Search

In this paper, we employ the finite element method based on non-uniform rational B-splines function approximation to solve the nonlinear Brinkman-Forcheimer-Darcy equation in a simply connected and bounded Lipschitz domain Ω. We provide both theoretical and numerical studies of the Dirichlet boundary problem. Utilizing a stream function formulation, we demonstrate the well-posedness of the weak form. Furthermore, we approximate the velocity and pressure fields by linearizing the nonlinear terms, resulting in an algebraic system. This Non-uniform rational B-splines method is more effective in terms of the exact representation of the geometry and the good approximation of the solution compared to the virtual element method. To validate the effectiveness of the non-uniform rational B-splines Finite Element Method, we conduct numerical simulations of fluid flow in porous media.

Abstract Background Left-handedness is a condition that reverses the typical left cerebral dominance of motor control to an atypical right dominance. The impact of this distinct control — and its associated neuroanatomical peculiarities — on other cognitive functions such as music processing or playing a musical instrument remains unexplored. Previous studies in right-handed population have linked musicianship to a larger volume in the (right) auditory cortex and a larger volume in the (right) arcuate fasciculus. Results In our study, we reveal that left-handed musicians (n = 55), in comparison to left-handed non-musicians (n = 75), exhibit a larger gray matter volume in both the left and right Heschl’s gyrus, critical for auditory processing. They also present a higher number of streamlines across the anterior segment of the right arcuate fasciculus. Importantly, atypical hemispheric lateralization of speech (notably prevalent among left-handers) was associated to a rightward asymmetry of the AF, in contrast to the leftward asymmetry exhibited by the typically lateralized. Conclusions These findings suggest that left-handed musicians share similar neuroanatomical characteristics with their right-handed counterparts. However, atypical lateralization of speech might potentiate the right audiomotor pathway, which has been associated with musicianship and better musical skills. This may help explain why musicians are more prevalent among left-handers and shed light on their cognitive advantages.

Abstract Accurately characterizing the thermomechanical parameters of nanoscale systems is essential for understanding their performance and building innovative nanoscale technologies due to their distinct behaviours. Fractional thermal transport models are commonly utilized to correctly depict the heat transfer that occurs in these nanoscale systems. The current study presents a novel mathematical thermoelastic model that incorporates a new fractional differential constitutive equation for heat conduction. This heat equation is useful for understanding the effects of thermal memory. An application of a fractional-time Atangana–Baleanu (AB) derivative with a local and non-singular kernel was utilized in the process of developing the mathematical model that was suggested. To deal with effects that depend on size, nonlocal constitutive relations are introduced. Furthermore, in order to take into consideration, the viscoelastic behaviour of the material at the nanoscale, the fractional Kelvin–Voigt model is utilized. The proposed model is highly effective in properly depicting the unusual thermal conductivity phenomena often found in nanoscale devices. The study also considered the mechanical deformation, temperature variations, and viscoelastic characteristics of the functionally graded (FG) nanostructured beams. The consideration was made that the material characteristics exhibit heterogeneity and continuous variation across the thickness of the beam as the nanobeam transitions from a ceramic composition in the lower region to a metallic composition in the upper region. The complicated thermomechanical features of simply supported viscoelastic nanobeams that were exposed to harmonic heat flow were determined by the application of the model that was constructed. Heterogeneity, nonlocality, and fractional operators are some of the important variables that contribute to its success, and this article provides a full study and illustration of the significance of these characteristics. The results that were obtained have the potential to play a significant role in pushing forward the design and development of tools, materials, and nanostructures that have viscoelastic mechanical characteristics and graded functions.

Abstract Our study is dedicated to a mixture composed of a dipolar elastic medium and a viscous Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) material. The mixed problem with initial and boundary data, considered in this context, is approached from the perspective of the existence of a solution to this problem as well as the uniqueness of the solution. Considering that the mixed problem is very complex, both from the point of view of the basic equations and that of the initial conditions and the boundary data, the classical methods become difficult. That is why we preferred to transform it into a problem of Cauchy type on a conveniently constructed Hilbert space. In this way, we immediately proved both the existence and uniqueness of the solution, with techniques from the theory of semigroups of linear operators.

