Membrane Forces Research Articles

Myogenic contraction of a somatic muscle powers rhythmic flow of hemolymph through Drosophila antennae and generates brain pulsations.

Hemolymph is driven through the antennae of Drosophila melanogaster by the rhythmic contraction of muscle 16 (m16), which runs through the brain. Contraction of m16 results in the expansion of an elastic ampulla, opening ostia and filling the ampulla. Relaxation of the ampullary membrane forces hemolymph through vessels into the antennae. We show that m16 is an auto-active rhythmic somatic muscle. The activity of m16 leads to the rapid perfusion of the antenna by hemolymph. In addition, it leads to the rhythmic agitation of the brain, which could be important for clearing the interstitial space.

Experimental investigation of the shear strength of one‐way reinforced concrete (RC) slabs subjected to concentrated loads and in‐plane transverse axial tension

AbstractThis paper presents the results of an experimental campaign carried out to investigate the effects of in‐plane transverse tensile forces on the shear strength of linearly supported one‐way reinforced concrete (RC) slabs without shear reinforcement subjected to concentrated loads. A total of 5 half scale slabs (1650 × 1650 × 120 mm), subjected simultaneously to different levels of in‐plane tensile forces and a concentrated load were tested up to failure. The clear shear span to effective depth ratio av/d was equal to 3 in all tests, to minimize the effects of the direct transmission of the load to the closest support, the so called arching action. As observed, the shear strength barely decreases with increasing values of the tensile force applied, even for values of the external force that cracked the concrete cross‐section of the slabs in the direction perpendicular to the span. These observations may indicate that the shear–flexural behavior in the spanning direction is not significantly affected by the membrane forces in the transverse direction.

Modeling damaged precast structural system when its robustness check

Within the framework of traditional approaches to checking for resistance of reinforced concrete buildings and structures to the progressive collapse development, membrane (chain) forces in a damaged structural system are calculated separately, without considering its non-linear bending behavior during the formation of the plastic hinges and without checking the possibility of achieving large deflections.The authors propose an approach to modelling a nonlinear quasi-static reaction of a damaged structural system in an accidental design situation. This approach considers non-linear bending and the resistance of reserved horizontal ties, considering their ultimate ductility. The authors verified the proposed approach based on the results of experimental studies by others researchers.An example of the application of the proposed approach in assessing the robustness of a structural system made of precast concrete with a sudden removal of the central column is considered. In accordance with the provisions of the energy approach, an analysis is made of the contribution of individual resistance mechanisms to the total quasi-static and dynamic resistance of the damaged structural system.We show that the proposed calculation model adequately describes the behavior of a damaged structural system in an accidental design situation, and therefore to carry out parametric studies and check the robustness of building structures.

Cyclodextrins increase membrane tension and are universal activators of mechanosensitive channels

The bacterial mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS) has been extensively studied to understand how mechanical forces are converted into the conformational changes that underlie mechanosensitive (MS) channel gating. We showed that lipid removal by β-cyclodextrin can mimic membrane tension. Here, we show that all cyclodextrins (CDs) can activate reconstituted Escherichia coli MscS, that MscS activation by CDs depends on CD-mediated lipid removal, and that the CD amount required to gate MscS scales with the channel's sensitivity to membrane tension. Importantly, cholesterol-loaded CDs do not activate MscS. CD-mediated lipid removal ultimately causes MscS desensitization, which we show is affected by the lipid environment. While many MS channels respond to membrane forces, generalized by the "force-from-lipids" principle, their different molecular architectures suggest that they use unique ways to convert mechanical forces into conformational changes. To test whether CDs can also be used to activate other MS channels, we chose to investigate the mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) and demonstrate that CDs can also activate this structurally unrelated channel. Since CDs can open the least tension-sensitive MS channel, MscL, they should be able to open any MS channel that responds to membrane tension. Thus, CDs emerge as a universal tool for the structural and functional characterization of unrelated MS channels.

Failure analysis of collapsed parking garage building due to punching

The article deals with failure analysis of collapsed parking garage building due to punching shear failure of the roof slab. Overloading of the roof slab-column connections led to the progressive collapse of the five-story building. The reason of the failure is known however, answer how the structure could withstand such a high level of overloading for 8 months when the ratio of design values of shear force vs. punching capacity βVEd/VRd reached a value of 3.9 provides the article. The design equations for prediction punching capacity, e.g. the EC2 or ACI 318–19 model, are empirical models calibrated using results of the tests carried out on isolated slab specimens. Therefore, they do not allow take into account the favourable effect of membrane forces and redistribution of bending moments in continuous flat slabs. Application of the Critical Shear Crack Theory (CSCT) in combination with non-linear finite element analysis has shown actual punching shear capacity of the system.

