Composite Element Research Articles

How athletes’ biomechanical running characteristics effect running economy during the use of running shoes with and without carbon inserts

To maximise running economy (RE), shoe manufacturers placed carbon plates within the midsole of shoes. Shoe technology research is limited on understanding the variability of individual responses to carbon-plated shoes and how these responses vary across running velocities. Little research on same shoe characteristics with and without a stiff element has been completed. This study aimed to investigate how running shoes with carbon versus without a carbon composite stiff element alter individual running biomechanics and the metabolic cost of running. Ethical approval was gained from Cardiff Metropolitan University Ethics Committee. Ten male athletes (69 ± 9 kg; 174 ± 4 cm; 28 ± 9 years) completed two submaximal incremental treadmill runs. One test was completed in a shoe without carbon (C1), the other test was completed in carbon shoes (C2), the order of testing for each shoe were randomised. Running velocity started at 9 km/h and increased by 1 km/h every four mins, blood lactate samples were taken after every stage. Once 4 mmol·L−1 (OBLA; the second lactate turn point) had been reached one more stage was completed. Gas exchange was analysed throughout the whole test. The first 15 s of the final 2 minutes of each stage was recorded using Theia3D markerless motion capture software (Theia3Dv2022.1.0.2309, Theia Markerless, Inc., Kingston, ON, Canada). Data were analysed in 4 stages, the initial stage, pre-OBLA, OBLA and post-OBLA. Physiology data were averaged over the final two mins of each stage. Discrete joint angles were taken from each stage, and an average of the 15 s recording was taken for spatiotemporal measure. Data were analysed using a four-way repeat measures ANOVA, to show individual differences. Non-parametric data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Hedges g calculations were completed to calculate effect size (ES). Results showed significant increase in flight time (FT; P = 0.04, ES = 0.20) in the pre-OBLA stage when using C2. Metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) dorsiflexion showed significant increase during the initial stage in C2 (P = 0.05, ES = 0.8), and ankle dorsiflexion had significant increase in the post-OBLA stage in C2 (P = 0.03, ES = 0.2). The were no significant differences present in the physiology data. Across the physiological, spatiotemporal and kinematics, high dispersions around the mean were exhibited. Findings suggest that to improve RE, mechanical and spatiotemporal changes need to be present when using C2. Further findings show carbon shoes elicit highly individual responses to both RE and mechanics of running.

Tracking glass beads: communities and exchange relationships across the Atlantic in the seventeenth century

Minimally invasive compositional analyses of glass trade beads have revolutionised the study of these highly portable and socially significant items. Here, the authors interrogate new and legacy compositional data to investigate how Indigenous communities in eastern North America, particularly Wendat confederacy members, obtained beads from European traders and connected to broader interregional exchange systems c. AD 1600–1670. Diagnostic chemical elements in glass compositions reveal down-the-line exchange and population movement into the Western Great Lakes region prior to the arrival of European settlers, which highlights active Indigenous participation in transatlantic economic networks during a historical period of dynamic reorganisation and interaction.

Genome-wide identification and investigation of monosaccharide transporter gene family based on their evolution and expression analysis under abiotic stress and hormone treatments in maize (Zea mays L.)

BackgroundMonosaccharide transporter (MST) family, as a carrier for monosaccharide transport, plays an important role in carbon partitioning and widely involves in plant growth and development, stress response, and signaling transduction. However, little information on the MST family genes is reported in maize (Zea mays), especially in response to abiotic stresses. In this study, the genome-wide identification of MST family genes was performed in maize.ResultA total of sixty-six putative members of MST gene family were identified and divided into seven subfamilies (including SPT, PMT, VGT, INT, pGlcT, TMT, and ERD) using bioinformatics approaches, and gene information, phylogenetic tree, chromosomal location, gene structure, motif composition, and cis-acting elements were investigated. Eight tandem and twelve segmental duplication events were identified, which played an important role in the expansion of the ZmMST family. Synteny analysis revealed the evolutionary features of MST genes in three gramineous crop species. The expression analysis indicated that most of the PMT, VGT, and ERD subfamilies members responded to osmotic and cadmium stresses, and some of them were regulated by ABA signaling, while only a few members of other subfamilies responded to stresses. In addition, only five genes were induced by NaCl stress in MST family.ConclusionThese results serve to understand the evolutionary relationships of the ZmMST family genes and supply some insight into the processes of monosaccharide transport and carbon partitioning on the balance between plant growth and development and stress response in maize.

