Axial Strain Research Articles

Experimental investigation of the influence of drainage condition on change in saturation of sheared sand

This paper investigates the validity of the interpretation of results from testing saturated axisymmetric triaxial compression (ATC) sand specimens utilizing 3D synchrotron micro-computed tomography (SMT) to probe localized events that are completely missed or misinterpreted when analyzing ATC measurements based on global standard measurements. Drained and undrained experiments were conducted at low and high back pressures (BPs) coupled with multiple in situ 3D-SMT to acquire high-resolution scans of the specimens at different axial strains. Specimens tested under low BP exhibited a large pore air volume change, which was not detected by the pump system that represents standard volume measurement. The increase in air volume caused a significant reduction in the degree of saturation leading to a possible transition from saturated to partially saturated constitutive behavior. Undrained experiments exhibited a significant volume change contrary to the assumption of negligible volumetric strain for saturated undrained experiments. Air bubbles within the shear band for drained and undrained low BP specimens showed opposite capillary pressure responses, increased for drained and decreased for undrained cases, due to the variation in the mechanism by which each of the two experiments predominantly counters the volume expansion within the shear band.

Study on the Deformation and Energy Evolution of Skarn With Marble Band of Different Orientations Under Cyclic Loading: A Lab‐Scale Study

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work is to investigate the deformation and energy characteristics of skarn with different interlayer inclination angles under cyclic loading. The skarn samples with marble bands of various orientations (i.e., 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°) were chosen as the test material. It is revealed from the testing results that the presence of interlayers changes the geomechanical properties of the rock, rock peak strength, and elastic modulus increases with increasing the interlayer inclination angle. Additionally, the growth rate of input energy exhibits an inverted “V” pattern with respect to the interlayer inclination angle. In terms of damage modes, intact marble and skarn predominantly exhibit tensile damage, whereas interlayered rocks exhibit a combination of tensile and shear failure pattern. Finally, a damage evolution model defined by axial strain is proposed and expressed to fit the experimental data. The results in this work would provide a crucial theoretical basis for the safety assessment of underground engineering constructions.

Fatigue-thermal damage characteristics of red sandstone with a hole under high-temperature cyclic loading coupling and microstructural degradation

In underground coal gasification (UCG) projects, deeply buried subterranean projects are significantly influenced by high temperatures, alongside disruptive loads such as excavation, blasting, and drilling. Therefore, it is essential to study the fatigue behaviors of rocks under the coupled effects of thermal elevation and cyclic loads. This study performed uniaxial compression and cyclic loading-unloading tests on red sandstone specimens with cavities. The high-temperature fatigue behaviors of specimens were explored from various aspects, encompassing stress, deformation, energy, damage, and the microstructural variations of the specimens after high-temperature procedures were assessed by utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At temperatures below 600 °C, SEM images indicate a contraction of microcracks in the specimens, whereas temperatures above this threshold lead to their expansion. Notably, the total, elastic, and dissipated energy density of the specimens exhibit a curve of second degree with the upper limit stress. Additionally, elastic and dissipated energy densities linearly correlate with input energy density. Furthermore, the coupled damage and axial strain of the specimens positively correlate with the temperature. The damage mode of thermal fatigue is attributed to the accumulation and penetration of transgranular fractures within the red sandstone.

Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Load Transfer Method of Energy Pile Based on Hyperbolic Tangent Model

By employing the hyperbolic tangent model of load transfer (LT), this paper establishes the thermo-mechanical (TM) coupling load transfer analysis approach for an energy pile (EP). By incorporating the control condition of the unbalance force at the null point, the method for determining the null point considering the temperature effect is enhanced. The viability of the presented method is validated through the measured outcomes from model experiments of energy piles. A parametric investigation is conducted to explore the impact of the soil shear strength parameters, upper load, temperature variation, head stiffness, and radial expansion on the axial force, strain, and displacement of the energy pile under thermo-mechanical coupling. The results suggest that the locations of the null point and the maximum axial force are dependent on the constraint boundary conditions of the pile side and the two ends. When the stiffness of the pile top increases, axial stress and displacement increase, while strain decreases. An increase in the drained friction angle leads to an increase in axial stress under thermal-load coupling, but strain and displacement decline. The radial expansion has a negligible influence on the thermo-mechanical interaction between the pile and the soil.

