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R. K. Gupta

Publications and source records attributed to R. K. Gupta.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Current progress in corrosion of multi principal element alloys

Whilst multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) remain a promising class of materials owing to several attractive mechanical properties, their corrosion performance is also unique. In this concise review, we present an emerging overview of some of the general features related to MPEA corrosion, following a decade of work in the field. This includes highlighting some of the key aspects related to the electrochemical phenomena in MPEA corrosion, and the relevant future works required for a holistic mechanistic understanding. In addition, a comprehensive database of the reported corrosion performance of MPEAs is presented, based on works reported to date. The database is assembled to also allow users to undertake machine learning or their own data analysis, with a parsed representation of alloy composition, test electrolyte, and corrosion related parameters.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Effect of relative in-plane twisting in graphene bilayer on sensing using surface plasmon resonance

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is generally observed by excitation of surface plasmon polaritons on the metal (Au/Ag) surface. In order to utilize the SPR phenomenon for sensing application, the metal surface is functionalized with suitable ligands. Although such functionalization can enhance the specific adsorption capability of the sensor however due to large thickness of the ligands, the plasmonic field of the metal surface becomes less sensitive towards the adsorption of analytes. In the next generation SPR based sensor, graphene can be utilized not only as plasmonic material but also a suitable ligand for attracting analytes through π-π interaction. In this article, we present our theoretical simulation studies on the observation of SPR phenomenon using graphene monolayer (MLG), bilayer graphene (BLG) and in-plane twisted layers of BLG (T-BLG) as plasmonic materials deposited over Zinc-Selenide substrate. The Kretschmann configuration under wavelength interrogation setup was simulated and SPR wavelength for graphene systems/water interface was estimated. The bio-sensing simulation was performed and the sensing parameters viz. sensitivity, figure-of-merit (FOM) and plasmonic field for different graphene systems were obtained. Interestingly, the excellent sensing parameters were found in T-BLG system with relative in-plane twist angle near to magic angle viz. 1o. The enhancement is due to strong coupling between the layers twisted at the magic angle. This study demonstrates that the monolayer, bilayer and twisted bilayer graphene can be employed as a standalone layer system for not only generation of plasmonic fields but also enhanced sensing due to its intrinsic pi-pi interactions with bio-analytes.

physics.optics

Photoinduced modulation of refractive index in Langmuir-Blodgett films of Azo-based H-shaped liquid crystal molecules

The development of optically active area consisting of organic molecules are essential for the devices like optical switches and waveguides, as it can be easily maneuvered by the application of suitable electromagnetic (EM) waves. In this article, we report the development of a photoactive surface by the deposition of a single layer of Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film of a novel H-shaped liquid crystal (HLC) molecule. The synthesized HLC molecules possess azo-groups and nitro-groups. The azo-group can be isomerized (trans-cis transformation) by irradiating them with ultraviolet (UV) light. The nitro-group can provide sufficient amphiphilicity to the HLC molecules to form a stable Langmuir monolayer at air-water interface. The Langmuir monolayer of the HLC molecules exhibited gas and liquid-like phases. A single layer of LB film of HLC molecules was deposited on a gold chip of a home-built surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instrument. The azo-groups of the molecules in LB film was excited by UV irradiation leading to a change in morphology due to trans-cis transformation. Such a change in morphology can lead to a miniscule change in refractive index (RI) of the LB film. SPR is a label free and highly sensitive optical phenomenon for the measurement of such changes in RI. In our studies, we found systematic changes in the resonance angle of the LB film of HLC molecules as a function of intensity of the UV irradiation. We measured switch-on and switch-off intensity which may suggest that the LB film of HLC molecules can find applications in optical switches or waveguides.

physics.optics

cardiGAN: A Generative Adversarial Network Model for Design and Discovery of Multi Principal Element Alloys

Multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs), inclusive of high entropy alloys (HEAs), continue to attract significant research attention owing to their potentially desirable properties. Although MPEAs remain under extensive research, traditional (i.e. empirical) alloy production and testing is both costly and time-consuming, partly due to the inefficiency of the early discovery process which involves experiments on a large number of alloy compositions. It is intuitive to apply machine learning in the discovery of this novel class of materials, of which only a small number of potential alloys has been probed to date. In this work, a proof-of-concept is proposed, combining generative adversarial networks (GANs) with discriminative neural networks (NNs), to accelerate the exploration of novel MPEAs. By applying the GAN model herein, it was possible to directly generate novel compositions for MPEAs, and to predict their phases. To verify the predictability of the model, alloys designed by the model are presented and a candidate produced; as validation. This suggests that the model herein offers an approach that can significantly enhance the capacity and efficiency of development of novel MPEAs.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

On exact solutions, conservation laws and invariant analysis of the generalized Rosenau-Hyman equation

