Comparing simulation and experiment of a 2D granular Couette shear device.

We present experiments along with molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of a two-dimensional (2D) granular material in a Couette cell undergoing slow shearing. The grains are disks confined between an inner, rotating wheel and a fixed outer ring. The simulation results are compared to experimental studies and quantitative agreement is found. Tracking the positions and orientations of individual particles allows us to obtain density distributions, velocity and particle rotation rates for the system. The key issue of this paper is to show the extent to which quantitative agreement between an experiment and MD simulations is possible. Besides many differences in model details and the experiment, the qualitative features are nicely reproduced. We discuss the quantitative agreement/disagreement, give possible reasons, and outline further research perspectives.

Memory in two-dimensional heap experiments.

The measurement of force distributions in sandpiles provides a useful way to test concepts and models of the way forces propagate within noncohesive granular materials. Recent theory [J.-P. Bouchaud, M.E. Cates, and P. Claudin, J. Phys. I 5, 639 (1995); M. E. Cates, J. P. Wittmer, J.-P. Bouchaud, and P. Claudin, Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. 356, 2535 (1998)] by Bouchaud et al. implies that the internal structure of a heap (and therefore the force pathway) is a strong function of the construction history. In general, it is difficult to obtain information that could test this idea from three-dimensional granular experiments except at boundaries. However, two-dimensional systems, such as those used here, can yield information on forces and particle arrangements in the interior of a sample. We obtain position and force information through the use of photoelastic particles. These experiments show that the history of the heap formation has a dramatic effect on the arrangement of particles (texture) and a weaker but clear effect on the forces within the sample. Specifically, heaps prepared by pouring from a point source show strong anisotropy in the contact angle distribution. Depending on additional details, they show a stress dip near the center. Heaps formed from a broad source show relatively little contact angle anisotropy and no indication of a stress dip.

Dynamics of electrostatically driven granular media: effects of humidity.

We performed experimental studies of the effect of humidity on the dynamics of electrostatically driven granular materials. Both conducting and dielectric particles undergo a phase transition from an immobile state (granular solid) to a fluidized state (granular gas) with increasing applied field. Spontaneous precipitation of solid clusters from the gas phase occurs as the external driving is decreased. The clustering dynamics in conducting particles is primarily controlled by screening of the electric field but is aided by cohesion due to humidity. It is shown that humidity effects dominate the clustering process with dielectric particles.

Musculoskeletal profile and incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in lightweight women rowers.

There is a lack of information dealing with the musculoskeletal profile of common injuries in women rowers. Strength and flexibility of trunk/pelvic muscles were qualitatively described in 17 elite lightweight women rowers. Questionnaires regarding incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in this population were completed. Correlations between musculoskeletal profiles and incidence of injury were determined. Results indicate elite lightweight women rowers have a high incidence of low back pain and discomfort. Seventy-five percent of the sample demonstrated hyperflexion of the lumbar spine. There was a high positive correlation between hyperflexion motion of the lumbar spine and incidence of low back pain. There was a high negative correlation between adherence to a regular stretching program and incidence of low back pain.

Fibrotic myopathy, haematomas and scar tissue in the gaskin area of the thoroughbred.

An easy diagnostic technique for recognising fibrotic myopathy and scarring in the caudal popliteal area is described. A simplified corrective surgical technique is offered and discussed briefly. Some aspects of haematomas are reviewed.

Equine pyelonephritis and unilateral nephrectomy.

The clinical and laboratory findings of illness in a 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly are described. The treatment employed, including unilateral nephrectomy, and the macro- and microscopic findings in the diseases kidney are presented and this rare case is discussed briefly.

Some thoughts on swimming horses in a pool.

Several indications for swimming horses are recalled. A satisfactory pool and the technique for its use are described. Some observations on the effect on swimming are offered.

Cube colic.

"Cube colic" is described and vain attempts to cause the problem on an experimental basis are recorded. It is concluded that not all horses are susceptible to cube colic and if colic occurs in horses being fed on cubes, it is not necessarily due to feeding of cubes. Nomenclature of bowel disorders is considered.