The failure analysis of the soil slope is a very important topic in the field of geomechanics. Being a fully Lagrangian particle method, the material point method (MPM) has distinct advantages in solving the extremely large deformation problem. For both cohesive and noncohesive soil slopes, the large deformation failure problems are analyzed using MPM and the Drucker-Prager constitutive model. For verification of the numerical method, the comparison between MPM and analytical solutions of the dam break problem is presented. Moreover, the numerical results by MPM are compared with the experimental results for the collapse of the aluminum-bar assemblage. Simulations reveal the cohesive soil slope under gravity has a shear band failure mode. Computational results show the reposed angle of non-cohesive soil slope is less than the internal friction angle, and the reason for this phenomenon is presented. The purpose of this study is to give a further understanding of the slope failure in different soil types and provide a computational tool for the failure analysis of soil slopes.

We have developed carbon fibre based flexible piezoresistive composites to fabricate a new pneumatic soft finger with an inherent sensing capability, much like a human finger.

The factors that influence the length of human life are complex and longevity remains a controversial topic, particularly in China. This paper demonstrates the spatial patterns and changes of the elderly group (65 years old and over), the oldest old (80 years old and over) and the centenarians in China in the last decade, analyzes the influence of economic development on aging, and in the end, using a case study, explores the characteristics of the centenarians' behavior. The results indicate that high elderly and the oldest old proportions are more common in regions with higher socio-economic development and that have a favorable climate. Centenarian distribution pattern is less influenced by economic but only for few regions. Lifestyle factors, such as sufficient sleep, positive mental state and a light diet are also largely found among the centenarian group.