Why do mouse corneal epithelial cells display spiraling patterns? We want to provide an explanation for this curious phenomenon by applying an idealized problem solving process. Specifically, we applied complementary line-fitting methods to measure transgenic epithelial reporter expression arrangements displayed on three mature, live enucleated globes to clarify the problem. Two prominent logarithmic curves were discovered, one of which displayed the ϕ ratio, an indicator of an optimal configuration in phyllotactic systems. We then utilized two different computational approaches to expose our current understanding of the behavior. In one procedure, which involved an isotropic mechanics-based finite element method, we successfully produced logarithmic spiral curves of maximum shear strain based pathlines but computed dimensions displayed pitch angles of 35° (ϕ spiral is ∼17°), which was altered when we fitted the model with published measurements of coarse collagen orientations. We then used model-based reasoning in context of Peircean abduction to select a working hypothesis. Our work serves as a concise example of applying a scientific habit of mind and illustrates nuances of executing a common method to doing integrative science. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 20: 22–38, 2015

It has been reported that running a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell above a critical current degrades the cell very quickly. This degradation has been linked to oxygen bubble formation in the electrolyte near the oxygen electrode. The applied current in the presence of charge transfer resistances is responsible for a high oxygen potential under the oxygen electrode which translates into a large driving force for the formation of oxygen gas in the electrolyte and can lead to the nucleation of oxygen gas bubbles. When such a bubble nucleates, local equilibrium at the interface between the bubble and oxide leads to an extremely high pressure inside it introducing, in return, significant stresses in the oxide. In this paper, the stress field surrounding the oxygen bubbles in the electrolyte is treated and the resulting elastic energy is determined.

Understanding the effect of stress on the properties of oxides used in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is crucial for predicting its performance. The stress can come from many sources, such as compositional strain or thermal expansion mismatch between various constituents of the cell. These two effects can combine and alter the electronic structure as well as the defect chemistry of the oxide. In this paper, the effects of stress on the electron hole and oxygen vacancy concentrations and conductivities are addressed in mixed ionic electronic conductors (MIECs) in equilibrium with oxygen. Furthermore, two types of mixed conducting oxides are examined, and treated with the same formalism to illuminate the effects of stress on these materials. Applications of this model include SOFCs and thin films.