Branching Behavior Research Articles

Tool–Branch Interaction Mechanism of Impact-Pruning Process Based on Finite Element Method

This study addresses the necessity for a more profound comprehension of the mechanical behavior and fracture mechanisms of tree branches during impact pruning. The methodologies of the research are to develop a failure model of impact-cutting mechanics and a tool–branch interaction model using the finite element method (FEM). The validation of the model was conducted through the measurement of cutting forces and cross-sectional morphology in the field. A comparative analysis between experimental and simulation data revealed an average relative error below 15% for cutting force and below 10% for the cross-sectional ratio, thereby confirming the accuracy of the model. The findings indicate the presence of plastic deformation within the cutting zone, with elastic deformation prevailing in the surrounding region. As the branch approaches the yield point, the phenomenon of plastic deformation intensifies, resulting in a notable increase in internal energy demands, particularly in larger branches. The optimal pruning diameter was identified as 15 mm. An increase in cutting velocity raises the peak cutting force by 460.9 N per m/s, while a 1° increase in the blade wedge angle adds 34.9 N. A reduction in normal stress by increasing the tool back angle improves energy efficiency. This study provides insights to optimize pruning practices, enhancing efficiency and precision.

Fractal dimension analysis of lightning discharges of various types based on a comprehensive literature review

In this study, photographic records of natural lightning flashes obtained from high-speed video camera observations are analyzed based on an extensive literature review. The purpose of this work is to estimate the fractal dimension of lightning discharges and to analyze and evaluate the effect of lightning type (downward and upward flashes during their propagation as well as return strokes) and lightning polarity (negative and positive). Three methods of fractal dimension estimation are employed namely the: (i) box-counting, (ii) sandbox, and (iii) correlation method, utilizing algorithms developed in MATLAB software. Appropriate image processing techniques are employed to guarantee precision in fractal dimension estimation. A thorough discussion is conducted by comparing the estimated fractal dimension values with those previously documented in the relevant literature based on field observations. The mean fractal dimension of downward negative leaders for the three methods (1.18, 1.31, 1.38) aligns well with previous studies, while positive downward leaders exhibit lower values (1.08, 1.15, 1.26), denoting a reduced branching behavior; upward leaders demonstrate slightly higher fractal dimensions than downward ones. Additionally, an attempt to correlate the lightning return stroke peak current with the fractal dimension is made. The outcomes of this research may assist in facilitating precise modeling of the lightning attachment phenomenon, thereby contributing to the development of safer lightning protection systems.

Mathematical Model of FWE Branching Type with Effect on Energy

: Mathematical modeling is one of the most important topics in teaching mathematics and converting real world problems into mathematical formulas in order to solve them. In this research we will take the behavior of lateral branching, tib-tib anostomosis with its effect on the energy of the growth of fungi. We will use the system of equations (PDEs) to solve a mathematical model and we will use mathematical techniques in order to reach the solution using non-dimensionality, stability, traveling wave, and numerical solution and use computer programs to facilitate the solution, including the Maple program, the MATLAB program, use Pdep code and the pplane7 code.

Mathematical Model of Fungal Growth with Hyphae Death and Substrate

One of the most crucial subjects in mathematics education is mathematical modeling, which involves connecting situations from the real world to mathematical formulas and vice versa. Our study will focus on how substrate affects fungal growth and lateral branching behaviors, hyphal death, and tip death due to overcrowding. In order to solve a mathematical model, we will employ the system's three-dimensional of equations (PDEs). using numerical solutions, traveling wave theory, stability, and non-dimensionality in our mathematical approach as well as we use trace and determine to find stable states.Computer programs, such as the Maple program and Pdep code in MATLAB, will also be used to aid in the solution process.

Neuritin Controls Axonal Branching in Serotonin Neurons: A Possible Mediator Involved in the Regulation of Depressive and Anxiety Behaviors via FGF Signaling.