The current work aims to investigate the interaction between thermal, magnetic, and elastic phenomena in a homogeneous and unbounded material that includes a spherical cavity. A laser beam with a Gaussian distribution was used to expose the solid thermal medium, thereby bringing a source of heat into the system. The study is grounded in the expanded theory of thermoelasticity without energy dissipation, which considers the interconnection between thermal, elastic, and magnetic phenomena. This theoretical framework serves as a basis for understanding the interactions and behaviors of thermal and mechanical processes within an elastic material. The system was analyzed using a direct approach, employing the Laplace transformation method to provide solutions for the system's equations. This methodology enables the computation and presentation of precise equations for several domains of concern, such as displacement, temperature, and thermal stresses. The discussion and analysis focused on a copper-based material, and graphical representations were used to demonstrate the behavior of the researched physical fields. These graphical representations aid in comprehending the development of displacement, temperature, and thermal stresses within the material caused by the laser beam and the interplay between thermal, magnetic, and elastic processes. The results demonstrate that the laser pulse parameters have a significant impact on the temperature and thermal stress distribution, thereby influencing the thermo-mechanical reactions of the solid medium. Ultimately, this study enhances our comprehension of the intricate behavior and interplay of thermal, magnetic, and elastic phenomena in thermoelastic materials.

Abstract The study of multibody systems with elastic elements involves at the moment the reevaluation of the classical methods of analysis offered by analytical mechanics. Modeling this system with the finite element method requires obtaining the motion equation for an element in the circumstances imposed by a multibody system. The paper aims to present the main analysis methods used by researchers, to make a comparative analysis, and to show the advantages or disadvantages offered by different methods. For the presentation of the main methods (namely Lagrange’s equations, Gibbs–Appell’s equations, Maggi’s formalism, Kane’s equations, and Hamilton’s equations) a unified notation is used. The paper provides a critical evaluation of the studied applications that involved some of these methods, highlighting the reason why it was decided to use them. Also, the paper identifies potential research areas to explore.

A low number of individuals show an atypical brain control of language functions that differs from the typical lateralization in the left cerebral hemisphere. In these cases, the neural distribution of other cognitive functions is not fully understood. Although there is a bias towards a mirrored brain organization consistent with the Causal hypothesis, some individuals are found to be exceptions to this rule. However, no study has focused on what happens to the homologous language areas in the right frontal inferior cortex. Using an fMRI-adapted stop-signal task in a healthy non right-handed sample (50 typically lateralized and 36 atypically lateralized for language production), our results show that atypical lateralization is associated with a mirrored brain organization of the inhibitory control network in the left hemisphere: inferior frontal cortex, presupplementary motor area, and subthalamic nucleus. However, the individual analyses revealed a large number of cases with a noteworthy overlap in the inferior frontal gyrus, which shared both inhibitory and language functions. Further analyses showed that atypical lateralization was associated with stronger functional interhemispheric connectivity and larger corpus callosum. Importantly, we did not find task performance differences as a function of lateralization, but there was an association between atypical dominance in the inferior frontal cortex and higher scores on schizotypy and autistic spectrum traits, as well as worse performance on a reading accuracy test. Together, these results partially support the Causal hypothesis of hemispheric specialization and provide further evidence of the link between atypical hemispheric lateralization and increased interhemispheric transfer through the corpus callosum.

This work demonstrates deformation in hygrothermoelastic medium with an overlying non-viscous fluid of uniform thickness. A constant mechanical force is applied along the fluid-layer. The normal-mode analysis technique is applied to solve the governing equations of the medium. The analytical expressions of displacement, moisture concentration, temperature distribution, and stresses are obtained for the hygrothermoelastic medium and depicted graphically for different values of fluid-layer depth. The finding of this work is that the values of the aforementioned physical quantities decrease with an increase in the fluid-layer, which justifies the decaying nature of waves with depth. The novelty of the problem is that no research has been carried out so far for analyzing hygrothermoelastic medium subjected to thermoelastic deformation.

In this paper, we bring into light, study the polygonal structure of Fibonacci polynomials that are placed clockwise on these by a number corresponding to each vertex. Also, we find the relation between the numbers with such vertices. We present a relation for obtained sequence in an n-gon yielding the m-th term formed at k vertices. Also, we apply these situations to Lucas polynomials and find new recurrence relations. Then, the numbers obtained by writing the coefficients of these polynomials in step form are shown in OEIS.