A Three-Dimensional Modeling Approach for Carbon Nanotubes Filled Polymers Utilizing the Modified Nearest Neighbor Algorithm.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are extensively utilized in the fabrication of high-performance composites due to their exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal characteristics. To investigate the mechanical properties of CNTs filled polymers accurately and effectively, a 3D modeling approach that incorporates the microstructural attributes of CNTs was introduced. Initially, a representative volume element model was constructed utilizing the modified nearest neighbor algorithm. During the modeling phase, a corresponding interference judgment method was suggested, taking into account the potential positional relationships among the CNTs. Subsequently, stress-strain curves of the model under various loading conditions were derived through finite element analysis employing the volume averaging technique. To validate the efficacy of the modeling approach, the stress within a CNT/epoxy resin composite with varying volume fractions under different axial strains was computed. The resulting stress-strain curves were in good agreement with experimental data from the existing literature. Hence, the modeling method proposed in this study provides a more precise representation of the random distribution of CNTs in the matrix. Furthermore, it is applicable to a broader range of aspect ratios, thereby enabling the CNT simulation model to more closely align with real-world models.

Multiaxial creep deformation investigation of miniature cruciform specimen for type 304 stainless steel at 923 K using non-contact displacement-measuring method

Abstract Multiaxial creep investigations at high temperatures are required to guarantee the integrity of structural materials such as boiler pipes for power generation and turbine blades for aviation and industrial applications. The multiaxial creep testing method using a cruciform specimen has several advantages, and the authors successfully downsized the specimen. The authors also developed a technique for the in situ observation of the specimen in an electric furnace and the non-contact displacement measurement in the development of a biaxial tensile creep testing machine for the miniature cruciform specimen. By observing the specimen at a target mark during the creep testing through an observation window installed at the bottom of the furnace, it was possible to visualize the specimen surface variations and obtain the axial strain from the locus of the target marks. The Mises-type equivalent strain was calculated from the axial strains obtained in the equi-biaxial tensile multiaxial creep testing and was compared with the strains obtained in the uniaxial creep testing. The Mises-type equivalent strain can be expressed using a unified method up to approximately 5% of the initial strain in the test, even in the multiaxial stress state.

The effect of enzymatic GAG degradation on transverse shear properties of porcine cornea

The structural integrity of cornea depends on properties of its extracellular matrix, mainly a mixture of collagen fibers and soluble proteoglycans (PGs). PGs are macromolecules of negatively charged sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) covalently attached to a protein core. GAGs appear as bridges between adjacent collagen fibers and could facilitate force transfer between them. Furthermore, GAGs are responsible for corneal hydration by attracting and maintaining water molecules into the extracellular matrix. Based on these observations, GAGs are expected to be essential for biomechanical properties of cornea. The primary objective of the present study was to determine the effects of GAGs on shear properties of cornea. For this purpose, GAGs were enzymatically removed from porcine corneal disks by keratanase II enzyme. After confirming the successful removal of GAGs by histochemical methods, torsional rheometry was performed to characterize the shear stiffness of GAG-depleted samples as a function of axial strain. It was found that the shear modulus of all samples was a function of applied shear strain and compressive strain. Beyond the range of linear viscoelastic response, the average complex shear modulus decreased with increasing the shear strain. Increasing the axial strain from 0% to 40% significantly increased the average complex shear modulus of corneal disks in all groups. Finally, the enzyme treatment with keratanase II enzyme significantly decreased the shear stiffness. The experimental measurements were discussed in terms of microstructural and compositional properties of corneal extracellular matrix and it was concluded that GAGs play a significant role in defining shear properties of cornea.