Abnormal neuronal morphological features, such as dendrite branching, axonal branching, and spine density, are thought to contribute to the symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of aberrant neuronal morphology in the regulation of mood disorders remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that neuritin, an activity-dependent protein, regulates the axonal morphology of serotonin neurons. Male neuritin knock-out (KO) mice harbored impaired axonal branches of serotonin neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex and basolateral region of the amygdala (BLA), and male neuritin KO mice exhibited depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. We also observed that the expression of neuritin was decreased by unpredictable chronic stress in the male mouse brain and that decreased expression of neuritin was associated with reduced axonal branching of serotonin neurons in the brain and with depressive and anxiety behaviors in mice. Furthermore, the stress-mediated impairments in axonal branching and depressive behaviors were reversed by the overexpression of neuritin in the BLA. The ability of neuritin to increase axonal branching in serotonin neurons involves fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling, and neuritin contributes to FGF-2-mediated axonal branching regulation in vitro. Finally, the oral administration of an FGF inhibitor reduced the axonal branching of serotonin neurons in the brain and caused depressive and anxiety behaviors in male mice. Our results support the involvement of neuritin in models of stress-induced depression and suggest that neuronal morphological plasticity may play a role in controlling animal behavior.

Treelike PS-PVD coating: Hierarchical branching by shading and sintering

A structure zone model (SZM) with columnar structures for conventional physical vapor deposition (PVD) has been assigned to plasma spray-physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD) coatings. However, many different comprehensive properties between PS-PVD and conventional PVD coatings reveal the essential different microstructures. In this work, an impact-diffusion model was established based on the impact and diffusion behavior of depositing units. The microstructure formation of PS-PVD coatings was simulated. Results clearly display that the PS-PVD coating shows a novel treelike structure with hierarchical branches rather than a well-known columnar structure. The hierarchical branching is determined by the shadowing effect. Besides, temperature-promoting diffusion of vapor units can generate the in-situ sintering of the coatings. In-situ sintering happens during the deposition process and can govern the branching behavior. A novel treelike SZM is established as an enlargement of the conventional one, marked by successive transformations in branching and densifying. The treelike SZM is experimentally proved by the electron microscopy images and mechanical properties of typical PS-PVD YSZ coatings.

Linear-time logics -- a coalgebraic perspective

We describe a general approach to deriving linear-time logics for a wide variety of state-based, quantitative systems, by modelling the latter as coalgebras whose type incorporates both branching and linear behaviour. Concretely, we define logics whose syntax is determined by the type of linear behaviour, and whose domain of truth values is determined by the type of branching behaviour, and we provide two semantics for them: a step-wise semantics akin to that of standard coalgebraic logics, and a path-based semantics akin to that of standard linear-time logics. The former semantics is useful for model checking, whereas the latter is the more natural semantics, as it measures the extent with which qualitative properties hold along computation paths from a given state. Our main result is the equivalence of the two semantics. We also provide a semantic characterisation of a notion of logical distance induced by these logics. Instances of our logics support reasoning about the possibility, likelihood or minimal cost of exhibiting a given linear-time property.

Controlled Enzymatic Synthesis of Polyesters Based on a Cellulose-Derived Triol Monomer: A Design of Experiment Approach.

Regioselective enzymatic polycondensation of the bio-based cellulose derived polyol, Triol-citro, and dimethyl adipate using Candida antarctica Lipase B (CaLB) was investigated. A Design of Experiment approach with MODDE® Pro 13 was used to determine important factors in the branching behavior of this polymer, and reactant ratio, temperature, reaction time and enzyme wt % were the studied factors. Multifunctional polyesters with pendant hydroxy groups were synthesized and fully characterized using 2D NMR techniques to determine degree of branching. Branching was minimal, with a maximum of 16 % observed, and monomer ratio, temperature and reaction time were all determined to be significant factors. In this work, Mn of up to 13 kDa were achieved, while maintaining degree of branching below 15 %, resulting in a linear polyester with the potential to be further functionalized.

Branching Exponents of Synthetic Vascular Trees Under Different Optimality Principles.