Abstract This paper introduces size-dependent modeling and investigation of the transverse vibrational behavior of rotating thermoelastic nanobeams by means of nonlocal elasticity theory. In the formulation, a model of thermal conductivity with two-phase delays (DPL) was utilized. By incorporating the interactions between phonons and electrons, this model took into account microstructural influences. Also, we have employed the state-space approach and Laplace transform approach to solve the governing equations, which were developed in the context of the nonlocal Eringen model. The nanobeam material is subjected to a changeable temperature field produced by the graphene tape attached to the nanobeam and connected to an electrical source. In addition, the nanobeam material is fully encompassed by an axially applied magnetic field. It has been revealed how coefficients such as the rotational angular velocity of the nanobeam, nonlocal coefficient, voltage, electrical resistance, and applied magnetic field influence its behavior.

In this paper, the three-phase-lag model of fractional analysis on the reflection of two-dimensional problem of p-waves with initial stress, temperature-dependent, and magnetic field is investigated. The formulation of the problem for an isotropic homogeneous medium based on a three phase-lag theory. The boundary conditions applied on the surface for the stresses and thermal insulation. The numerical solution presented as well as the graphical representation of the impact of analysis considering the external parameters. Also, the modified elastic waves reflected under the action of the magnetic field, initial stress, fractional degree coefficient, and temperature to determine the more exact nature of the reflection of these waves, particularly seismic waves. A comparison has been made between the results obtained and the previous results obtained by others and already published and are in agreement with these, when external parameters considered in the present investigation neglected. The results obtained indicate that the new external parameters have new impact on the waves reflection and applicable in diverse fields as engineering, earthquakes, volcanos, geophysics, acoustics, and astronomy.

In our present study, we approach a linear theory for the thermoelasticity of type III for Cosserat media. At the beginning we introduce the equations and conditions, specific for a mixed problem in this context, namely the motion and energy equations, the initial condition and boundary relations. After that, we establish two results regarding the solution unique to the problem and two results on the continuous dependence of solutions, for the same mixed problem. Both problems that we address in our paper (uniqueness and continuous dependence) are not based on the material symmetries of the medium. Moreover, our results concern the theory of type III thermoelasticity for Cosserat media in their most general form, namely anisotropic.

In this paper, the authors propose the application of the Gibbs–Appell equations to obtain the equations of motion in the case of a mechanical system that has elements with a micro-polar structure, containing voids. Voids can appear as a result of the processing or manufacturing of the parts, or can be intentionally introduced. This research involves a model of the considered solid material containing voids. To determine the dynamic behavior of such a system, the Gibbs–Appell (GA) method is used to obtain the evolution equations, as an alternative to Lagrange’s classical description. The proposed method can be applied to any mechanical system consisting of materials with a micro-polar structure and voids. The study of such systems is interesting because the literature shows that even a reduce number of small voids can produce significant variations in physical behavior. The proposed method requires a smaller number of mathematical operations. To apply this method, the acceleration energy is calculated, which is then used to derive the equations. The method comes with advantages in the application to multibody systems having the mentioned properties and, in particular, in the study of robots and manipulators. Using the GA method, it is necessary to do a fewer differentiation operations than applying the Lagrange’s equations. This leads to a reduced amount of computation for obtaining the evolution equations.

The aim of this study is to solve a practical problem encountered in the automotive industry, especially the failure of a cracked lower control arm made of al 6062 T6 material during static and crash physical tests, and to characterize the behavior of cracked parts made of aluminum materials using the fracture mechanics parameters. As a first step, we carried out a numerical study and simulation using Abaqus/CAE 2020 software and the finite element method to determine the stress concentration and load limit capacity for different car weight cases. The von Mises stress variation shows crack initiation and propagation to be in the area of the lower control arm’s attachment to the vehicle platform, where stress is concentrated. These numerical results are consistent with the experimental test results found by automotive manufacturers. Also, we find that the mechanical load that can support this part is below 4900 N for good performance. In the second step, we use the results of the first section to simulate the failure of a lower control arm with a crack defect. This paper investigates the stress intensity factor KI in mode I for different lengths (L) and depths (a) of the crack in the lower control arm using the extended finite element method (XFEM) under Abaqus/CAE. For crack failure initiation and progression, we relied on the traction separation law, specifically the maximum principal stress (MAXPS) criterion. The KI factor was evaluated for the materials steel and Al 6062 T6. The results obtained from the variation of the KI coefficient as a function of crack depth (a) and the thickness (t) show that the crack remains stable even when a depth ratio (a/t = 0.8) is reached for the steel material. However, the crack in the Aluminum 6062 T6 material becomes unstable at depth (a/t = 0.6), with a high risk of total failure of the lower control arm.