Effect of Membrane Forces on Punching Shear Capacity of Flat Slabs

The paper presents the analysis of the membrane forces and moment redistribution effect on punching shear capacity of flat slabs on the area of the inner column. The previous experimental tests performed on the isolated slab specimens representing the slab-column connections are assessed by the method that uses the levels-of-approximation (LoA) approach, introduced in the fib Model Code 2010. LoA I to III are intended for design and the highest LoA IV, which uses non-linear finite element analysis (NLFEA) combined with the Critical Shear Crack Theory (CSCT) model is used for assessment and a better understanding of the punching shear phenomenon. Both, multi-layered (2D) shell and three-dimensional (3D) continuum elements were used to model the slab-column connection specimen and were found to accurately predict the structural response. The numerical model was then used to conduct a parametric study on the influence of slab continuity on punching shear resistance. The results from a non-linear analysis of continuous slab models are then compared with the punching shear resistance obtained from the code provisions. The paper will present the obtained results by the LoA method and recommendations concerning of NLFEA modelling of RC flat slabs.

Checking of the robustness of precast structural systems based on the energy balance method

Introduction. The robustness requirements should be fulfilled already at the stage of conceptual design of the structural system, taking into account the use of various strategies for its protection from progressive collapse. Compared to monolithic reinforced concrete structural systems, precast concrete systems are more susceptible to the effects of accidental actions. To ensure the integrity of the damaged system in the original prefabricated structural system, it is necessary to provide (reserve) a sufficient number of horizontal (internal and perimetric) and vertical ties with the required degree of continuity and plastic deformability.
 
 Materials and methods. Analytical models of the resistance of horizontal ties based on the equations of the energy balance of the system.
 
 Results. On a real example of a prefabricated floor, calculations of the required parameters of horizontal ties were performed according to the proposed dependencies, based on the model of the energy balance of the system and the design models included in the standards of various countries. Comparison of the results obtained showed that the calculation models of the norms in a number of cases can give an unsafe result, underestimating the required cross-sectional area of horizontal ties. This is due to the fact that all dependencies for calculating the tie forces are based on constant values of the ultimate deflection (usually from 1/6 to 1/10 of the span) without checking the limiting deformability of horizontal ties.
 
 Conclusions. Deformability of ties is one of the basic parameters that should be monitored when checking the robustness of structural systems made of precast concrete. The proposed method, based on the provisions of the energy balance, makes it possible to take into account the limiting deformability of horizontal ties when determining the membrane (chain) forces and calculate the maximum dynamic response of the damaged structural system.

Theoretical prediction model of mean crushing force of CFRP‐Al hybrid circular tubes under axial compression

AbstractThe CFRP‐Al hybrid thin‐walled structure combines the dual advantages of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and metal, which is one of the crucial methods for both lightweight and high strength. This study aimed to explore the theoretical prediction of the mean crushing force of the hybrid tubes with different winding angles subjected to axial compression. In order to construct the theoretical model of the hybrid structural energy absorption response, the failure modes, and deformative behavior of the hybrid tubes are analyzed and summarized based on the axial compression experiments. Considering the effects of winding angles on the energy dissipation and deformation characteristic of hybrid circular tubes, the expressions of membrane force and bending energy per unit length are obtained. Then, the analytical model is established to predict the mean crushing force of the CFRP‐Al hybrid circular tube. Furthermore, the results of the prediction model are compared according to different failure criteria of composite materials. The findings show that the predicted values of the maximum stress failure are more consistent with the experimental values, in which the discrepancy between analytically predicted and experimentally tested mean crushing forces of these hybrid tubes is no more than 10%. The results can provide a basis for the design of the composite‐metal hybrid thin‐walled tube.

Searching for admissible thrust surfaces in axial-symmetric masonry domes: Some first explicit solutions