The branching behavior of vascular trees is often characterized using Murray's law. We investigate its validity using synthetic vascular trees generated under global optimization criteria. Our synthetic tree model does not incorporate Murray's law explicitly. Instead, we show that its validity depends on properties of the optimization model and investigate the effects of different physical constraints and optimization goals on the branching exponent that is now allowed to vary locally. In particular, we include variable blood viscosity due to the Fåhræus-Lindqvist effect and enforce an equal pressure drop between inflow and the micro-circulation. Using our global optimization framework, we generate vascular trees with over one million terminal vessels and compare them against a detailed corrosion cast of the portal venous tree of a human liver. Murray's law is fulfilled when no additional constraints are enforced, indicating its validity in this setting. Variable blood viscosity or equal pressure drop lead to different optima but with the branching exponent inside the experimentally predicted range between 2.0 and 3.0. The validation against the corrosion cast shows good agreement from the portal vein down to the venules. Not enforcing Murray's law increases the predictive capabilities of synthetic vascular trees, and in addition reduces the computational cost. The ability to study optimal branching exponents across different scales can improve the functional assessment of organs.

Branching Crisscross Polymerization of Single-Stranded DNA Slats.

Controlling where and when self-assembly happens is crucial in both biological and synthetic systems as it optimizes the utilization of available resources. We previously reported strictly seed-initiated linear crisscross polymerization with alternating recruitment of single-stranded DNA slats that are aligned in a parallel versus perpendicular orientation with respect to the double-helical axes. However, for some applications, it would be advantageous to produce growth that is faster than what a linear assembly can provide. Here, we implement crisscross polymerization with alternating sets of six parallel slats versus six perpendicular slats and use this framework to explore branching behavior. We present architectures that, respectively, are designed to exhibit primary, secondary, and hyperbranching growth. Thus, amplification via nonlinear crisscross polymerization can provide a route for applications such as low-cost, enzyme-free, and ultrasensitive detection.

Effect of hexyl‐branched backbone size on the size distribution and coalescence of free volume around an amphiphilic molecule

AbstractWe used molecular dynamics simulation to study the size distribution and coalescence of free volume around an amphiphilic molecule (nonyl ethoxylate (NE)) at a concentration of 0.5 wt% in blends of linear and branched polyethylene that contained a small four‐arm alkane (7,12 hexyl octadecane). The branched polyethylene chains had 10 and 82 hexyl branches/1000 backbone carbons. The coalescence dynamics (fluctuation of free volume in time) was quantified by the number of Fourier frequencies and the corresponding power (amplitude). In our previous work, we hypothesized that cavitation, the first step of environmental stress cracking observed experimentally, starts from the free volume coalescence at the interface between NE and polyethylene molecules and showed that hexyl branches in the branched polyethylene molecules suppress such coalescence, suggesting that cavitation, a much longer time scale process, could also be slowed down. The current work showed that the behavior of hexyl branches in branched polyethylene in a blend with linear polyethylene was similar to that in pure branched polyethylene, but that the hexyl branches in the 7,12 hexyl octadecane exhibited the opposite behavior. In particular, they intensified free volume coalescence, especially around the hydrophilic ethylene oxide segments of NE. The addition of 7,12 hexyl octadecane to branched polyethylene alone or blended with linear polyethylene does not seem to slow down free volume coalescence (cavitation), leading us to conclude that the effect of hexyl branches on the free volume coalescence around NE depends on the size of the backbone to which the branches are attached.Highlights Hexyl branches reduce free volume coalescence activities. The longer the backbone is, the stronger the hexyl branch effect. More coalescence activities occur on the hydrophilic segment of NE.

Effect of heterologous expression of FT gene from Medicago truncatula in growth and flowering behavior of olive plants.

Olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea) is one of the most important crops of the Mediterranean Basin and temperate areas worldwide. Obtaining new olive varieties adapted to climatic changing conditions and to modern agricultural practices, as well as other traits such as biotic and abiotic stress resistance and increased oil quality, is currently required; however, the long juvenile phase, as in most woody plants, is the bottleneck in olive breeding programs. Overexpression of genes encoding the 'florigen' Flowering Locus T (FT), can cause the loss of the juvenile phase in many perennials including olives. In this investigation, further characterization of three transgenic olive lines containing an FT encoding gene from Medicago truncatula, MtFTa1, under the 35S CaMV promoter, was carried out. While all three lines flowered under in vitro conditions, one of the lines stopped flowering after acclimatisation. In soil, all three lines exhibited a modified plant architecture; e.g., a continuous branching behaviour and a dwarfing growth habit. Gene expression and hormone content in shoot tips, containing the meristems from which this phenotype emerged, were examined. Higher levels of OeTFL1, a gene encoding the flowering repressor TERMINAL FLOWER 1, correlated with lack of flowering. The branching phenotype correlated with higher content of salicylic acid, indole-3-acetic acid and isopentenyl adenosine, and lower content of abscisic acid. The results obtained confirm that heterologous expression of MtFTa1 in olive induced continuous flowering independently of environmental factors, but also modified plant architecture. These phenotypical changes could be related to the altered hormonal content in transgenic plants.