Enhanced energy density of high entropy alloy (Fe‐Co‐Ni‐Cu‐Mn) and green graphene hybrid supercapacitor

AbstractGiven the growing demand for new materials for supercapacitor applications, high entropy alloys (HEAs) are being extensively investigated. They are an efficient alternative to existing energy sources due to their synergistic contribution from individual element. We demonstrate the development of nanostructured HEA (FeCoNiCuMn) as a cathode material with specific capacitance (Cs) of ~388 F g−1 (5 mV s−1). As anode material, green graphene (rice straw biochar) synthesized using pyrolysis shows a maximum Cs of ~560 F g−1 at similar scan rate (5 mV s−1). A hybrid asymmetric liquid state device was assembled using the FeCoNiCuMn nanostructured HEA and green graphene as electrodes. Utilizing the green source, the device provided a high Cs of 83.22 F g−1 at 2 A g−1. The specific energy of the device was 33.4 Wh kg−1 and specific power of 1.7 kW kg−1. The electrochemical behavior of each element in the high entropy composition was studied through post X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopic analysis. The chemical behavior of FeCoNiCuMn is further investigated using DFT studies. The enhanced electrochemical properties and synergistic contribution of each element of the HEA is studied via d‐band theory. The current study can be utilized to develop asymmetric hybrid supercapacitors as environmental friendly energy source.

Revitalization of regular landscape compositions of the park-monument of landscape art «Sharivskyi»

Introduction. The perception of the landscape as a space for living has led to the formation and development of a special group of anthropogenic landscapes, namely garden and park landscapes, which are characterized by a wide range of functions from utilitarian to aesthetic and spiritual. Currently, approximately 30% of cultural heritage sites are in disrepair, and 80% require serious restoration work. Therefore, the revitalization of the landscape structure of historical garden and park landscapes is an urgent scientific problem and meets two sustainable development goals (goal 11 Sustainable cities and communities and goal 15 - Life on land). The purpose of article. To substantiate the concept of revitalization of regular landscape compositions of the park-monument of landscape gardening art of national importance "Sharivskyi" and to provide a graphic 3D model of architectural, planning and volumetric-spatial solutions of the proposed concept of revitalization of regular compositions of the studied landscape. Research methods. Method of historical analysis: with a focus on the period of the highest embodiment of the artistic compositional intent of the restored space, when the estate belonged to the successful sugar producer Leopold Koenig. The graphic presentation of architectural, planning, and three-dimensional solutions of the proposed revitalization concepts for the studied landscapes was achieved through the use of QGIS 3.28.3-Firenze 2022-08-31, Sketchup, and Realtime Landscaping Architect software tools. Main findings. In order to preserve the original idea and characteristics of the landscape compositions, the concept of revitalization of the White Garden was proposed, which was suggested by the "Genius loci" of the historical landscape of Sharivsky Park. Using the QGIS geographic information system, OSM standard map and Google Satellite Hybrid map, the 3D authentic relief of regular landscape compositions of the Sharivsky Palace and Park Complex was modeled. Using the Sketchup 2020 software tool, a graphical representation of the architectural, planning, and three-dimensional solutions of the studied historical landscape was made. The Sketchup 2020 software tool was also used for the graphic 3D reconstruction of numerous architectural details that adorn the palace, including balustrades, windows, doors, and towers decorated with ornaments. The dendrological plan was developed using species and cultivars of ornamental plants with identified historical and aesthetic value to ensure the continuity of new and preserved plant elements of landscape compositions. Scientific novelty and practical value. The proposed vision of preserving the sustainable features of the place, the selection of plants with identified historical and substantiated aesthetic value can be used in the complex reconstruction of regular garden and park landscapes of the Sharivskyi Park, a monument of landscape gardening art of national importance.