Abstract This paper deals with the linear theory of thermoelastic Cosserat bodies. At the beginning, we formulate the mixed initial-boundary value problem in this context and obtain new theorems of reciprocity in the thermodynamics theory of these media. Then we prove that these new reciprocity relations imply the uniqueness of solution of the mixed problem. Based on the same reciprocal relations, we establish a minimum variational principle, which generalizes those from the theory of classical thermoelasticity.

In this study, the identification of thermoelastic mass diffusion was examined on a homogeneous isotropic microstretch thermoelastic diffusion (HIMTD) solid due to normal force on the surface of half space. In the framework of Cartesian symmetry, the components of displacement, stresses, temperature change, and microstretch as well as couple stress were investigated with and without microstretch and diffusion. The expression of the field functions was obtained using the Laplace and Fourier transforms. So as to estimate the nature of the components of displacement, stresses, temperature change, and microstretch as well as couple stress in the physical domain, an efficient approximate numerical inverse Laplace and Fourier transform technique and Romberg’s integration technique was adopted. It was meticulously considered and graphically illustrated how mass diffusion and microstretch affect thermoelastic deformation. Our objective was to address the inquiry regarding the impact of thermoelastic mass diffusion and microstretch on the field functions in the presence of a mass concentration source within the medium. Specifically, we aimed to investigate how these phenomena amplify the aforementioned effect.

In this manuscript, we implement analytical multiple soliton wave and singular soliton wave solutions for coupled mKdV with a time-dependent variable coefficient. Based on the similarity transformation and Hirota bilinear technique, we construct both multiple wave kink and wave singular kink solutions for coupled mKdV with a time-dependent variable coefficient. We implement the Hirota bilinear technique to compute analytical solutions for the coupled mKdV system. Such calculations are made by using a software with symbolic computation software, for instance, Maple. Recently some researchers used Maple in order to show that the bilinear method of Hirota is a straightforward technique which can be used in the approach of differential, nonlinear models. We analyzed whether the experiments proved that the procedure is effective and can be successfully used for many other mathematical models used in physics and engineering. The results of this study display that the profiles of multiple-kink and singular-kink soliton types can be efficiently controlled by selecting the particular form of a similar time variable. The changes in the solitons based on the changes in the arbitrary function of time allows for more applications of them in applied sciences.

Let D be a relatively compact domain in an n-dimensional Kähler manifold with a C2 smooth boundary that satisfies some “Hartogs-pseudoconvexity” condition. Assume that Ξ is a positive holomorphic line bundle over X whose curvature form Θ satisfies Θ≥Cω, where C>0. Then, the ∂¯-Neumann operator N and the Bergman projection P are exactly regular in the Sobolev space Wm(D,Ξ) for some m, as well as the operators ∂¯N, ∂¯⋇N.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir las estrategias de aprendizaje de vocabulario en inglés mediadas por tecnología en ambientes universitarios. Los participantes fueron 205 estudiantes de lengua inglesa de una universidad del sureste mexicano, quienes fueron encuestados en línea para explorar sus acciones estratégicas de aprendizaje de vocabulario en inglés. Los resultados arrojaron un esquema de 13 categorías de estrategias de aprendizaje de vocabulario, siendo las más frecuentes la toma de notas y el uso de diccionarios y otras fuentes de consulta. En orden descendente también emergieron estrategias como la práctica de nuevas palabras en conversaciones y en escritura, las formas de repetición y memorización, el uso de películas, video y música, la lectura para incrementar el léxico, las asociaciones, entre otras. Los hallazgos cualitativos denotan una gran contribución de la tecnología como medio para ejecutar las diferentes estrategias de aprendizaje de vocabulario, en las que se refleja el trabajo independiente de los estudiantes. English vocabulary learning strategies mediated by technology in university contexts Abstract This study aims to describe technology-mediated English vocabulary learning strategies in university settings. The participants were 205 English-language students from a university in southeast Mexico, who were surveyed online to explore their strategic actions on English vocabulary. The results yielded a categorization of 13 types of vocabulary strategies, the most frequent being note-taking and the use of dictionaries and other sources of consultation. In descending order, strategies such as the practice of new words in conversations and in writing, forms of repetition and memorization, the use of movies, video and music, reading to increase vocabulary, associations, among others, also emerged. The qualitative findings showed a great contribution of technology as a means to use the different vocabulary learning strategies, in which the independent work of the students is reflected.