In this paper, the nonlinear Rosenau-Hyman equation with time dependent variable coefficients is considered for investigating its invariant properties, exact solutions and conservation laws. Using Lie classical method, we derive symmetries admitted by considered equation. Symmetry reductions are performed for each components of optimal set. Also nonclassical approach is employed on considered equation to find some additional supplementary symmetries and corresponding symmetry reductions are performed. Later three kinds of exact solutions of considered equation are presented graphically for different parameters. In addition, local conservation laws are constructed for considered equation by multiplier approach.

nlin.SI

Neck configuration of Cm and Cf nuclei in the fission state within relativistic mean field formalism

A correlation is established between the neutron multiplicity and the neutrons number in the fission state of Curium and Californium isotopes within a microscopic study using relativistic mean field formalism. The study includes the isotopes of Cm and Cf nuclei near the valley of stability, and hence is likely to play an important role in the artificial synthesis of superheavy nuclei. The static fission path, the neutron$-$proton asymmetry, the evolution of the neck and their composition in terms of nucleon numbers are also estimated. We find a maximum ratio for average neutron to proton density, which is about $1.6$ in the breakdown of the liquid$-$drop picture for $^{248}$Cm and $^{252}$Cf. A strong dependence of the neutron$-$proton asymmetry on the neutron multiplicity in an isotopic chain is also observed.

nucl-th

On invariant analysis and conservation laws for degenerate coupled multi-KdV equations for multiplicity l = 3

The degenerate coupled multi-KdV equations for coupled multiplicity l=3 are studied. The equations also known as three fields Kaup-Boussinesq equations are considered for invariant analysis and conservation laws. The classical Lie's symmetry method is used to analyze the symmetries of equations. Based on Killing's form which is invariant of adjoint action, the full classification for Lie algebra is presented. Further, one-dimensional optimal group classification is used to obtain invariant solutions. Besides this, using general theorem proved by Ibragimov we find several nonlocal conservation laws for these equations. The conserved currents obtained in this work can be useful for the better understanding of some physical phenomena modeled by the underlying equations.

nlin.SI

Investigation of thickness dependent composition of boron carbide thin films by resonant soft x-ray reflectivity

Boron carbide thin films of different thicknesses deposited by ion beam sputtering were studied. The deposited films were characterized by grazing incidence hard x-ray reflectivity (GIXR), resonant soft x-ray reflectivity (RSXR), x-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS), resonant Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RRBS), and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). An in-depth profile of the chemical elements constitute the films is reconstructed based on analysis of reflectivity curves measured in the vicinity of B K-edge. The composition of films is closely dependent on film thickness. Boron to Carbon (B/C) ratio reaches to ~4 as the thickness of deposited films increases. The B/C ratio estimated from RSXR measurements are in agreement with the RRBS measurements. TOF-SIMS data also suggested that decrease in boron content with decrease in film thickness. XPS measurements confirm the presence of little amount of B atoms on the surface of low thickness film.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Stability, Tunneling and Flux Changing de Sitter Transitions in the Large Volume String Scenario

We study the non-perturbative stability of the Large Volume Scenario (LVS) of IIB string compactifications, by analysing transitions mediated by the Brown-Teitelboim (BT) brane nucleations and by Coleman De Luccia tunneling (CDL). We find that, as long as the effective field theory description holds, the LVS AdS minima are stable despite being non-supersymmetric. This opens the possibility of having a CFT dual. Metastable de Sitter vacua behave differently depending on the uplifting mechanism. We find explicit expressions for the different decay rates in terms of exponentials of the volume. Among the transitions of dS to dS those with increasing volume and decreasing vacuum energy are preferred, though dS decays to AdS (big-crunch sinks) have higher probability. However, the probability of transitions via the CDL mechanism to decompactification are exponentially much larger compared to these. The BT decays correspond to flux/D3 brane transitions mediated by the nucleation of D5/NS5 branes. We compare our results with previous analysis for KKLT, type IIA, and 6D Einstein-Maxwell studies. In particular we find no indication for a bubble of nothing decay.

hep-th

Constitutive equations for a polymer fluid based on the concept of non-affine networks

Constitutive equations are developed for a polymer fluid, which is treated as a permanent network of strands bridged by junctions. The junctions are assumed to slide with respect to their reference positions under loading. Governing equations are derived by using the laws of thermodynamics under the assumption that the vorticity tensor for the flow of junctions is proportional to that for macro-deformation. Explicit expressions are developed for the steady elongational viscosity, as well as for the steady shear viscosity and normal stress functions. To verify the constitutive relations, three sets of experimental data are approximated on polystyrene solutions with various molecular weights. It is demonstrated that the model can correctly describe stress overshoot for the shear stress and first normal stress difference in start-up tests with various strain rates. Adjustable parameters in the governing equations change consistently with the strain rate, molecular weight and concentration of entanglements. To validate the constitutive equations, observations on low-density polyethylene melt in uniaxial extensional flow are compared with the results of numerical analysis when the material constants are found by matching experimental data in shear tests.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Linear viscoelasticity of polyolefin melts: the effects of temperature and chain branching