Axial compression stress-strain relationship of lithium slag rubber concrete

Replacing cement with lithium slag and fine aggregate with rubber in concrete solves waste disposal, reduces material consumption, boosts sustainability, and enhances concrete performance. A set of prismatic concrete specimens with varying proportions were designed and experimentally tested in order to study the compressive stress-strain behavior of lithium slag rubber concrete (LSRC). The main factors affecting the specimens were lithium slag substitution ratio (SL=0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) and rubber substitution ratio (SR=0%, 5%, 10%, 15%). The results demonstrated that the LSRC exhibited good integrity during the damage. Furthermore, the incorporation of lithium slag (LS) was found to effectively compensate for the reduction in compressive strength due to the incorporation of rubber. When 10% of the fine aggregate was replaced with rubber and 20% of the cement was substituted with lithium slag, the axial compressive strength, elastic modulus, and peak strain of the tested specimens increased by 21.57%, 6.92%, and 17.26%, respectively. Compared with ordinary concrete, LSRC has good toughness, impact resistance and durability with minimal loss of strength, and has broad application prospects in engineering fields (such as airports, highways, housing expansion joints, concrete floors and railway concrete sleepers, etc.). Based on the experimental data, simplified modified equations to predict the compressive strength, elastic modulus, peak strain and axial stress-strain constitutive model of LSRC were proposed, so as to promote the development of LSRC.

Walking recovers cartilage compressive strain in vivo

BackgroundArticular cartilage is a fiber reinforced hydrated solid that serves a largely mechanical role of supporting load and enabling low friction joint articulation. Daily activities that load cartilage, lead to fluid exudation and compressive axial strain. To date, the only mechanism shown to recover this cartilage strain in vivo is unloading (e.g., lying supine). Based on recent work in cartilage explants, we hypothesized that loaded joint activity (walking) would also be capable of strain recovery in cartilage. MethodsEight asymptomatic young adults performed a fixed series of tasks, each of which was followed by magnetic resonance imaging to track changes in their knee cartilage thickness. The order of tasks was as follows: 1) stand for 30 ​min, 2) walk for 10 ​min, 3) stand for 30 ​min, and 4) lie supine for 50 ​min. The change in cartilage thickness was used to compute the axial cartilage strain. ResultsStanding produced an average axial strain of −5.1 ​% (compressive) in the tibiofemoral knee cartilage, while lying supine led to strain recovery. In agreement with our hypothesis, walking also led to cartilage strain recovery. Interestingly, the recovery rate during walking (0.19 ​% strain/min) was nearly 3-fold faster than lying supine (0.07 ​% strain/min). ConclusionsThis study represents the first in vivo demonstration that joint activity is capable of recovering compressive strain in cartilage. These findings indicate that joint activities such as walking may play a key role in maintaining and recovering cartilage strain, with implications for maintaining cartilage health and preventing or delaying cartilage degeneration.

An ab-initio study of nodal-arcs, axial strain’s effect on nodal-lines and Weyl nodes and Weyl-contributed Seebeck coefficient in TaAs class of Weyl semimetals

An ab-initio study of nodal-arcs, axial strain’s effect on nodal-lines and Weyl nodes and Weyl-contributed Seebeck coefficient in TaAs class of Weyl semimetals

An Optimization Design of Piezoelectric Hair Sensor for Oscillatory Flow Detection

Abstract Biological hair is widely found in nature, and they are responsible for sensing and responding to environmental stimuli in living organisms. By simulating biological hair characteristics, they develop hair flow sensor to achieve high sensitivity detection of environmental factors such as small motion and fluid flow field. Output signal is the key indicator of hair flow sensor, and the improvement of output signal is important to the design of hair flow sensor. The existing hair flow sensor sensing structure is generally straight hair, and the output signal is limited by the structure, and the response is small. Using the direct piezoelectric fiber as the initial configuration, we form a new piezoelectric curved fiber by modeling the secondary spline curve and control point. We propose an optimization model for piezoelectric functional hair design using axial strain as a target function. At 100Hz and 500Hz, the output voltage of the optimized model is much higher than that of straight, 10 times and 7 times that of straight, respectively; An optimized curved hair configuration is obtained in a specific frequency band from 1 Hz to 500 Hz, whose average voltage magnitude of 3.1×10−3 V is 4 times greater than that of the straight hair of 7.8×10−4 V with the same size. The curved hair flow sensor breaks the output limitation of traditional straight hair configuration.

