Composite Core Research Articles

Free Vibration of Thermally Loaded FG-GPLRC Nanoplates Integrated with Magneto-Electro-Elastic Layers in Contact with Fluid

This work investigates the free vibrations of innovative thermally loaded nanoplates constructed by integrating magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) layers with functionally-graded graphene platelet-reinforced composite cores (FG-GPLRC) and accounting for viscous fluid interactions. An advanced multiphysics model is developed using the Navier–Stokes equations to capture fluid structure coupling effects, Halpin–Tsai, and the rule of mixtures micromechanics to predict the non-uniform effective properties, third-order shear deformation plates theory (TSDPT) to incorporate thickness stretching, and the nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT) to characterize size dependencies. The Galerkin technique is used to solve the governing equations, which are derived from the Hamilton’s principle. Parametric analyses quantify the influences of fluid depth, temperature fluctuations, temperature profiles, nonlocal and strain gradient parameters, electric and magnetic potentials, graphene distribution patterns, graphene weight fractions, and boundary conditions on the vibration response. The outcomes of this study provide design guidelines and predictive tools enabling active vibration control systems for next-generation thermally-loaded nanocomposite structures with widespread applications from aerospace vehicles to nanoelectronics.

Compression behavior of lightweight corrugated composite Sandwich panels with smart facesheets reinforced by shape memory alloy wires: an experimental study

AbstractThis paper presents an experimental examination of the compression demeanor of lightweight corrugated core composite (CCC) sandwich panel and corrugated core smart composites (CCSC) sandwich panels subjected to quasi‐static edgewise compression loading. The existence of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires and pre‐strain percentages of SMA are the indicators studied in this article. The fabrication procedure presented and the appraisement of the mechanical properties of the CCC and CCSC sandwich panels are expressed. The core geometry of samples is trapezoid corrugated made of aluminum. The facesheets are four layers of woven glass fiber/ epoxy laminated composite. For evaluation of the efficacy of the presence of SMA wires on mechanical specifications of sandwich panels, three SMA wires with various pre‐strain percentages (0%, 3%, and 6%) are embedded in each composite facesheet. Mechanical properties of all types of CCC and CCSC sandwich panels such as maximum force, critical damage force, specific strength, absorb energy, specific toughness, Young's modulus, and specific stiffness were evaluated. Results showed that the CCC sandwich panel has higher mechanical specifications than the CCSC sandwich panels with 0% and 3% pre‐strain. Also, increasing pre‐strained SMA wires improves all mechanical parameters of CCSC sandwich panels. CCSC sandwich panel with 6% pre‐strain has the highest compression properties than other sandwich panels. Maximum Force, Critical Damage Force, Specific Strength, Absorbed Energy, Specific Toughness, Young's Modulus, and Specific Stiffness of CCSC sandwich panel with 6% pre‐strain are 14.73 kN, 13.6 kN, 9.55 MPa/g, 26.61 kJ, 0.346 MJ/m3g, 4395 MPa and 0.61 kN/mm g, respectively.Highlights Lightweight CCC sandwich panel and CCSC sandwich panel manufactured. Compression behavior of CCC sandwich panel and CCSC sandwich panel evaluated. Pre‐strained SMA wires improves energy absorption of CCSC sandwich panels. Higher specific toughness was obtained with 6% pre‐strain SMA. Presence of SMA wires with no pre‐strain cannot improve the specific strength.

The effect of ferrule and core material on fracture resistance of endodontically treated anterior teeth restored with ceramic crowns after artificial aging

