Shape memory alloys (SMAs) can produce large strains when deformed (e.g., up to 8%). Heating results in a phase transformation and associated recovery of all the accumdated strain. This strain recovery can occur against large forces, resulting in their use as actuators. Thus an SMA element can integrate both sensory and actuation fitnctions, by inhercEtly s e x k g a c h m ~ c ia temperature an...

In this paper, we will use a modified  variational iteration method (MVIM) for solving an inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP). The approximation of the temperature and the heat flux at  are considered. This method is based on the use of Lagrange multipliers for the identification of optimal values of parameters in a functional in Euclidian space. Applying this technique, a rapid convergent s...

BACKGROUND Gaps of sufficient cross-sectional dimensions within linear radiofrequency (RF) lesions may allow conduction through the lesion. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different gap geometries on conduction through discontinuous RF lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS Radiofrequency lesions were created in isolated, perfused rabbit right ventricular (RV) free wall preparat...

Understanding conduction in Cu(2)O is vital to the optimization of Cu-based p-type transparent conducting oxides. Using a screened hybrid-density-functional approach we have investigated the formation of p-type defects in Cu(2)O giving rise to single-particle levels that are deep in the band gap, consistent with experimentally observed activated, polaronic conduction. Our calculated transition ...

Some noteworthy and historical perspectives and overview of macroscale and microscale heat transport behavior in materials and structures are presented. The topic of heat waves is also discussed. The signiicance of constitutive models for both macroscale and microscale heat conduction are described in conjunction with generalizations drawn concerning the physical relevance and the role of relax...