Effect of torsional shear stress on the deformation characteristics of clay under traffic load

The soft clay under the road ground will suffer cyclic torsional shear stress encountered traffic load in addition to axial stress, which will cause further deformation of clay. To investigate the effect of torsional shear stress on the cumulative axial strain of clay, a series of undrained tests under cardioid stress path were performed on K0 consolidated undisturbed samples by using a hollow cylinder apparatus (HCA). The effect of vertical cyclic stress ratio (VCSR) and shear stress ratio (η) on the deformation and degradation characteristics of clay was investigated. The results indicate that there is inconsistency between the strain path and stress path. The increase in η further accelerates the accumulation of axial strain, which resulted from the degradation of clay induced by torsional shear stress. Considering the VCSR and η, a calculation method of degradation index was developed. Furthermore, a cumulative axial strain prediction model of clay under the cardioid stress path was established considering the degradation. This model addresses the limitation of traditional prediction models by considering the impact of torsional shear stress on cumulative axial strain.

Full-scale in-situ tests on a displacement cast in situ energy pile: Effects of cyclic thermal loads under different mechanical load levels on pile stress and strain

Numerous full-scale in situ tests have been conducted to assess the effect of thermal cycles on the pile response. However, those studies investigated the response of only precast and cast in-situ energy piles, with limited focus on the impact of the applied mechanical load on the pile response. This study presents the results of a field test conducted on a new type of energy pile, i.e. a displacement cast in-situ energy pile in multilayered soft soils, subjected to different fixed mechanical loads while undergoing simultaneous thermal cycles. Four tests were carried out, each corresponding to various axial loads ranging from 0 to 60% of the pile’s estimated bearing capacity. After applying the axial load on the pile head (0%, 30%, 40%, or 60% of the bearing capacity), the pile was subjected to up to ten thermal cycles. The highest magnitudes of thermal axial strains were observed near the pile top due to the lowest restraint provided by the made ground layer in all tests. Under zero (0%) mechanical load, the thermal axial strains near the pile head were elastic and recoverable, while residual strain was observed near the toe. Under reasonable working mechanical loads (30%, 40%, or 60%) residual strains were observed near both the pile head and the toe, with higher residual strains observed under higher mechanical loads. The results indicate that the cyclic thermal loadings could induce an increase in the compressive stress in the energy pile, attributed to the drag-down effects of the surrounding soil. The compressive stress induced by drag-down effects counteracts thermally induced tensile stress and thus leads to an insignificant effect on the energy pile during cooling. A limited impact of the shaft capacity was observed and was mainly attributed to the drag-down of the surrounding soil and thermal creep along the pile-soil interface.

2D mechanical representation of superconducting magnets: A comparative study of plane stress and plane strain

When approaching the mechanical design of a superconducting magnet, whenever possible the starting model is a 2D approximation. If rotational symmetry (solenoid-like winding) is present, the 2D representation is unique and contains no approximations. If, on the other hand, a non-axisymmetric system is opted for, the 2D representation is not unique and there are main options available, as plane stress, plane stress with thickness, plane strain and generalized plane strain. Considering z as the direction normal to the 2D plane, the plane stress option defines a stress state in which no normal or shear stresses perpendicular to the xy plane can occur (σz=σxz=σyz=0). In this option, deformation can occur in the thickness direction of the element, which will become thinner when stretched and thicker when compressed; it is generally used for objects with limited depth (thin objects).In contrast, plane strain refers to the fact that deformation can only occur in plane, which means that no out-of-plane deformation will occur (ϵz=ϵxz=ϵyz=0). The plane strain option is generally appropriate for structures of nearly infinite length, relative to their cross section, that exhibit negligible length changes under load. The “generalized plane strain” option imposes the axial strain equal to a constant value; this condition does not reproduce the real operating condition of the magnet and is therefore excluded. The “plane stress with thickness” uses the same equations as the plane stress option but, output quantities are given per unit length defined with thickness; therefore, it is again excluded from the comparison. Superconducting magnets, such as dipoles, do not fit neatly into any of the above options: they are far from thin but deform longitudinally under load. This work reports a comparative study of plane stress and plane strain in the specific case study of a dipole magnet.

