[en] We present a combined experimental/theoretical study aimed at enhancing adhesion between a NiTi wire and a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) matrix in which it is embedded. NiTi wire surfaces were subjected to the following surface treatments prior to pull-out tests: (i) treatment with an acid etch or chemical conversion coating and (ii) application of a surface microgeometry to enhance mechanical interlocking between the wire and the TPO matrix. Nanometer to micron-scale NiTi wire surface features were examined with atomic force microscopy. The extent to which each treatment increased the pull-out force was quantified. Existing theoretical models of wire pull-out based upon strength of materials and linear elastic fracture mechanics are reviewed. Results from a finite element model (FEM), wherein the NiTi/TPO matrix interface is modeled with a cohesive zone model, suggest that the interface behavior strongly depends on the cohesive energy. The FEM model properly accounts for energy dissipation at the debonding front and inelastic deformation in a NiTi wire during pull-out. We demonstrate that residual stresses from the molding process significantly influence mode mixity at the debonding front. (paper)

[en] Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has had a major breakthrough with the impressive results obtained using systems of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has a huge potential in astrophysics, particle physics and cosmology. CTA is an international initiative to build the next generation instrument, with a factor of 5-10 improvement in sensitivity in the 100 GeV-10 TeV range and the extension to energies well below 100 GeV and above 100 TeV. CTA will consist of two arrays (one in the north, one in the south) for full sky coverage and will be operated as open observatory. The design of CTA is based on currently available technology. This document reports on the status and presents the major design concepts of CTA. (authors)