ObjectivesTo assess the influence of ferrule and core type on the fracture strength of endodontically treated anterior teeth (ETAT) and identify the failure mode type and distribution across different core types and ferrule conditions. MethodsSixty extracted human central incisors were endodontically treated, decoronated and divided into two main groups (F=with ferrule, NF=no ferrule). Each main group was further subdivided into three subgroups according to the core material used: direct composite cores (DC), Ribbond fibre-reinforced composite cores (RIB-DC), and glass fibre post (GFP) with direct composite cores (GFP-DC). All specimens received E.max crowns and underwent thermal cycling and cyclic loading. Subsequently, the fracture resistance was tested with static loads applied to the crown restoration. Two-Way ANOVA and Chi square tests identified significant differences among the groups (p < 0.05). ResultsThe means and standard deviations (SD) of fracture loads in Newtons (N) for specimens in the F subgroups were RIB-DC: 465.0 (104.20), GFP-DC: 367.6 (79.59), DC: 275.8 (68.48), and in NF subgroups were RIB-DC: 110.8 (24.33), GFP-DC: 95.6 (25.47), DC: 67.4 (7.46). Specimens with ferrule yielded significantly higher fracture loads than those without ferrule (p = 0.0054). In the F groups, fracture loads of specimens with RIB-DC cores were significantly higher than those with GFP-DC (p = 0.0019) and those with DC (p = 0.0001). Moreover, fracture loads for the GFP-DC were significantly higher than those for the DC (p = 0.0026). The GFP-DC specimens showed the highest incidence of catastrophic failures (p = 0.0420). ConclusionsUsing fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) cores significantly increased fracture resistance in ETAT with ferrule. The failure modes repairable and possibly repairable were dominant in most specimens. Clinical significanceWhen restoring ETAT with insufficient coronal tooth structure, preserving 2 mm of tooth structure ferrule and preparing cores with FRC can increase fracture resistance and reduce the incidence of non-repairable catastrophic fractures of teeth.

Study on current carrying capacity calculation model for dynamic capacity increase of carbon fiber reinforced composite core conductor

Abstract With the “dual-carbon” as the goal of the new power system construction gradually in-depth, transmission lines must have energy-saving capacity for the direction of development. A new type of large-capacity overhead transmission conductor is the carbon fiber reinforced composite core (CFCC) conductor. The conductor has high capacity, low loss, high-temperature resistance, low high-temperature sag, and other characteristics. It is one of the key technologies and equipment applied to the transformation of old overhead transmission lines to enhance its capacity. At the same time, it can also realize the dynamic transmission capacity regulation of the overhead line. The application of the prospect is very promising. The accurate assessment and calculation model for the conductor’s allowable current carrying capacity is the key core technical problem of the overhead transmission line dynamic capacity increase capability. The paper establishes a maximum allowable current capacity calculation model for carbon fiber-reinforced composite core conductors based on Morgan’s formula. The results of the load flow calculation are compared with the actual load flow test results to verify the calculation model, and the maximum error is 3.59%, which proves the reliability of the calculation model. On this basis, the influence of external environmental factors (ambient temperature, sunlight intensity, wind speed, and direction) on the maximum allowable current capacity of the conductor is discussed. The correlation coefficient of the model is analyzed.

Surface morphology of core/shell particles and its determining factors

Submicron-sized core/shell particles were prepared by polymerizing a mixture of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate in the presence of seeds of monodisperse polystyrene or its copolymer with methyl methacrylate. The influence of core/shell particle preparation conditions (method of shell formation, core composition, reaction temperature, introduction of surfactants, method of introducing monomers) on kinetics of the process, shape and surface morphology of the resulting particles is revealed. Depending on the abovementioned parameters, particles of various morphologies can be obtained, including both ones with a smooth surface layer and with a heterogeneous “golf ball-like” structure, while the presence of dents, as well as their size and the number can also be controlled by the synthesis conditions. The result of polymerization, that is, the morphology of core/shell particles and the formation of secondary particles, is established to be determined primarily by thermodynamic factors that take into account the distribution of shell-forming monomers in an equilibrium state.

Fabrication of Fe-based Nanocrystalline Spherical and Flake Powder Composite Magnetic Cores for Tens of MHz and their Application to Planar Power Inductor

Fabrication of Fe-based Nanocrystalline Spherical and Flake Powder Composite Magnetic Cores for Tens of MHz and their Application to Planar Power Inductor

Comparative Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Composite Core Buildup Materials: An In Vitro Study.

Aim This study aimed to compare the fracture resistance of different materials used in composite core buildups, including conventional filler composite, nanofiller composite, and short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC). Methods This in vitro study was conducted on 30 freshly extracted premolars. The teeth were treated using a uniform endodontic procedure, and Fiber Posts (REFORPOST, Angelus) were placed. The teeth were then divided into three groups and restored using different materials. Group 1 was restored using SFRC(everX Posterior, GC, Europe), Group 2 using microfiller composite (Te-Econom Flow, Ivoclar Vivadent), and Group 3 using nanofiller composite (Tetric N-Flow, Ivoclar Vivadent). The restoration materials were then light-cured for 40 seconds. The teeth were placed in a Universal Testing Machine (Instron) and a load was applied with a stainless-steel ball (4 mm diameter) until the tooth fractured. The fracture load for each tooth was recorded, and after the mechanical test, the experimental groups were examined for failure modes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0 software. A one-way ANOVA test was conducted to compare more than two groups, followed by Tukey's test for post hoc pairwise comparison. Results The mean fracture resistance of the microfiller composite (346.94±44.63) was the lowest among the three groups. When analyzed using Tukey's test at p<0.05, fracture resistance was significantly higher in the SFRC, followed by nanofillers and microfiller composites. Conclusion Due to the increasing demand for aesthetic restorations in recent years, composites have become important in modern restorative dentistry. The development and implementation of composite dental restorative materials rely on a comprehensive understanding of each composite component and consideration of methods for modifying each component. As a result, the findings of this study will be beneficial in determining which material to use based on specific cases.