In this paper, we employ the finite element method based on non-uniform rational B-splines function approximation to solve the nonlinear Brinkman-Forcheimer-Darcy equation in a simply connected and bounded Lipschitz domain. We provide both theoretical and numerical studies of the Dirichlet boundary problem. Utilizing a stream function formulation, we demonstrate the well-posedness of the weak form. Furthermore, we approximate the velocity and pressure fields by linearizing the nonlinear terms, resulting in an algebraic system. This Non-uniform rational B-splines method is more effective in terms of the exact representation of the geometry and the good approximation of the solution compared to the virtual element method. To validate the effectiveness of the non-uniform rational B-splines Finite Element Method, we conduct numerical simulations of fluid flow in porous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the elastic constants for composites with fibers is a continuous concern of researchers, being studied and analyzed different types of materials, with different topologies and geometries. In the work, these constants are determined for a composite reinforced with cylindrical fibers with a rectangular packing. The obtained results are applied for the calculation of these constants for a composite used in engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goal of this research is to present a novel computational intelligence approach of the AI-based Levenberg–Marquardt scheme under the influence of backpropagated neural network (LMS-BPNN) for optimizing MHD ternary hybrid nanofluid using Casson fluid over a porous shrinking sheet in the existence of thermal radiation (Rd) effects. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) showing the Casson ternary hybrid nanofluid are converted into a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with suitable transformations. The numerical data is constructed as a reference with bvp4c (MATLAB built-in function used to solve a system of ODEs) by varying Casson fluid parameters (β), magnetic field (M), porosity (S), nanoparticle concentrations (ϕ1=ϕ2=ϕ3), and thermal radiation (Rd) effects across all LMS-BPNN scenarios. The numerical data-sheet is divided into 80% of training, 10% of testing, and 10% of validation for LMS-BPNN are used to analyze the estimated solution and its assessment with a numerical solution using bvp4c is discussed. The efficiency and consistency of LMS-BPNN are confirmed via mean squared error (MSE) based fitness curves, regression analysis, correlation index (R) and error histogram. The results show that velocity decreases as β grows, whereas velocity increase as M increases. The concentrations of nanoparticles and thermal radiations have increasing effects on θ0. To comprehend the dependability and correctness of the data gained from numerical simulations, error analysis is a key stage in every scientific inquiry. Error analysis is presented in terms of absolute error and it is noticed that the error between the numerical values and predicted values with AI is approximately 10−6. The error analysis reveals that the developed AI algorithm is consistent and reliable.

In this study, the Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) concept of thermal conductivity is applied to a two-dimensional elastic solid in the form of a half-space. This model was constructed using Green and Naghdi’s thermoelastic model to address the infinite velocity problem of heat waves. It has been taken into account that the free surface of the medium is immersed in an electromagnetic field of constant intensity, undergoes thermal shock, and rotates with a uniform angular velocity. The governing equations of a modified version of Ohm’s law account for the impact of temperature gradients and charge densities. By using the method of normal mode analysis, an analytical representation of the studied physical fields was obtained. The effect of rotation and the modulus of modified Ohm’s law on the responses of the field distributions examined is discussed, along with accompanying graphical representations. Other thermoelastic models have been compared with the results of the proposed system when the relaxation time is ignored.