Elemental analysis of “kampong” chicken egg shell content using a Nd-YAG laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract Distinguishing between eggs laid by chickens fed organic versus chemical feed poses a formidable challenge, particularly when relying on eggshell characteristics alone. As such, this investigation was undertaken to conduct a qualitative exploration of the eggshell composition in free-range chickens, employing laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to discern varying feed treatments within the samples. To initiate the formation of micro-plasma, a Nd:YAG LIBS system has been utilized as the excitation source. The eggshells used in the study were sourced from seven distinct chicken groups subjected to diverse feeding protocols, including 100% industrial feed, 100% village feed, and its combination, and also along with eggshells from purebred chickens purchased from traditional markets. Based on the spectroscopic analysis, the seven samples utilized in this study exhibit a uniform chemical composition, encompassing both organic and inorganic elements, specifically C, O, H, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, K, Si, and S.

Algorithm for determining tensions in a stay cable with a manufacturing defect

Purpose. Establishing the influence of presence of a longitudinal area, on which there is detachment of layers over a limited length of a composite orthotropic rope, on its stress-strain state. Research methodology. Development of a method for calculating the influence of presence of a longitudinal area, on which there is detachment of layers over a limited length of a composite orthotropic rope, on its stress-strain state by constructing and analytically solving a model of a stress-strain state of a composite tractive element, considering the conditions of interaction of a rope with a permanent structure using the methods of mechanics of layered composite materials with soft and hard layers. Findings. Analytical dependencies are obtained in a closed form, which allow determining a stress-strain state of a composite multi-layer rope with partial local detachment of a separate layer, considering the breakage of one reinforcing element. An algorithm for determining a stress-strain state of a composite multi-layer rope with partial detachment of a separate layer considering the breakage of one reinforcing element is established. Characteristics of a dependency of unevenness coefficients of load distribution in reinforcing elements, displacements and shear angle tangents on the ordinal number of a damaged cable in a presence of partial local detachment of a separate layer of a composite stay rope is established. Scientific novelty. Influence character of presence of a longitudinal area, on which there is detachment of layers over a limited length of a composite orthotropic rope, on its stress-strain state is established. A method of calculating the influence of presence of an area of detached layers in a rope on its stress-strain state is developed. Practical significance. Local detachment of layers is possible in a process of producing a composite multi-layer stay rope. The developed algorithm makes it possible to determine a stress-strain state of composite stay rope with local layer detachment. The known values of detachment allow implementing justified engineering solutions regarding the conditions of safe, temporary use of a composite rope in cable-stayed structure.

Prior function designs for X-ray reconstructions from limited angular views

The objectivity of three-dimensional imaging has placed X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) into an indispensable diagnostic method in clinical and industrial applications. Despite the advances in the X-ray CT imaging, high- resolution three-dimensional reconstruction of small details in objects with large in-plane dimensions has been a fundamental challenge for the conventional X-ray CT method. An alternative scanning geometry, where X-ray source and a detector move synchronously irradiating a specimen at an inclined angle, has been proposed to address this challenge. This work presents new designs of prior (or penalty) functions developed for reconstructing the radiography data obtained under the limited angular conditions. The new prior targets reduction of shape distortion artifacts, common for laminographic reconstructions, as well as preservation of small features, such as voids, edge details, and high-density inclusions. The novel prior function designs are demonstrated on the computational phantom of a specimen scanned under tilted planar CT geometry simulating large planar dimensions of a specimen. To accommodate physical CT scanning of such specimens, a novel microfocus X-ray CT scanning device that rotates X-ray source and moves the detector synchronously while staying on the same side of the test specimen (Inclined CT), is introduced. This device allows scanning of critical areas of up to 3-meter-wide and potentially unlimited length specimens with high resolution required for identification of manufacturing and structural defects typical for modern composite structural elements used in the aerospace industry.

Study on dynamics of thin shell elements of composite materials based on absolute nodal coordinate formulation

Most solar panels use composite materials to suit the development objectives of large-scale and lightweight spaceship components, resulting in complex nonlinear dynamic characteristics. When describing the dynamic characteristics of thin shell elements in composite materials, the standard 48-DOF fully parameterized thick plate element based on absolute nodal coordinate formulation cannot accurately account for the coupling between the large range of motion and large deformation of thin shell elements, exposing issues such as shear locking, slow convergence, and low computational efficiency. In this study, the absolute nodal coordinate formulation is used to create the 36-DOF reduced-order composite thin shell element. The strain and strain energy of the thin-shell element are calculated using the Green-Lagrange strain tensor, while the bending deformation energy of the thin shell element is calculated using the exact expression of curvature, based on continuum mechanics theory and the constitutive relation of the composite material. The generalized mass matrix and stiffness matrix are developed, and the nonlinear dynamic model of the thin shell element is established using the virtual work principle, with numerical simulation used to validate the dynamic characteristics. The results reveal that the dynamic characteristics of the 36-DOF reduced-order composite thin shell element are consistent with those of the virtual prototype, confirming the validity of the model. The proposed model not only addresses the element locking issue, but it also creates a more realistic dynamic model and increases simulation accuracy. The findings could serve as a theoretical foundation for satellite solar panel on-orbit operations.

