For my new junior research group "MEiTNER - Multifunctional dielectric elastomer electronics for next generation soft robotics", I am searching for two PhD candidates at TU Dresden. The possitions come with full salary and all German social security.

5th International Conference on Mechanics of Biomaterials and Tissues (ICMoBT 2013) - Sitges, Spain 8-12 December 2013. To submit your papers, go to www.mechanicsofbiomaterials.com

Topics include:
-Hard tissues and materials (e.g. bone, teeth, mineralized biomaterials such as armors)
-Soft tissues and materials (e.g. cartilage, tendon, silk, elastin, organs)
-Natural, biologically inspired and biomimetic materials (including biomimicking materials)
-Metals and ceramics as biomaterials
-Mechanobiology (development, physiology and disease)
-Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering

By: Payam Soltani; P. Bahar & A. Farshidianfar

Abstract

In this article, the free transverse vibrational behaviour of a multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) surrounded by a Pasternak-type elastic medium has been determined using a very generalized model. The model has been made on the basis of Timoshenko elastic beam theory which allows the effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia and supports non-coaxial vibration of the adjacent layers of MWNT using interlayer van der Waals forces. The boundary conditions used in this simulation are such that not only standard and conventional kinds, but also all possible forms, of end conditions are applicable. A generalized differential quadrature method is utilized to solve the governing equations with assorted aspect ratios, various boundary conditions, and different foundation stiffnesses. This study shows that the resonant frequencies of MWNTs are strongly dependent on the stiffness of the elastic medium, aspect ratios, and number of walls in carbon nanotubes and, for short nanotubes, the boundary stiffness plays a significant role on the natural frequencies.

Link: http://pic.sagepub.com/content/early/2011/05/11/0954406211402555