University of Akron

About: University of Akron is a education organization based out in Akron, Ohio, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Polymer & Polymerization. The organization has 17401 authors who have published 29127 publications receiving 702386 citations. The organization is also known as: The University of Akron.

Thin‐layer element for interfaces and joints

Abstract: The idea of using a thin solid element, called a thin-layer element, in soil-structure interaction and rock joints is proposed. A special constitutive model is used and various deformation modes such as no slip, slip, debonding and rebonding are incorporated. The shear stiffness is found from special laboratory tests and the normal stiffness is assumed to be composed of participation of the thin-layer element and the adjoining solid elements. A parametric study shows that the thickness of the thin-layer element can be such that the ratio of thickness to (mean) dimension of the adjacent element is in the range of 0.01 to 0.1. A number of simple and practical problems are solved to illustrate the success of the thin-layer element for soil-structure interaction problems.

A Robust, One‐Pot Synthesis of Highly Mechanical and Recoverable Double Network Hydrogels Using Thermoreversible Sol‐Gel Polysaccharide

Abstract: A new type of physically linked double-network hydrogel is synthesized by a simple, time-saving, facile, easily controlled, one-pot method. The resulting agar/polyacrylamide double-network hydrogels exhibit good mechanical properties, excellent recoverability, and a unique free-shapeable property, which makes them very promising hydrogels for load-bearing soft tissues.

Electrospinning process and applications of electrospun fibers

Abstract: An electric field is used to create a charged jet of polymer solution. As this jet travels in air, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind a charged fiber that can be electrically deflected or collected on a metal screen. Fibers with a variety of cross-sectional shapes and sizes were produced from different polymers. These fibers had diameters in the range of 0.05 to 5 microns. The authors describe the electrospinning process, the processing conditions, fiber morphology, and some possible uses of electrospun fibers. >

An examination of asynchronous communication experiences and perspectives of students in an online course: a case study

Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the asynchronous communication perspectives and experiences of undergraduate students in an online course. Interviews with 22 preservice teachers, student-to-instructor email transcripts, asynchronous discussion transcripts, and two independent reviewers' reviews of the asynchronous discussions were used to collect and analyze the data. The results of this study have implications for the effective design of asynchronous communication, and interaction between student and instructor, between student and student, and between student and content. The results inform researchers and practitioners of the factors, strategies and barriers that need to be taken into account, and suggestions for how to overcome barriers when utilizing asynchronous communication tools for learning. A comprehensive understanding of computer-mediated communication tools and student preferences and experiences can contribute to a knowledge base for effective planning and implementation of successful learning.