The Intersection of Gender, Migration, and Urbanisation in Shaping Community Identities and Social Structures

This paper explores in depth the cross influence of three factors, gender, migration and urbanization, in shaping community identity and social structure. As the basic element of social composition, gender not only affects the self-perception of individuals, but also shapes the collective identity at the community level. As an important driving force of community development, the cultural diversity and social dynamics brought about by immigration have had a profound impact on community identity. However, urbanization, as an important feature of modern society, has had a significant impact on community identity and social structure by changing the physical and social environment of communities. In terms of community identity, the adjustment and remodeling of gender roles and gender relationships are an important part of community development.Simultaneously, the integration of immigrants involves the reshaping and rediscovery of identity, enhancing the complexity of community identity through interactions and contrasts with native residents. Moreover, urbanization-induced community shifts and population movements further complicate and diversify this identity. In terms of social structure, the promotion of gender equality awareness helps to break the shackles of traditional social structure and promote the community to a more equitable and inclusive direction. The influx of immigrants brings new social classes and interest groups and have an important impact on the social structure of the community. The rapid advancement of urbanization intensifies the differentiation and reorganization of social structure, which makes the class differences and conflicts of interest within the community more obvious. Gender, immigration, and urbanization have close intersections in shaping community identity and social structure. These three factors interact and influence each other to jointly promote the development and change of the community.

Stress-driven design of incompressible multi-materials under frequency constraints

This paper presents an efficient and comprehensive numerical approach to address topology optimization challenges within the multi-material framework. The focus encompasses several key aspects: solving various stress-related problems from compressible to incompressible materials, broadening the scope to encompass multi-material systems, adopting a flexible methodology suitable for various elements (triangular, quadrilateral, and polygonal), and expanding to incorporate frequency constraints within the stress-driven system. The core idea to accommodate a broad range of materials, from compressible to nearly incompressible, is to implement a specialized polytopal composite finite element (PCE) technique to mitigate volumetric locking issues often prevalent in nearly incompressible materials. Then, to effectively solve the stress-related multi-material system, a well-known P-norm function integrated with the Moved and Regularized Heaviside function (MRHF) is employed, capitalizing on the correlation between topological phases and material allocation to handle multi-material problems effectively. Additionally, to deal with frequency-related multi-material problems, an extended technique addressing localized mode issues based on the relationship between representative solid and void is also employed. Several numerical examples are tested to validate the method’s efficiency and reliability within a multi-material framework, considering a diverse range of materials from compressible to nearly incompressible.

Influence of Composite Lay-Up and Cyclic Load Parameters on the Fatigue Behaviour of Flexible Composite Elements.

This work is dedicated to the design of flexible composite elements, specifically leaf springs. The design of these flexible composite elements took in consideration the technologies, materials and intermediate goods that are available and useable in laboratory manufacturing and the possibility for the transfer of gained knowledge to industrial practice. This work deals with individual types of materials and their processability and usability for the manufacturing of composite products exposed to cyclic stress. The impact of the designed lay-up diagrams and cyclic load boundary on the fatigue behaviour of manufactured specimens was used to evaluate the effect of cyclic stressing. Based on this assessment, a conclusion and recommendation were formulated for the serial manufacturing of flexible composite elements.

Lead-free dual-frequency ultrasound implants for wireless, biphasic deep brain stimulation

Ultrasound-driven bioelectronics could offer a wireless scheme with sustainable power supply; however, current ultrasound implantable systems present critical challenges in biocompatibility and harvesting performance related to lead/lead-free piezoelectric materials and devices. Here, we report a lead-free dual-frequency ultrasound implants for wireless, biphasic deep brain stimulation, which integrates two developed lead-free sandwich porous 1-3-type piezoelectric composite elements with enhanced harvesting performance in a flexible printed circuit board. The implant is ultrasonically powered through a portable external dual-frequency transducer and generates programmable biphasic stimulus pulses in clinically relevant frequencies. Furthermore, we demonstrate ultrasound-driven implants for long-term biosafety therapy in deep brain stimulation through an epileptic rodent model. With biocompatibility and improved electrical performance, the lead-free materials and devices presented here could provide a promising platform for developing implantable ultrasonic electronics in the future.

