip can manipulate the direction of crack initiation changing by
30° (or multiples of 30°). Toughness determined by obtained critical
stress intensity factors 2.63–3.38 nN Å^−3/2
demonstrates that graphene is intrinsically brittle opposite to its
exceptional high strength at room temperature. Torn zigzag edges are
more energetically and kinetically favorable. Cracking of graphene has

The dielectric constant is an essential electrical parameter to the
achievable voltage-induced deformation of the dielectric
elastomer. This paper primarily focuses on the temperature
dependence of the dielectric constant (within the range of 173 K
to 373 K) for the most widely used acrylic dielectric
elastomer (VHB 4910). First the dielectric constant was investigated
experimentally with the broadband dielectric spectrometer
(BDS). Results showed that the dielectric constant first increased
with temperature up to a peak value and then dropped to a
relative small value. Then by analyzing the fitted curves, the Cole–Cole
dispersion equation was found better to characterize the
rising process before the peak values than the Debye dispersion

At the nanobiophysics laboratory we are looking for a post doc to participate on an experimental work regarding the tuning of fluorescence in nanoparticles under the effect of pressure. We believe that it is the strain rather the pressure that is causing the shift in the emission. We are also investigating this effect using numerical models. While we are looking for an experimentalist urgently we will be looking for a theoretician/numerical guy in a year. All welcome if you have the right attitude and motivation.

I have been asked questions about how the shear modification was introduced to the Gurson model. I was also asked to compare my modification (see Xue L., Constitutive modeling of void shearing effect in ductile fracture of porous materials, Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 2008, 75(11):3343-3366) to John Hutchinson's modification (Nahshon, K., Hutchinson, J.W., Modification of the Gurson model for shear failure. European Journal of Mechanics A/Solids, 2008, 27:1-17).

The School of Engineering at Brown University is seeking to fill positions in Solid Mechanics at any academic level to start in July 2013. Applications should be received by December 31, 2012 to receive full consideration. Women and candidates who are members of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply.  Brown University is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer. Positions are open at all levels. For further information and instructions on how to apply, view the attachment below or visit: brown.edu/academics/engineering/facultysearch 

In this study, using a UDMGINI subroutine, stress components relative to a predefined osteon orientation were computed and an anisotropic damage criterion was used to determine damage initiation and to predict crack propagation.

Two microgel particles are encapsulated in a microdrop having a spherical diameter smaller than the

sum of the diameters of the microgels; this causes the microgels to be squeezed together by the oil–water

interface of the drop, in turn, making the drop ellipsoidal in shape. By modeling the force applied to the

microgels by the drop and equating this to the Hertz contact force of their deformation, we are able to

estimate their elastic modulus. By varying the surface tension and shape of the drops, we are able to

The Post-Doc position is open for 2013-2014 (2 years) at the
Faculty of Applied Sciences of the University of West Bohemia in
Pilsen, Czech republic. Details to be announced at the end of September 2012.

  https://exliz.zcu.cz/en/about-project