Numerical Simulation of Crack Propagation and Branching Behaviors in Heterogeneous Rock-like Materials

The characterization and understanding of crack evolution in non-uniform geological structures are crucial for predicting the mechanical response of rock-like materials or structures under varying loading conditions. In this study, an improved Peridynamic model with a degree of heterogeneity characterized by random pre-breaking “bonds” coefficients is introduced to capture the intricacies of crack initiation, propagation, and branching behaviors in heterogeneous rock-like materials. MATLAB discrete programs for heterogeneous material models and PD simulation programs based on the FORTRAN language were developed. The effectiveness of the heterogeneous PD model in simulating crack propagation and branching patterns in heterogeneous materials has been verified through dynamic and static (quasi-static) loading cases with pre-notch. The different levels of heterogeneity not only affect the direction of crack propagation but also determine the crack deflection direction and branching patterns. The crack propagation path appears to possess obvious asymmetry in the crack propagation direction. As the load applied continues to increase, the asymmetric multi-crack branching phenomenon will occur. The higher the level of heterogeneity, the more complex the behaviors of crack propagation and branching become. This research provides valuable insights into the interplay of material heterogeneity and crack evolution, offering a foundation for improved numerical simulations and contributing to the broader field of geomechanics.

Extinction behavior and recurrence of n-type Markov branching–immigration processes

In this paper, we consider n-type Markov branching–immigration processes. The uniqueness criterion is first established. Then, we construct a related system of differential equations based on the branching property. Furthermore, the explicit expression of extinction probability and the mean extinction time are successfully obtained in the absorbing case by using the unique solution of the related system of differential equations and Kolmogorov forward equations. Finally, the recurrence and ergodicity criteria are given if the zero state 0 is not absorbing.

Dynamic Behavior of Coffee Branches: an Analysis Using the Finite Element Method

Dynamic Behavior of Coffee Branches: an Analysis Using the Finite Element Method

Study on Temperature-Controlled Branching Behavior with Self-Condensing Atom Transfer Radical Copolymerization of Latent Inimer and Styrene

Study on Temperature-Controlled Branching Behavior with Self-Condensing Atom Transfer Radical Copolymerization of Latent Inimer and Styrene

Combined effects of bedding anisotropy and matrix heterogeneity on hydraulic fracturing of shales from Changning and Lushan, South China: An experimental investigation

Shales are intrinsically anisotropic and heterogeneous due to the existence of bedding planes and natural microfractures. Although the roles of shale bedding anisotropy and inherent heterogeneity have been well studied, their combined effects remain unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed six hydraulic fracturing tests on shales with varying bedding inclinations (0°, 45° and 90°) collected from Changing (Sichuan) and Lushan (Jiangxi), South China. The mineral components and microstructure of shales collected from these two places were compared. The results indicate that the shale from Lushan is more heterogeneous due to its higher content of microfractures and pores than the shale from Changning. Through hydraulic fracturing analysis, we show that the fracture initiation pressure and breakdown pressure first increase and then decrease with increasing bedding inclination, and a strong linear correlation between the two pressures is found to be independent of shale heterogeneity. Second, we find inconsistency between the high breakdown pressure and large hoop deformation, which can be attributed to the anisotropy effect of shale’s bedding strength relative to the maximum principal stress. In addition, the analysis of the amplitudes and frequency of acoustic emission signals suggests that tensile cracks preferentially occur in a short-transverse mode, while deviating the bedding plane from the axial direction suppresses the initiation of tensile cracks. Shale heterogeneity is mainly reflected in reducing the magnitude of critical pressures and deflecting local fracture branch behaviors, which are less significant than the impacts of bedding anisotropy during the hydraulic fracturing process.

