This paper derives kinematic admissible bending moment – axial force (M-P) interaction relations for mild steel by considering strain hardening idealisations. Two models for strain hardening – Linear and parabolic have been considered, the parabolic model being closer to the experiments. The interaction relations can predict strains, which is not possible in a rigid, perfectly plastic idealizat...

FtsZ, a cytoskeletal protein homologous to tubulin, is the principle constituent of the division ring in bacterial cells. It is known to have force-generating capacity in vitro and has been conjectured to be the source of the constriction force in vivo. Several models have been proposed to explain the generation of force by the Z ring. Here we re-examine data from in vitro experiments in which ...

Although DNA is often bent in vivo, it is unclear how DNA-bending forces modulate DNAprotein binding affinity. Here, we report how a range of DNA-bending forces modulates the binding of the Integration Host Factor (IHF) protein to various DNAs. Using solution fluorimetry and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we measured the affinity of IHF for DNAs with different bending forces and sequenc...

Helical molecules change their twist number under the effect of a mechanical load. We study the twist-stretch relation for a set of short DNA molecules modeled by a mesoscopic Hamiltonian. Finite temperature path integral techniques are applied to generate a large ensemble of possible configurations for the base pairs of the sequence. The model also accounts for the bending and twisting fluctua...

Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) are an emerging actuation technology which are inherent lightweight and compliant in nature, enabling the development of unique and versatile devices, such as the Dielectric Elastomer Minimum Energy Structure (DEMES). We present the development of a multisegment DEMES actuator for use in a deployable microsatellite gripper. The satellite, called CleanSpace ...

In most of the sheet forming processes, production of the parts with minimum thickness variation and low required force is important. In this research, minimization of the sheet thinning and forming force in the hydraulic deep drawing process has been studied. Firstly, the process is simulated using the finite element method (FEM) and simulation model is verified using the experimental results....

BACKGROUND There is debate concerning methods for calculating numbers needed to treat (NNT) from results of systematic reviews. METHODS We investigate the susceptibility to bias for alternative methods for calculating NNTs through illustrative examples and mathematical theory. RESULTS Two competing methods have been recommended: one method involves calculating the NNT from meta-analytical e...