Determining the internal forces acting within a masonry dome or vault loaded by an assigned distribution of external actions is a problem that is still open, as evidenced by even recent contributions to the scientific literature on the topic. The present work intends to address this issue by proposing a method for determining admissible distributions of stresses in vaults and masonry domes. The problem is solved analytically with the aim of obtaining, when possible, explicit expressions for the internal forces. Although applicable in principle to arbitrarily distributed loads, the procedure adopted herein for searching for statically admissible internal forces is described in detail for the case of distributed and concentrated vertical loads. The analysis is performed by building suitable analytical solutions to the so-called “direct” and “inverse” problems of a thin shell in which bending forces are nil and only membrane forces are present. The solutions thusly obtained are applied to vaults and domes by making use of the so-called “thrust surface” concept, which represents a natural generalization of the thrust line for masonry arches. According to Heyman’s hypothesis for masonry, when the thrust surface is entirely contained within the vault thickness, a corresponding statically admissible stress field can be found. Thrust surfaces corresponding to admissible stress fields are determined by means of an expressly developed iterative procedure that begins by assigning an initial shape to the thrust surface. Then, by suitably using the solutions of the inverse problem, the shape of the thrust surface is modified so that the corresponding stresses become, when possible, statically admissible. By using the well-known theorems of limit analysis, both the mechanical and geometric safety coefficients are assessed for vaults and existing domes. As an example, the proposed procedure is applied to three practical case studies: a hemispherical dome of constant thickness, the dome of the Rome Pantheon, and the dome of Bernini’s Santa Maria Assunta Church in Ariccia (Rome).

Models to study photoinduced multiple proton coupled electron transfer processes

In water-oxidizing photosynthetic organisms, excitation of the reaction-center chlorophylls (P680) triggers a cascade of electron and proton transfer reactions that establish charge separation across the membrane and proton-motive force. An early oxidation step in this process involves proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) via a tyrosine-histidine redox relay (Yz-H190). Herein, we report the synthesis and structural characterization of two isomeric dyads designed to model this PCET process. Both are based on the same high potential fluorinated porphyrin (model for P680), linked to isomeric pyridylbenzimidazole-phenols (models for Yz-H190). The two isomeric dyads have different hydrogen bond frameworks, which is expected to change the PCET photooxidation mechanism. In these dyads, 1H NMR evidence indicates that in one dyad the hydrogen bond network would support a Grotthuss-type proton transfer process, whereas in the other the hydrogen bond network is interrupted. Photoinduced one-electron, two-proton transfer is expected to occur in the fully hydrogen-bonded dyad upon oxidation of the phenol by the excited state of the porphyrin. In contrast for the isomer with the interrupted hydrogen bond network, an ultrafast photoinduced one-electron one-proton transfer process is anticipated, followed by a much slower proton transfer to the terminal proton acceptor. Understanding the nature of photoinduced PCET mechanisms in these biomimetic models will provide insights into the design of future generations of artificial constructs involved in energy conversion schemes.

Ultimate strength assessment of stiffened panel under uni-axial compression with non-linear equivalent single layer approach

Steel stiffened panels are widely used in engineering design and construction. However, numerical modeling and analysis effort for a three-dimensional (3D) stiffened panel may be notable, especially for the ultimate limit state of ship structures. Therefore, a homogenization method is outlined that transforms 3D stiffened panel into an Equivalent Single Layer (ESL) concerning the same mechanical behavior. ESL stiffnesses are obtained with a unit cell analyses based on stiffened panel where periodicity is imposed with boundary conditions based on a first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). Stiffnesses were determined from the first derivative of a membrane force and bending moment obtained with numerical simulations. The effect of initial imperfection shape was included in the analysis to account for local and global buckling behavior. ESL with non-linear stiffness was implemented in Abaqus UGENS subroutine, allowing incremental evaluation of stiffness. Ultimate strength prediction of a steel grillage model with ESL finite element analysis was in excellent agreement with detailed 3D FEM analysis. The key in this analysis was consideration of non-linear ESL stiffness as linear analysis was unable to detect the point where ultimate strength capacity of the grillage was reached.

PalaCell2D: A framework for detailed tissue morphogenesis

In silico, cell based approaches for modeling biological morphogenesis are used to test and validate our understanding of the biological and mechanical processes that are at work during the growth and the organization of multi-cell tissues. As compared to in vivo experiments, computer based frameworks dedicated to tissue modeling allow us to easily test different hypotheses, and to quantify the impact of various biophysically relevant parameters. Here, we propose a formalism based on a detailed, yet simple, description of cells that accounts for intra-, inter- and extra-cellular mechanisms. More precisely, cell growth and division are described through the space and time evolution of the membrane vertices. These vertices follow a Newtonian dynamics, meaning that their evolution is controlled by different types of forces: a membrane force (spring and bending), an adherence force (inter-cellular spring), external and internal pressure forces. Different evolution laws can be applied to the internal pressure, depending on the intra-cellular mechanism of interest. In addition to the cells dynamics, our formalism further relies on a lattice Boltzmann method, using the Palabos library, to simulate the diffusion of chemical signals. The latter aims at driving the growth and migration of a tissue by simply changing the state of the cells. All of this leads to an accurate description of the growth and division of cells, with realistic cell shapes and where membranes can have different properties. While this work is mainly of methodological nature, we also propose to validate our framework through simple, yet biologically relevant benchmark tests at both single-cell and full tissue scales. This includes free and chemically controlled cell tissue growth in an unbounded domain. The ability of our framework to simulate cell migration, cell compression and morphogenesis under external constraints is also investigated in a qualitative manner.