Study of crack extension and branching behavior of layered materials under impact loading

This study utilized a digital laser dynamic caustics experimental system to conduct three-point bending impact experiments on layered epoxy specimens with different values of angle α between the bedding and the prefabricated crack, as well as the epoxy specimen without bedding. A high speed camera was employed to record the dynamic caustic spot at the crack tip during specimen extension and branching, analyze the dynamic stress intensity factor for crack tip for Mode I and II, crack extension speed, and exploration of the influence of angle α on crack extension and branching behavior. Numerical simulations were performed using the cohesive element method. The findings indicate an increase in crack initiation toughness as the angle α increases. After the initiation of the main crack, the failure mode was Mode I-dominated damage. When it extended near the bedding, the failure mode of the main crack changed to Mode II-dominated damage due to the influence of the bedding, resulting in the formation of branching cracks and microcracks. The main crack again exhibited Mode I-dominated damage after branching. Notably, the branching cracks primarily exhibited Mode II-dominated damage. The occurrence of branching cracks and microcracks intensifies with higher α. The variation of α significantly influences the speed of crack extension.

Deciphering the influence of shape on vortex-induced vibrations: Insight from diamond and equilateral triangle cylinder simulations

In this study, we present a comprehensive numerical investigation on the impact of geometric shapes on vortex-induced vibrations (VIV). We deploy the OpenFOAM computational fluid dynamics toolbox to simulate undamped transverse flow-induced vibrations in diamond and equilateral triangular cylinders, operating at a Reynolds number of 100 in a uniform flow. Both cylinders possess an identical mass ratio of 10 and operate within a reduced velocity range of 1–13. Our findings reveal a substantial shift in VIV branching behavior when transitioning from a diamond to a triangular geometry, with both cylinders exhibiting solely VIV responses. Intriguingly, the triangular cylinder does not exhibit a lock-out feature. Furthermore, the triangular cylinder showcases rich dynamical behavior, the occurrence of beating. Coinciding with this geometric transition is a surge in fluid forces and heightened flow asymmetry. While the diamond cylinder predominantly exhibits the P + S mode of vortex shedding, the triangular cylinder displays an unconventional 2P vortex arrangement, contributing to the observed asymmetry. As the geometry transitions from diamond to triangular, we note a phase alignment between the lift and transverse displacement. Remarkably, the triangular cylinder exhibits a higher energy conversion efficiency than its diamond counterpart. This research underscores the significant influence of geometry on vortex-induced vibrations, providing pivotal insight for optimizing the design and performance of structures subjected to fluid flows.

Flow-induced vibration of an elliptic cylinder with a splitter-plate attachment at low-Reynolds number: Self-limited oscillations

Flow-induced vibrations (FIV) of a rigid, elastically-mounted elliptical cylinder-plate assembly which is free to move in the cross-flow (transverse) direction is studied using numerical simulations. These simulations were conducted for a laminar flow at a Reynolds number of Re=100 over a reduced velocity range of Ur= 2–30, with a low mass ratio (m∗=10) and zero structural damping, for various values of the aspect ratio AR of the elliptical cylinder; namely, AR= 0.5, 0.67, 0.75, 1, 1.5 and 2. It is shown that the characteristics of the FIV response of an elliptical cylinder-plate assembly that occurs over a limited velocity range (viz., self-limited FIV) such as the vibration amplitude, the reduced-velocity range with vibrations, the nature of the branching behaviour (e.g., synchronization and non-synchronization branches in the amplitude response), and the vortex-shedding (wake) modes are strongly dependent on the aspect ratio. The self-limited FIV response of the assembly is enhanced for AR increasing from 0.75 to 1.5. However, it is found that for AR=2, the reduced-velocity range over which the FIV response occurs is significantly shortened owing to the absence of a non-synchronization branch in the amplitude response for this case. There is a critical value (AR)cri of the aspect ratio below which oscillations in an elliptical cylinder-plate assembly cannot be induced. This critical value occurs in the range 0.67<(AR)cri<0.75 for an assembly in a laminar flow at Re=100 for a fixed splitter-plate length LSP/D=0.5 (D is the equivalent diameter of the ellipsoidal cylinder). A careful analysis shows that there is close relationship between the presence of structural oscillations in the assembly and the location of flow separation points on the windward surface of the elliptical cylinder.