Helsinki University of Technology

About: Helsinki University of Technology is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Artificial neural network & Finite element method. The organization has 8962 authors who have published 20136 publications receiving 723787 citations. The organization is also known as: TKK & Teknillinen korkeakoulu.

Mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes with vacancies and related defects

Abstract: Although as-grown carbon nanotubes have relatively few defects, defects can appear at the purification stage or be deliberately introduced by irradiation with energetic particles or by chemical treatment when aiming at the desired functionality. The defects, especially vacancies, give also rise to a deleterious effect – deterioration of axial mechanical properties of nanotubes. By employing molecular dynamics simulations and continuum theory we study how the Young’s modulus and tensile strength of nanotubes with vacancy-related defects depend on the concentration of defects and defect characteristics. We derive an analytical expression, with coefficients parametrized from atomistic computer simulations, which relates the Young’s modulus and defect density in carbon nanotubes. We further show that the tensile strength and critical strain of single-walled nanotubes decrease by nearly a factor of two if an unreconstructed vacancy is present. However, this deterioration in the mechanical characteristics is partly alleviated by the ability of nanotubes to heal vacancies in the atomic network by saturating dangling bonds.

Ventilation and health in non-industrial indoor environments: report from a European multidisciplinary scientific consensus meeting (EUROVEN).

Abstract: Scientific literature on the effects of ventilation on health, comfort, and productivity in non-industrial indoor environments (offices, schools, homes, etc.) has been reviewed by a multidisciplinary group of European scientists, called EUROVEN, with expertise in medicine, epidemiology, toxicology, and engineering. The group reviewed 105 papers published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and judged 30 as conclusive, providing sufficient information on ventilation, health effects, data processing, and reporting, 14 as providing relevant background information on the issue, 43 as relevant but non-informative or inconclusive, and 18 as irrelevant for the issue discussed. Based on the data in papers judged conclusive, the group agreed that ventilation is strongly associated with comfort (perceived air quality) and health [Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms, inflammation, infections, asthma, allergy, short-term sick leave], and that an association between ventilation and productivity (performance of office work) is indicated. The group also concluded that increasing outdoor air supply rates in non-industrial environments improves perceived air quality; that outdoor air supply rates below 25 l/s per person increase the risk of SBS symptoms, increase short-term sick leave, and decrease productivity among occupants of office buildings; and that ventilation rates above 0.5 air changes per hour (h-1) in homes reduce infestation of house dust mites in Nordic countries. The group concluded additionally that the literature indicates that in buildings with air-conditioning systems there may be an increased risk of SBS symptoms compared with naturally or mechanically ventilated buildings, and that improper maintenance, design, and functioning of air-conditioning systems contributes to increased prevalence of SBS symptoms.