Experimental study on mechanical behavior and countermeasures of mountain tunnels under strike-slip fault movement

In the seismic mountainous regions such as western China, it is usuallly inevitable to construct tunnels near active fault zones. Those fault-crossing tunnel structures can be extremely vulnerable during earthquakes. Extensive experimental studies have been conducted on the response of continuous mountain tunnels under reverse and normal fault movements, limited experimental investigations are available in the literatures on mountain tunnels with special structural measures crossing strike-slip faults. In this study, a new experimental facility for simulating the movement of strike-slip fault was developed, accounting for the spatial deformation characteristics of large active fault zones. Two groups of sandbox experiment were performed on the scaled tunnel models to investigate the evolution of ground deformation and surface rupture subjected to strike-slip fault motion and its impact on a water conveyance tunnel. The nonlinear response and damage mechanism of continuous tunnels and tunnels incorporated with specially designed articulated system were examined. The test results show that most of slip between stationary block and moving block occurred within the fault core, and significant surface ruptures are observed along the fault strike direction at the fault damage zone. The continuous tunnel undergoes significant shrinkage deformation and diagonal-shear failure near the slip surface and resulted in localized collapse of tunnel lining. The segments of articulated system tunnel suffer a significant horizontal deflection of about 5°, which results in opening and misalignment at the flexible joint. The width of the damaged zone of the articulated system tunnel is about 0.44 to 0.57 times that of the continuous tunnel. Compared to continuous tunnels, the articulated design significantly reduces the axial strain response of the tunnel lining, but increases the circumferential tensile strain at the tunnel crown and invert. It is concluded that articulated design provides an effective measure to reduce the extent of damage in mountain tunnel.

Effect of Hydrate Saturation on Triaxial Shear Mechanical Properties of Methane Hydrate-Bearing Sediment

Abstract As a clean energy source, natural gas hydrate resources are essential to the development of energy in the twenty-first century. However, the degree of consolidation of the hydrate reservoir is low, and complex accidents such as wellbore instability, reservoir collapse, and gas production leakage will be caused if improperly exploited. The laboratory employs a self-developed triaxial shear test equipment that operates under high pressure and low temperature conditions. This equipment is specifically designed to determine the mechanical parameters and strength characteristics of methane hydrate bearing sediment (MHBS) samples. It is used to create water-saturated hydrate deposits with varying levels of saturation. The synthesis of MHBS samples with varying saturations is achieved by precisely regulating the amount of water. The saturation of MHBS is then determined and confirmed by the utilization of the “water content method” and the “gas collection method.” Triaxial shear tests are conducted on MHBS to examine the impact of hydrate saturation on the mechanical parameters and strength behaviours of MHBS. The experimental findings demonstrate that the presence of hydrate crystals enhances the robustness of the depositing medium. The stress-strain curves of MHBS have a hyperbolic shape, indicating strain hardening features. The stress-strain curves may be categorized into three distinct stages: the initial elastic deformation, followed by a slow shift to the initial yield deformation, and ultimately leading to strain hardening. As axial strain rises, the behaviour of the MHBS transitions progressively from elastic deformation to plastic deformation. The shear strength and initial yield strength of MHBS enhance with higher hydrate saturation. The reason for this is that as the hydrate saturation rises, the influence of hydrate crystals on the enhancement of sediment strength becomes more pronounced. However, the initial yield strain of each MHBS sample is between 0.5% and 1.5%, and the difference is not significant. When the hydrate saturation rises gradually, the cohesion of MHBS enhances. Nevertheless, the hydrate saturation has a very minor impact on the internal friction angle.

Erosion degradation analysis of rice husk ash-rubber-fiber concrete under hygrothermal environment

To study the resistance of rice husk ash-rubber-fiber reinforced concrete (RRFC) to dry–wet cycle/chloride erosion under a hygrothermal environment, the optimal combination was selected by an orthogonal test. The peak strain, residual strain, and fatigue damage strength of the optimal group of RRFC samples under cyclic loading and unloading after dry–wet cycle/chloride erosion under different environments and temperatures were compared and analyzed. After that, microscopic analysis and anti-erosion mechanism analysis were carried out. The results show that the axial peak and residual strain of RRFC specimens increase continuously during the repeated loading–unloading process, and the increase of axial peak and residual strain in the first five cycles is the most obvious. Among them, RRFC has the most significant increase in axial peak strain after 14 dry–wet cycles, which is 11.73%. The rice husk ash reacted with Ca(OH)2 in the specimen to precipitate C—S—H gel, which improved the specimen’s corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance. The rubber in the specimen has high elasticity, which reduces the fatigue damage of the specimen during cyclic loading and unloading, thus showing higher fatigue failure strength.