Analytical approach for membrane action in laterally-restrained reinforced concrete square slabs under uniformly distributed loads

Laterally-restrained reinforced concrete slabs can mobilise compressive membrane action and subsequent tensile membrane action under extreme loading conditions, thereby enhancing the load resistance under uniformly distributed loads. Previous analytical study focuses primarily on tensile membrane action in simply-supported slabs. This paper describes an analytical approach for membrane action in laterally-restrained square slabs. In the model, a yield line pattern is presumed for slabs, and the whole slab is divided into a strip system in the orthogonal directions. Each strip is analysed by establishing compatibility and equilibrium. The model is validated against test data of reinforced concrete square slabs, and reasonably good agreement is obtained in terms of the load capacity. The distributions of membrane force, bending moment and neutral axis depth along yield lines are also obtained through the analytical approach, and propagation of the tension zone from the centre towards the edge of slabs is also demonstrated by using the contour of membrane forces in the slab. Contributions of bending moment and membrane force to the load resistance of slabs are quantified by decomposing the total resistance according to equilibrium. The contribution of each slab strip is also quantified to gain insight on the distribution of resistance in the whole slab. Finally, a design method is proposed to calculate the capacity of compressive membrane action in square slabs.

Numerical Modeling of Initial Stress Stiffening Effect on the Dynamic Behavior of Axisymmetric Shells

AbstractThis paper presents a numerical model to simulate the initial stress stiffening effect, induced by radial pressure and/or axial load on the dynamic behavior of axisymmetric shells. This effect is particularly important for thin shells since their bending stiffness is very small compared to membrane stiffness. The theoretical formulation is based on a combination of the finite element method and classical shell theory. For a perfect geometrical consistency, two semi-analytical finite elements, conical and cylindrical, are used to model axisymmetric shells. The displacement functions are derived from exact solutions of Sanders' shell equilibrium equations. The results obtained using this approach are remarkably accurate. The potential energy is calculated to estimate the initial stiffening effect using direct membrane forces per unit width and rotations about the orthogonal axes. The final stiffness matrix of each finite element is composed of the regular stiffness matrix and the added stiffness matrix generated by membrane loads. The frequencies of vibration are compared with those obtained in other experimental and theoretical research works and very good agreement is observed.

Ultrafast excited state dynamics of provitamin D3 and analogs in solution and in lipid bilayers.

The photochemical ring-opening reaction of 7-dehydrocholesterol (DHC, provitamin D3) is responsible for the light-initiated formation of vitamin D3 in mammalian skin membranes. Visible transient absorption spectroscopy was used to explore the excited state dynamics of DHC and two analogs: ergosterol (provitamin D2) and DHC acetate free in solution and confined to lipid bilayers chosen to model the biological cell membrane. In solution, the excited state dynamics of the three compounds are nearly identical. However, when confined to lipid bilayers, the heterogeneity of the lipid membrane and packing forces imposed on the molecule by the lipid alter the excited state dynamics of these compounds. When confined to lipid bilayers in liposomes formed using DPPC, two solvation environments are identified. The excited state dynamics for DHC and analogs in fluid-like regions of the liposome membrane undergo internal conversion and ring-opening on 1 ps-2 ps time scales, similar to those observed in isotropic solution. In contrast, the excited state lifetime of a subpopulation in regions of lower fluidity is 7 ps-12 ps. The long decay component is unique to these liposomes and results from the structural properties of the lipid bilayer. Additional measurements in liposomes prepared with lipids having slightly longer or shorter alkane tails support this conclusion. In the lipid environments studied, the longest lifetimes are observed for DHC. The unsaturated sterol tail of ergosterol and the acetate group of DHC acetate disrupt the packing around the molecule and permit faster internal conversion and relaxation back to the ground state.