Mechanical Analysis of Sandwich Plates with Lattice Metal Composite Cores

This study investigates the modal and static behaviour of sandwich panels with lattice core structures, comparing the real cellular solid structures’ response with an equivalent homogenised model. The mechanical model has been described through the Finite Element Method (FEM), and 3D elements with reduced integration have been employed to guarantee an accurate description of skins and the lattice geometry. Different Body Centred Cubic (BCC) cell configurations have been considered: standard metal BCC cell, metal BCC cell with waved struts, standard metal composite BCC cell. Depending on the configuration, the homogenised materials showed isotropic or orthotropic properties. The composite core has been modelled using two different materials, namely an Aluminium matrix with an AlSiC filler, which is enclosed inside the other hence constituting the BCC cell’s strut. A free-vibration and static analysis parametric study has been conducted varying the strut’s diameter, the strut’s waviness and the thickness ratio of the composite struts. For the static analysis, a multiscale approach has been adopted; a first step considering the whole homogenised sandwich panel and a second step comparing the multiscale results of the homogenised model and those of real structure considering a small portion of the panel. Results reveal insights into the effects of core structure parameters on the mechanical response of sandwich panels, aiding in design optimisation and structural enhancement.

High-performance design of auxetic sandwich structures: A multi-objective optimization approach

This study aims to optimize lightweight, high-performance sandwich structures featuring a double arrowhead auxetic core to enhance Poisson’s ratio, mass, natural frequency, and failure load. Utilizing response surface methodology and finite element analysis, experimentally validated, the structures incorporate carbon-aramid composite face sheets and PLA cores produced via additive manufacturing. Five surrogate models inform metaheuristic optimization using the Lichtenberg algorithm, targeting compression and modal performance. The results indicate a 21% increase in failure load, a 55% increase in natural frequency, and a 57% decrease in Poisson’s ratio. The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies significantly enhances these properties.

The preparation and magnetic properties of FeSiCr/MoS2 soft magnetic composites

Two-dimensional layered material MoS2 was used as a high-resistance insulating material and coated on FeSiCr magnetic powder, and FeSiCr/MoS2 composites with low loss and high permeability were successfully prepared. The morphology and magnetic properties of FeSiCr/MoS2 composites were analyzed by XRD, SEM and B-H analyzer. The results show that although the addition of MoS2 will dilute the magnetic properties of FeSiCr, it still has high permeability and obviously reduces the magnetic loss of FeSiCr powder. At the same time, the addition of MoS2 also improves the frequency stability and quality factor of the composite powder cores. Especially, when the MoS2 content is 1.5 wt%, FeSiCr/MoS2 composites show the best magnetic properties after annealing at 500 °C. with a loss of 330 mW cm−3 and permeability of 66.75 (B m = 20 mT and f = 1000 kHz). It can be seen that the MoS2 coating has a good effect on reducing the magnetic loss of powder core, which significantly improves the possibility of application of SMCs at high frequency.

Hydrogen and silicon are the preferred light elements in Earth’s core

Hydrogen is an important light element in the Earth’s core for its high cosmochemical abundance and strong affinity to iron under core-formation conditions. Thus, constraining the core composition requires knowledge on the distribution of hydrogen between the liquid outer core and solid inner core. Here we investigate the chemical equilibrium of hydrogen at the inner-core boundary by calculating the chemical potential of hydrogen in solid and liquid iron-hydrogen alloys, respectively, using first-principles molecular dynamic simulations and neural network methods. We find that hydrogen partitions preferentially into the outer core and provides a major contribution to the density jump across the inner-core boundary. Combining geophysical constraints, mineral physics data, and chemical equilibrium, we evaluated light element abundances in the outer and inner cores simultaneously. Our results suggest hydrogen and silicon are the preferred light elements in the core, implying a relatively reduced environment during the Earth’s accretion and core-formation processes.

