A pre-stretched dielectric elastomer is capable of large deformation, when subject to voltage. This paper investigates the effect of two types of pre-stretch: by strain and by stress. The difference is compared and discussed using thermodynamics models. The significance of the pre-stretch in actuation is explained by examining the true stress in actuation. Under both pre-stretch strategies, during the actuation, the dielectric elastomer exhibits hysteresis loops due to snap-through but differs in shape and physical quantity.

Dear friends:

I’d like to bring to your attention three recently published books that I have read. The following are a few words about each book in the order that I read them.

1) “Vito Volterra” by A. Guerraggio and G. Paoloni
http://www.amazon.com/Vito-Volterra-Angelo-Guerraggio/dp/3642272622/ref…

What is the importance of strain rate on structural response under blast load?

This and other issues are discussed in the recent paper from Stochino F. and Carta G.:

“SDOF models for reinforced concrete beams under impulsive loads accounting for strain rate effects”, DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2014.05.022, Nuclear Engineering and Design 276, (2014), 74-86.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002954931400301X

Contact: Dr. Siddiq Qidwai, siddiq.qidwai [at] nrl.navy.mil

Postdoc Information: http://hroffice.nrl.navy.mil/jobs/postdoc.htm. Note the substantial stipend and benefits.

NOTE: US Citizenship is required for all positions. US Permanent Residents may be acceptable in certain circumstances.

Please see attached for the announcement of the annual ASME IMECE 2014 (Montreal) student paper and travel award competition

The Microstructure Testing and Analysis Laboratory at Purdue University, School of Mechanical Engineering is seeking a highly qualified candidate for a Postdoctoral Research Associate
position in the area of Computational Mechanics of Materials. This position is available immediately.