Thermo-mechanical buckling of stepped circular bi-laminates

Thermo-mechanical buckling of stepped circular bi-laminates subjected to a uniform temperature field is investigated analytically. The governing equations are derived via the Principal of Stationary Potential Energy, resulting in self-consistent constitutive equations of the composite structure, as well as the equations of motion and the associated matching and boundary conditions for the composite structure. A loading parameter is identified, and closed form analytical solutions to the non-linear problem are obtained, yielding exact results within the context of the formulation. A stability criterion is established based on the second variation of the total potential energy of the system in order to identify regions of stable and unstable equilibrium configurations, and a critical temperature and a critical membrane force are determined. Simulation results based on the analytical solutions are generated and a critical and characteristic behavior is assessed for both clamped-fixed supports and hinged-fixed supports conditions. The phenomenon of “sling-shot buckling” is observed. Results of parameter studies are also presented, which demonstrate the influence that material and geometric parameters of the system have on critical behavior. In particular, thermal expansion coefficient ratio, modulus ratio and thickness ratio all play a non-trivial role in the temperature carrying capacity of the structure for relatively large patches. Because the loading parameters and geometric parameters appear explicitly in the analytical solution and simulations, the model and results will be useful towards the design of micro-electromechanical systems, smart structures and related configurations.

Prestin Generates Instantaneous Force in Outer Hair Cell Membranes

Prestin Generates Instantaneous Force in Outer Hair Cell Membranes

Non-linear vibrations of a simply supported rectangular plate carrying a centric mass

Vibration is something that surrounds us in all areas, from everyday life to advanced industries. Among them, plates are found anywhere, so it has taken a fair share of study and analysis. Often, plates hold one or many point masses which completely changes their vibration frequencies and mode shapes. So, the main objective of this work is to analyze the effect of an added centric mass on the vibration Characteristics of simply supported rectangular plates and in both the linear and non-linear vibration regimes. The theoretical formulation adopted is based on Hamilton’s principle and spectral analysis. The expressions for the kinetic, linear and non-linear strain energies are derived taking into account the effect of the added mass on the kinetic energy and the effect of the membrane forces induced by the non-linearity on the strain energy. The generated equation has been solved numerically via an iterative procedure permitting to obtain the amplitude dependent frequencies and mode shapes. The results presented in this article are expected to be useful, both quantitatively and qualitatively, for a better understanding of the vibration of plates with an added mass.

Deformation and failure of thin spherical shells under dynamic impact loading: Experiment and analytical model

Thin curved shells are widely used in engineering. A shallow spherical shell is an effective representation of a curved shell affected by local impact loading. Therefore, the dynamic response of spherical shells under impact loading should be investigated to provide a design reference for curved shells applicable to engineering fields. In this study, the dynamic response and perforation of an aluminum spherical shell impacted by a cylindrical projectile were investigated theoretically. An isometric transformation was adopted to describe the major bending deformation of the spherical shell around the impact point. In addition, an edge region between the major bending part and an undeformed part was observed experimentally and described using a deformation mode. Hamilton's principle was adopted to derive the governing equations of the dynamic response of the impacted spherical shell. Furthermore, a viscoplastic strengthened model was introduced to describe the membrane force and bending moment of the perforation, whereas a rigid–plastic model was used to calculate the force and moment of the other parts of the spherical shell. The governing equations combined with the strengthened model were solved using the Runge–Kutta method. A comparison between the theoretical predictions and experimental results indicated a good agreement between them. Finally, the effects of the parameters set in the governing equations of the theoretical prediction were analyzed. We observed that the theoretical model predicted dimple radius more accurately than dimple depth. The dimple depth is linearly proportional to the impact velocity. In addition, the assumed sizes of the shear region of perforation only affect the ballistic limit and deformation generated by a velocity higher than the ballistic limit. The deformation and perforation of the impacted shell are almost independent of the initial width of the edge region of deformation. Additionally, we observed that the ballistic limit of the shell is linearly proportional to the shell thickness.

The anchor domain is critical for Piezo1 channel mechanosensitivity

ABSTRACT The mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 is a crucial membrane mechanosensor ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cell types. Critical to its function in mechanosensory transduction is its ability to change conformation in response to applied mechanical force. Here, we interrogate the role of the anchor domain in the mechanically induced gating of human Piezo1 channels. Using the insertion of glycine residues at each corner of the triangular-shaped anchor domain to decouple this domain we provide evidence that the anchor is important in Piezo1 mechano-gating. Insertion of two extra glycine residues between the anchor and the outer helix of human Piezo1 causes abrogated inactivation and reduced mechanosensitivity. Whereas inserting two glycine residues at the apex of the anchor domain at the conserved amino acid P2113 causes the channel to be more sensitive to membrane forces. Correlation of stretch sensitivity with the volume of the neighboring amino acid, natively a phenylalanine (F2114), suggests this is caused by removal of steric hindrance on the inner pore-lining helix. Smaller volume amino acids at this residue increase sensitivity whereas larger volume reduces mechanosensitivity. The combined data show that the anchor domain is a critical region for Piezo1-mediated force transduction.