The Impact of Bonding Agents and Bone Defects on the Fracture Resistance of Reattached Vertically Root-Fractured Teeth

Many patients experience vertical root fractures, and clinicians often consider conservative treatment options like reattaching the fractured root segments. The study investigated the impact of different bonding agents on the fracture resistance of rebonded vertically fractured teeth with various alveolar bone defects. Human premolar teeth with a single root were sectioned and reattached using dual-cure resin cement (DCRC), resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), and cyanoacrylate. The reattached teeth were then restored with a resin fiber post, composite resin core, and full veneer metal copings. These teeth were embedded in acrylic blocks with angular, V-shaped, and step-shaped bone defects to simulate various alveolar bone conditions. After subjecting the samples to thermal cycling, the fracture resistance was evaluated using a universal testing machine. Teeth samples reattached with RMGI exhibited a higher average fracture resistance. The study also found that DCRC proved to be an effective bonding agent for VRF teeth. However, cyanoacrylate-rebonded teeth exhibited the lowest fracture resistance. The V-shaped defects had a significant impact on the fracture resistance of reattached VRF teeth, with largely unfavorable fractures observed in these cases. Predominantly favorable fractures were observed in the teeth treated with RMGI. The fracture loads in both RMGI and DCRC groups exceeded the expected masticatory load.

The effect of endodontic instrumentation on fatigue, fracture load, and dentin crack formation in restored uniradicular teeth: in vitro study

Objective(s): The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of manual, rotatory, and reciprocating endodontic instrumentation for uniradicular teeth on fatigue, load to failure, and dentin crack formation. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two human uniradicular teeth were selected. Root samples were standsdized at 14 mm (t0). Teeth were divided into three groups according to endodontic instrumentation: Manual (M), Rotatory (RT), or Reciprocating (RC) and filled with passive technique (t1). All teeth received the cementation of a glass fiber post and were restored with composite resin core (t2) and metallic crown. Samples were subjected to mechanical cycling (177 N, 2x106 cycles, 4 Hz) (t3), followed by a load to failure test. Failure analysis was performed and dentin crack analysis was conducted in two samples each time t0, t1, t2, and t3. Results: Load to failure was not different between groups (p=0.716). However, the M group presented more irreparable failures. M and RC groups presented a high percentage of root sections with defects, and t3 was the evaluation time which presented more dentin crack formation. Conclusion(s): Endodontic instrumentation system did not affect load to failure of uniradicular teeth. Still, it affected the failure mode, with manual and reciprocating instrumentations presenting more irreparable failures and high root dentin crack formation.

Evaluation of heterogeneous core sandwich panels for energy efficiency and fire safety in warehouse buildings

Sandwich panels are extensively used in the construction industry because of their superior thermal insulation performance and ease of installation. However, panels with combustible cores are prone to fire, whereas those with mineral-based cores exhibit lower thermal insulation capabilities. Therefore, to address these limitations, this study proposed a composite core approach to enhance both fire resistance and thermal insulation performance. A surface layer incorporated phenolic foam (PF), which fulfilled the fire resistance requirements and delivered excellent thermal insulation properties, and 30–40 mm of glass wool (GW) and mineral wool (MW) with exceptional fire resistance were applied. The heterogeneous core sandwich panels exhibited excellent flame-retardant performance, with a maximum peak heat release rate of 0.712 kW/m2 and a total heat release of 0.18 MJ/m2. This satisfied the semi-non-combustible flame retardancy level and ensured sufficient time for residents to evacuate safely. Moreover, based on its low thermal transmittance of 0.114–0.125 W/m2·K, when applied to warehouse-type buildings, heating energy consumption was reduced by approximately 10 % compared to sandwich panels based on inorganic core GW and MW. Heterogeneous core sandwich panels can exhibit excellent flame retardancy and thermal performance owing to the use of inorganic materials and PF, respectively.