Observations are reported in isothermal torsional oscillation tests on melts of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the intervals of temperature between 190 and 250C (iPP) and between 120 and 190C (LDPE). With reference to the concept of transient networks, constitutive equations are developed for the viscoelastic response of polymer melts at three-dimensional deformations with small strains. A melt is treated as an equivalent network of strands bridged by temporary junctions (entanglements and physical cross-links whose life-times exceed the characteristic time of deformation). The time-dependent behavior of the network is modelled as detachment of active strands from their junctions and merging of dangling strands with the network. The network is assumed to be strongly heterogeneous in the sense that different junctions have different activation energies for separation of strands. The stress-strain relations involve three adjustable parameters (the plateau modulus, the average activation energy for rearrangement of strands and the standard deviation of activation energies) that are determined by matching the dependencies of storage and loss moduli on frequency of oscillations. The difference in the effects of temperature on the material constants of iPP and LDPE is associated with the difference in their molecular architecture.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Thermal degradation and viscoelasticity of polypropylene-clay nanocomposites

Results of torsional oscillation tests are reported that were performed at the temperature T=230C on melts of a hybrid nanocomposite consisting of isotactic polypropylene reinforced with 5 wt.% of montmorillonite clay. Prior to mechanical testing, specimens were annealed at temperatures ranging from 250 to 310C for various amounts of time (from 15 to 420 min). Thermal treatment induced degradation of the matrix and a pronounced decrease in its molecular weight. An integro-differential equation is derived for the evolution of molecular weight based on the fragmentation-aggregation concept. This relation involves two adjustable parameters that are found by fitting observations. With reference to the theory of transient networks, constitutive equations are developed for the viscoelastic response of nanocomposite melts. The stress-strain relations are characterized by three material constants (the shear modulus, the average energy for rearrangement of strands and the standard deviation of activation energies) that are determined by matching the dependencies of storage and loss moduli on frequency of oscillations. Good agreement is demonstrated between the experimental data and the results of numerical simulation. It is revealed that the average energy for separation of strands from temporary junctions is independent of molecular weight, whereas the elastic modulus and the standard deviation of activation energies linearly increase with mass-average molecular weight.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

A model for anomalous moisture diffusion through a polymer-clay nanocomposite

Experimental data are reported on moisture diffusion and the elastoplastic response of an intercalated nanocomposite with vinyl ester resin matrix and montmorillonite clay filler at room temperature. Observations in diffusion tests show that water transport in the neat resin is Fickian, whereas it becomes anomalous (non-Fickian) with the growth of the clay content. This transition is attributed to immobilization of penetrant molecules on the surfaces of hydrophilic clay layers. Observations in uniaxial tensile tests demonstrate that the response of vinyl ester resin is strongly elastoplastic, whereas an increase in the clay content results in a severe decrease of plastic strains observed as a noticeable reduction of curvatures of the stress--strain diagrams. This is explained by slowing down of molecular mobility in the host matrix driven by confinement of chains in galleries between platelets. Constitutive equations are developed for the anomalous moisture diffusion through and the elastoplastic behavior of a nanocomposite. Adjustable parameters in these relations are found by fitting the experimental data. Fair agreement is demonstrated between the observations and the results of numerical simulation. A striking similarity is revealed between changes in diffusivity, ultimate water uptake and the rate of plastic flow with an increase in the clay content.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

The elastoplastic response of and moisture diffusion through a vinyl ester resin-clay nanocomposite

Experimental data are reported on the elastoplastic response of and moisture diffusion through a vinyl ester resin-montmorillonite clay nanocomposite with various amounts of filler. Two simple models are developed for the elastoplastic behavior of a nanocomposite and for the anomalous diffusion of penetrant molecules. Adjustable parameters in the constitutive equations are found by fitting the observations. It is revealed that some critical concentration of filler exists (about 1 wt.-%): in the sub-critical region of concentrations, molecular mobility of the host polymer strongly decreases with the clay content, whereas in the post-critical domain, the filler fraction weakly affects mobility of chains.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Fission and cluster decay of $^{76}$Sr nucleus in the ground-state and formed in heavy-ion reactions

Calculations for fission and cluster decay of $^{76}Sr$ are presented for this nucleus to be in its ground-state or formed as an excited compound system in heavy-ion reactions. The predicted mass distribution, for the dynamical collective mass transfer process assumed for fission of $^{76}Sr$, is clearly asymmetric, favouring $α$-nuclei. Cluster decay is studied within a preformed cluster model, both for ground-state to ground-state decays and from excited compound system to the ground-state(s) or excited states(s) of the fragments.

nucl-th