This article introduces a new model that can be used to describe elastic thermal vibrations caused by changes in temperature in elastic nanobeams in response to transverse external excitations. Using the idea of nonlocal elasticity and the dual-phase lagging thermoelastic model (DPL), the coupled equations of motion and heat transfer were derived to explain small-scale effects. Additionally, modified couple stress theory (MCST) and Euler–Bernoulli (EB) beam assumptions were considered. The proposed theory was verified by considering the thermodynamic response of nanobeams moving horizontally at a constant speed while one end is subjected to a periodic thermal load. The system of governing equations has been solved numerically with the help of Laplace transforms and one of the tested evolutionary algorithms. The effects of changing the nonlocal modulus, the magnitude of the external force, and the length scale parameter on the system fields were investigated. It is also shown how the behavior of the thermal nanobeam changes depending on the phase delay factors in addition to the horizontal velocity of the beam. To determine this model’s accuracy, its results were compared with the results of the classical continuity model and thermoelastic concepts. The numerical results show that when the nanobeam moves, the length scale can change the studied thermal and mechanical vibration wave patterns and physical fields. Additionally, during thermally stimulated vibrations, thermodynamic effects that have implications for the dynamic design and performance improvement of nanostructures must be considered.

By laminating piezoelectric and flexible materials, we can increase their performance. Therefore, the electrical and mechanical properties of layered piezoelectric materials subjected to electromechanical loads and heat sources must be analyzed theoretically and mechanically. Since the problem of infinite wave propagation cannot be addressed using classical thermoelasticity, extended thermoelasticity models have been derived. The thermo-mechanical response of a piezoelectric functionally graded (FG) rod due to a moveable axial heat source is considered in this paper, utilizing the dual-phase-lag (DPL) heat transfer model. It was supposed that the physical characteristics of the FG rod varied exponentially along the axis of the body. Both ends hold the rod, and there is no voltage across them. The Laplace transform and decoupling techniques were used to obtain the physical fields that have been analyzed. A range of heterogeneity, rotation, and heat source velocity measures were used to compare the results presented here and those in the previous literature.

In this study, the effects of laser light on the heat transfer of a thin beam heated by an applied current and voltage are investigated. Laser heating pulses are simulated as endogenous heat sources with discrete temporal properties. The heat conduction equation is developed using the energy conservation equation and the modified Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) heat flow vector. Thermal and structural analysis of Euler–Bernoulli microbeams is provided with the support of visco-Pasternak’s base with three parameters. Using the Laplace transform method, an approximation of an analytical solution is found for the field variables being examined. A comparison was made of the impacts of laser pulse length, the three foundation coefficients, and the thermal parameters on the responses to changes in measured thermophysical fields, such as deflection and temperature.

The term “optical thermoelasticity” is used to describe how the optical properties of a material change when it is heated or deformed mechanically. The issues of effective elastic and heat transfer symmetry are given particular focus. This study gives a new nonlocal theoretical formulation for a thermo-optical elastic material that can be used to describe how thermomechanical waves and plasma waves relate to the symmetry of semiconductor materials such as silicon or germanium. The suggested model includes the idea of nonlocal elasticity and a modified Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) heat conduction equation with nonsingular fractional derivative operators. The heat transfer equation has been converted and generalized into a nonsingular fractional form based on the concepts of Atangana and Baleanu (AB) using the Mittag–Leffler kernel. The developed model is used to examine the effect of thermal loading by ramp-type heating on a free plane of unbounded semiconductor material symmetries. Using the Laplace transform approach, we may analytically obtain linear solutions for the investigated thermo-photo-elastic fields, such as temperature. The Discussion section includes a set of graphs that were generated using Mathematica to evaluate the impact of the essential parameters.

We examine the temporal comportment of formation entanglement and quantum coherence in a quantum system made up of two superconducting charge qubits (SC-Qs), in the case of two different classes of nonlinear field. The results discussed the impact role of time-dependent coupling (T-DC) and dipole-dipole interaction (D-DI) on the temporal comportment of quantum coherence and entanglement in the ordinary and nonlinear field. In addition, we show that the main parameters of the quantum model affect the entanglement of formation and the coherence of the system in a similar way.

Bilingualism has been shown to induce neuroplasticity in the brain, but conflicting evidence regarding its specific effects in grey matter continues to emerge, probably due to methodological differences between studies, as well as approaches that may miss the variability and dynamicity of bilingual experience. In our study, we devised a continuous score of bilingual experiences and we investigated their non-linear effects on regional GM volume in a sample of young healthy participants from an immersive and naturalistic bilingual environment. We focused our analyses on cortical and subcortical regions that had been previously proposed as part of the bilingual speech pipeline and language control network. Our results showed a non-linear relationship between bilingualism score and grey matter volume of the inferior frontal gyrus. We also found linear increases in volumes of putamen and cerebellum as a function of bilingualism score. These results go in line with predictions for immersive and naturalistic bilingual environments with increased intensity and diversity of language use and provide further evidence supporting the dynamicity of bilingualism’s effects on brain structure.