Composite cores of monopoles and Alice rings in spin-2 Bose-Einstein condensates

We show that energy relaxation causes a point defect in the uniaxial-nematic phase of a spin-2 Bose-Einstein condensate to deform into a spin-Alice ring that exhibits a composite core structure with distinct topology at short and long distances from the singular line. An outer biaxial-nematic core exhibits a spin half-quantum vortex structure with a uniaxial-nematic inner core. By numerical simulation, we demonstrate a dynamical oscillation between the spin-Alice ring and a split-core hedgehog configuration via the appearance of ferromagnetic rings with associated vorticity inside an extended core region. We further show that a similar dynamics is exhibited by a spin-Alice ring surrounding a spin-vortex line resulting from the relaxation of a monopole situated on a spin-vortex line in the biaxial-nematic phase. In the cyclic phase, similar states are shown instead to form extended phase-mixing cores containing rings with fractional mass circulation or cores whose spatial shape reflects the order-parameter symmetry of a cyclic inner core, depending on the initial configuration. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Time scales of olivine storage and transport as revealed by diffusion chronometry at Waitomokia Volcanic Complex, Auckland Volcanic Field, New Zealand

Detailed knowledge of the pre-eruptive time scales associated with magma storage and transport is vital to improve volcanic hazard forecasting in active volcanic regions. However, quantification of the timescales of volcanic processes at mafic volcanic centres in continental intraplate settings is challenging, despite them being a source of significant hazards for human populations and infrastructure due to their limited predictability in space and time. We conducted a detailed petrological study to investigate the time scales of olivine storage and transfer throughout the eruption sequence of Waitomokia Volcanic Complex, a tuff ring and scoria cone complex in the Auckland Volcanic Field. Olivine crystal textures and compositions were determined from stratigraphically-constrained samples of the volcanic complex, from the initial phreatomagmatic phase to the final magmatic phase. Olivine crystals are typically <300 μm in length and characterised by skeletal morphologies, displaying chemical zoning in forsterite (Fo = 100*Mg/[Mg + Fe]; mol%), CaO, MnO and NiO wt% contents. We classified olivine into three major groups based on their Fo core compositions: (1) normally zoned crystals with high Fo content (Fo > 85), (2) crystals with intermediate Fo contents (84–81), and (3) reversely zoned crystals with lower Fo core content (<80). Olivine chemical zoning (diffusion) profiles were modelled in the context of a specific magmatic environment linked with changes in thermodynamic variables during storage (temperature, pressure, and oxygen fugacity). We propose that the normally zoned olivine crystals grew in one magmatic environment (ME1), which subsequently intruded into a more evolved (lower MgO) environment (ME2), where they interacted and were stored for up to 135 days before their eruption. During magma ascent to the surface, a second magma mixing event occurred between ME2 and magma within a third magmatic environment (ME3), forming reversely-zoned olivine crystals yielding notably shorter ascent times of approximately a few days. The rocks from the opening phreatomagmatic phase of the eruption show a larger range in olivine group types compared to the final magmatic phase, where those from the deeper ME1 are more abundant. The short time scales of magma transport obtained in our study, on the order of days to months, should be informative of the warning times that may be encountered between the onset of volcanic unrest and an eruption in the Auckland Volcanic Field.

Global diversity of airborne pathogenic bacteria and fungi from wastewater treatment plants

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been recognized as one of the major potential sources of the spread of airborne pathogenic microorganisms under the global pandemic of COVID-19. The differences in research regions, wastewater treatment processes, environmental conditions, and other aspects in the existing case studies have caused some confusion in the understanding of bioaerosol pollution characteristics. In this study, we integrated and analyzed data from field sampling and performed a systematic literature search to determine the abundance of airborne microorganisms in 13 countries and 37 cities across four continents (Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa). We analyzed the concentrations of bioaerosols, the core composition, global diversity, determinants, and potential risks of airborne pathogen communities in WWTPs. Our findings showed that the culturable bioaerosol concentrations of global WWTPs are 102–105 CFU/m3. Three core bacterial pathogens, namely Bacillus, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas, as well as two core fungal pathogens, Cladosporium and Aspergillus, were identified in the air across global WWTPs. WWTPs have unique core pathogenic communities and distinct continental divergence. The sources of airborne microorganisms (wastewater) and environmental variables (relative humidity and air contaminants) have impacts on the distribution of airborne pathogens. Potential health risks are associated with the core airborne pathogens in WWTPs. Our study showed the specificity, multifactorial influences, and potential pathogenicity of airborne pathogenic communities in WWTPs. Our findings can improve the understanding of the global diversity and biogeography of airborne pathogens in WWTPs, guiding risk assessment and control strategies for such pathogens. Furthermore, they provide a theoretical basis for safeguarding the health of WWTP workers and ensuring regional ecological security.

Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored Using Multifiber Posts Compared with Single Fiber Posts

Purpose. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fracture resistance and type of failure of two adhesive fiber post systems used to restore endodontically treated teeth. Material and Methods. Twenty-seven extracted premolars were selected and divided into three groups (n=9): a control group restored with direct composite core (group 1), teeth restored with single fiberglass posts (group 2), and teeth were restored with multifiber posts (Biolight Plus System) (group 3). Fracture resistance was measured by applying axial compressive loads parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth until failure. Data was analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Turkey tests. Results. The results showed that the mean forces to failure of the control group (0.068 kN) were significantly lower than those restored with either fiberglass post systems (p=0.013). There was no significant difference between the multifiber and the single fiberglass post system in terms of resistance to fracture (p=0.097). Although there are more teeth fractured favorably (above the CEJ) in the Biolight Plus group (77.7%) compared to both the control and fiberglass post groups, it was not statistically significant (p=0.226). Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, restoring endodontically treated with a multifiber post system is an adequate alternative to single fiberglass post system in terms of resistance to fracture.

Condition for metal fragmentation during Earth-forming collisions

The long-term evolution of the deep Earth depends on its initial temperature and composition. These were set by the large planetary collisions that formed the Earth. After each collision, the metallic core of the impactor fell into a molten silicate magma ocean. Previous investigations showed that, as it sank, the impactor core fragmented into drops. The overall fragmentation of the core controlled the efficiency of chemical transfers between the impactor metal and the magma ocean, and, as a consequence, the composition of the Earth's core and mantle. However, because previous studies lack an impact stage, it is unclear whether the projectile core fragmented during the impact at Earth's surface, or deeper in the magma ocean.To answer this question, we conduct laboratory experiments modeling the collision of single-phase and two-phase impactors. In a first series of experiments, we investigate the impact of a single-phase centimetric liquid volume, representing the impactor core, onto a lighter immiscible liquid, representing the magma ocean. Our experiments approach the dynamical regime of planetary collisions for which inertia is large compared to surface tension. Varying the velocity and size of the impactor, we determine the conditions under which the impactor fragments into drops. We find that fragmentation occurs when the Froude number, which measures the relative importance of inertia to gravity, is larger than 40, regardless of surface tension. This fragmentation results from the growth of a turbulent Rayleigh-Taylor instability at the interface between the impacting liquid and the target pool. In contrast, when Fr<10, the impactor remains coherent. In a second series of experiments, we use two-phase impactors to show that these results hold for impactors that are differentiated into a core and a mantle.Applied to planet formation, our results suggest that the core of impactors less than 330 km in radius impacting at the escape velocity onto an Earth-sized planet fully fragments into droplets during the impact process, whereas the core of a giant Mars-sized impactor remains coherent. We derive a model for the depth at which the impactor core fragments in the magma ocean as a function of the impactor size and velocity. This model predicts that impactors with a radius less than 800 km fully fragment before reaching the bottom of the magma ocean. For velocities higher than twice the escape speed, some degree of fragmentation is unavoidable for any impactor size.

Where Are the Water Worlds? Identifying Exo-water-worlds Using Models of Planet Formation and Atmospheric Evolution

Planet formation models suggest that the small exoplanets that migrate from beyond the snowline of the protoplanetary disk likely contain water-ice-rich cores (∼50% by mass), also known as water worlds. While the observed radius valley of the Kepler planets is well explained by the atmospheric dichotomy of the rocky planets, precise measurements of the mass and radius of the transiting planets hint at the existence of these water worlds. However, observations cannot confirm the core compositions of those planets, owing to the degeneracy between the density of a bare water-ice-rich planet and the bulk density of a rocky planet with a thin atmosphere. We combine different formation models from the Genesis library with atmospheric escape models, such as photoevaporation and impact stripping, to simulate planetary systems consistent with the observed radius valley. We then explore the possibility of water worlds being present in the currently observed sample by comparing them with simulated planets in the mass–radius–orbital period space. We find that the migration models suggest ≳10% and ≳20% of the bare planets, i.e., planets without primordial H/He atmospheres, to be water-ice-rich around G- and M-type host stars, respectively, consistent with the mass–radius distributions of the observed planets. However, most of the water worlds are predicted to be outside a period of 10 days. A unique identification of water worlds through radial velocity and transmission spectroscopy is likely to be more successful when targeting such planets with longer orbital periods.