Dynamic Crossover in Polymers , Role of Molecular Weight
One of the most characteristic features of glass-forming liquids is the sharp slowing down of relaxation times, τ, upon cooling. In these materials relaxation dynamics exhibit a non-Arrhenius temperature dependence usually described by Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman (VFT) relation [1]. However, for majority of glassforming liquids it is impossible to fit data in the entire temperature range with a single set of VFT parameters. Above some characteristic temperature it is necessary to use another set of VFT parameters. Existence of this dynamic crossover was predicted by the mode-coupling theory (MCT) [2]. The theory predicts a transition from a liquidlike to a solidlike dynamics on a molecular time and length scale at some specific temperature, TC, above the glass transition temperature Tg. The dynamic crossover becomes even more evident with the use of derivative analysis proposed by Stickel et al [3] 2 , where x is the relaxation time or frequency. If
Relaxation in complex systems
The phenomenon of slow relaxation is discussed with emphasis on finding a general explanation of its ubiquity. After a review of the phenomenon, possible causes are considered both at the microscopic level and from a configuration space viewpoint. Quenched randomness and strongly constrained dynamics appear most important microscopically. In configuration space the central requirement seems to be the existence of many valleys connected sparsely in a hierarchical way. Recent toy models are shown to fit into this overall picture.
A model for predicting heat transfer through gypsum‐board/wood‐stud walls exposed to fire
To facilitate the development of cost-effective and flexible design options there is a need to develop models to predict the fire resistance of wood-frame building assemblies. Such assemblies often derive much of their fire resistance from a protective membrane composed of gypsum board. A simple two-dimensional computer model is presented to predict heat transfer through gypsum-board/wood-stud walls exposed to fire. Input data for the thermophysical properties of gypsum board were measured exploying standard bench-scale tests. Input data for wood were selected from the literature. Small-and full-scale fire resistance tests were conducted on gypsum-board/wood-stud wall assemblies to provide data for the validation of the model. The model is shown to predict heat transfer through these walls rather well.