Single‐Molecule Conductance of Staffanes

We report the first conductance measurements of [n]staffane oligomers in single‐molecule junctions. Our studies reveal two quantum transport characteristics unique to staffanes that emerge from their strained bicyclic structure. First, though staffanes are composed of weakly conjugated C‐C σ‐bonds, staffanes carry a shallower conductance decay value (β = 0.84 ± 0.02 n‐1) than alkane chain analogs (β = 0.96 ± 0.03 n‐1) when measured with the scanning tunneling microscopy break junction (STM‐BJ) technique. Staffanes are more conductive than other σ‐bonded organic backbones in the literature on a per atom basis. Density functional theory calculations suggest staffane backbones are effective conduits for charge transport because their significant bicyclic ring strain destabilizes the HOMO‐2 energy, aligning it more closely with the Fermi energy as oligomer order increases. Second, the monostaffane is significantly lower conducting than expected. DFT calculations suggest that short monostaffanes sterically enforce insulating gauche interelectrode orientations over syn orientations. Meanwhile, [2‐5]staffane wires may accommodate axial mechanical strain by “rod‐bending”. These findings show for the first time how bicyclic ring strain can enhance charge transmission in saturated molecular wires. These studies showcase the STM‐BJ technique as a valuable tool for uncovering the stereoelectronic proclivities of molecules at material interfaces.

Single-Molecule Conductance of Staffanes.

We report the first conductance measurements of [n]staffane oligomers in single-molecule junctions. Our studies reveal two quantum transport characteristics unique to staffanes that emerge from their strained bicyclic structure. First, though staffanes are composed of weakly conjugated C-C σ-bonds, staffanes carry a shallower conductance decay value (β = 0.84 ± 0.02 n-1) than alkane chain analogs (β = 0.96 ± 0.03 n-1) when measured with the scanning tunneling microscopy break junction (STM-BJ) technique. Staffanes aremore conductive than other σ-bonded organic backbones in the literature on a per atom basis. Density functional theory calculations suggest staffane backbones are effective conduits for charge transport because their significant bicyclic ring strain destabilizes the HOMO-2 energy, aligning it more closely with the Fermi energy as oligomer order increases. Second, the monostaffane is significantly lower conducting than expected. DFT calculations suggest that short monostaffanes sterically enforce insulating gauche interelectrode orientations over syn orientations. Meanwhile,[2-5]staffane wires may accommodate axial mechanical strain by "rod-bending". These findings show for the first time how bicyclic ring strain can enhance charge transmission in saturated molecular wires. These studies showcase the STM-BJ technique as a valuable tool for uncovering the stereoelectronic proclivities of molecules at material interfaces.

Comparative behavior of circular precast UHPC columns with hoops and spiral reinforcement

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) offers outstanding mechanical properties that can greatly influence the future of our structures. Despite the remarkable durability and high tensile and compressive strength of UHPC, its widespread use in large structural applications remains limited. This limitation is attributed to several factors such as the relatively high cost of the material and the slow development of large-scale production technology and procedures. In light of these challenges, the objective of this research is two-fold: first, demonstrate the successful fabrication of four full precast UHPC columns using economic mixture and construction-scale production in a precast plant setting, and next, compare the axial behavior of the fabricated circular columns with different transverse reinforcement detailing. The study carefully considers the choice of lateral confinement and spacing along the height of the column (spiral and hoop reinforcement with 1.5 in and 3 in spacing). The paper presents the global and local behavior that include load capacity, stiffness, axial and reinforcement strains, and ductility. The spirally confined column with 1.5 in spacing showed 26 % higher ductility than the counter hoop reinforced column, while both configurations showed a significant increase in ductility of 34 % when the transverse reinforcement spacing is reduced from 3 to 1.5 in. The research shows that the ACI design reduction factor for conventional concrete (0.65) and the accidental eccentricity reduction factor (0.8) for hoops are unnecessarily conservative and might be increased to 0.75 and 0.85, respectively as for the spiral reinforcement in the case of UHPC columns.