Abstract In our paper we address the thermoelasticity theory of the strain gradient. First, we define the mixed problem with initial and boundary data in this context. Then, with the help of an identity of Lagrange type, we prove some uniqueness theorems with regards to the solution of this problem and two theorems with regards to the continuous dependence of solutions on loads and on initial data. We want to highlight that the use of the approach proposed in this work enables obtaining results without recourse to any boundedness assumptions on the coefficients or to any laws of conservation of energy. Also, we do not impose restrictions on thermoelastic coefficients regarding their positive definition.

In this paper, we obtain a generalization of the Gronwall’s inequality to cover the study of porous elastic media considering their internal state variables. Based on some estimations obtained in three auxiliary results, we use this form of the Gronwall’s inequality to prove the uniqueness of solution for the mixed initial-boundary value problem considered in this context. Thus, we can conclude that even if we take into account the internal variables, this fact does not affect the uniqueness result regarding the solution of the mixed initial-boundary value problem in this context.

In engineering practice, structures with identical components or parts are useful from several points of view: less information is needed to describe the system; designs can be conceptualized quicker and easier; components are made faster than during traditional complex assembly; and finally, the time needed to achieve the structure and the cost involved in manufacturing decrease. Additionally, the subsequent maintenance of this system then becomes easier and cheaper. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an opportunity for international researchers to share and review recent advances in the finite element modeling of computational friction contact mechanics. Numerical modeling in mathematics, mechanical engineering, computer science, computers, etc. presents many challenges. The finite element method applied in solid mechanics was designed by engineers to simulate numerical models in order to reduce the design costs of prototypes, tests and measurements. This method was initially validated only by measurements but gave encouraging results. After the discovery of Sobolev spaces, the abovementioned results were obtained, and today, numerous researchers are working on improving this method. Some of applications of this method in solid mechanics include mechanical engineering, machine and device design, civil engineering, aerospace and automotive engineering, robotics, etc. Frictional contact is a complex phenomenon that has led to research in mechanical engineering, computational contact mechanics, composite material design, rigid body dynamics, robotics, etc. A good simulation requires that the dynamics of contact with friction be included in the formulation of the dynamic system so that an approximation of the complex phenomena can be made. To solve these linear or nonlinear dynamic systems, which often have non-differentiable terms, or discontinuities, software that considers these high-performance numerical methods and computers with high computing power are needed. This Special Issue is dedicated to this kind of mechanical structure and to describing the properties and methods of analysis of these structures. Discrete or continuous structures in static and dynamic cases are also considered. Additionally, theoretical models, mathematical methods and numerical analysis of these systems, such as the finite element method and experimental methods, are used in these studies. Machine building, automotive, aerospace and civil engineering are the main areas in which such applications appear, but they can also be found in most other engineering fields. With this Special Issue, we want to disseminate knowledge among researchers, designers, manufacturers and users in this exciting field.

The aim of this paper is to present some important practical cases in the analysis of the creep response of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites. Some of the currently used models are described: the micromechanical model, homogenization technics, the Mori–Tanaka method, and the finite element method (FEM). Each method was analyzed to determine its advantages and disadvantages. Regarding the accuracy of the obtained results, comparisons are made with experimental tests. The methods presented here are applied to carbon-fiber-reinforced composites, but these considerations can also be applied to other types of composite materials.

The influence of vibrations on the position of the target in the interaction chamber of the ELI-NP facility represents an important element in any experiment with gamma beam rays. Also, several detection systems are provided around the interaction chamber for tracking the nuclear reactions that occur inside the interaction chamber. They are fixed with very high precision in relation to the interaction chamber. In addition to tracking the gamma ray beam, it must to know with great precision the position of the sample holder and of these detectors placed in laboratory. The precision required for a gamma-ray experiment is determined by the size of the studied material. If there is enough target material, then the precision is not important, but if we have a very small amount of material, then precision becomes significant. For a common experiment, accuracy is considered satisfactory for a value of 2µm. The paper analyzes the influence of anthropogenic and natural vibrations on the position of the target, located at the end of a guide beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]