Copper ferrite nanoparticles anchored laser-induced graphene as novel nanoenzyme for the electrochemical catalyzing and sensing of β-estradiol in serum

β-estradiol is one of the most active hormones in steroids, and it plays a vital role in the human reproductive and non-reproductive systems. Compared with other methods for detecting β-estradiol, electrochemical biosensors are economical, simple, sensitive, and rapid. Herein, spinel copper ferrite nanoparticles and laser-induced graphene (LIG) were employed to functionalize screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) for the first time, and it demonstrated that they have a synergistic effect on the catalysis of β-estradiol. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to detect the changes in the peak current generated by the oxidation of β-estradiol. The nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and the composition elements and morphology of the nanoparticles were explained. The linear range of β-estradiol detected by this method is 0.1 ∼ 100 μM, R2 = 0.9992, and the detection limit is 3 nM. The sensor has good selectivity, reproducibility, repeatability, stability, and anti-interference performance. In rat serum, the recovery of the sensor at 100, 10, and 1 μM β-estradiol was 105 % ∼ 110 %, with relative standard deviations of 2.3 % ∼ 4.0 % (N = 3). This study shows that the sensor can be applied to detect actual samples and has potential application value for female reproductive-related diseases.

Damage behavior of carbon fiber electrothermal adhesive films after long-term electrothermal and hygrothermal aging treatment

Carbon fiber electrothermal adhesive films (CFEAFs) are the primary heating elements in wood-based electrothermal composites, and their durability is key to ensuring their long-term performance in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. In this work, the failure mechanism of CFEAFs was discussed by using long-term hygrothermal coupled treatments after electrothermal treatments at different power densities. The results showed that for CFEAFs which were only electrothermal treatment, increasing the power density produced more microscopic cracks on the surface, destroyed chemical bonds, and caused the thermal stability to decrease. The pyrolysis temperature decreased by 16.25 °C from 292.61 °C to 276.36 °C. Furthermore, under the coupled effects of electrothermal and hygrothermal treatments, the microscopic cracks on the CFEAFs became more obvious, and the surface roughness increased. The entry of water molecules further affected the chemical structure of the molecules inside CFEAFs, the maximum tensile strength of the whole material decreased by 65.6%, and the Tg decreased from 221.5 °C to 216.4 °C. These results provide a technical reference for using carbon fiber paper as the heating element of wood-based electrothermal composites to prevent electrical safety hazards during long-term cold-hot cycling.

Response Surface Methodology Optimization of Resistance Welding Process for Unidirectional Carbon Fiber/PPS Composites.

The use of thermoplastic composites (TPCs) as one of the lightweight solutions will inevitably encounter problems in connection. Resistance welding has the characteristics of high strength, simplicity, and high reliability, and is considered a very potential hot-melt connection technology. The resistance welding technology of unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide composites (UCF/PPS) was systematically studied. The experimental results show that the 100-mesh brass mesh has the best resin wetting effect and heating efficiency, and the PPS/oxidized 100-mesh brass mesh composite resistance element (Ox-RE/PPS) has the highest welding strength. The welding failure mode changes from interface failure and RE failure to interlayer structure damage and fiber fracture. The single-factor experimental results show that the maximum welding strength is reached at 310 °C, 1.15 MPa, and 120 kW/m2. According to the conclusion of the single-factor experiment, the Box-Behnken method was further used to design a three-factor, three-level experiment, and a quadratic regression model was established according to the test results. The results of variance analysis, fitting curve analysis, and perturbation plot analysis proved that the model had high fitting and prediction abilities. From the 3D surface diagram analysis, the influence of power density is the largest, and the interaction between welding temperature and power density is the most significant. Combined with the analysis of Design Expert 13 software, the optimal range of process parameters was obtained as follows: welding temperature 313-314 °C, welding pressure 1.04-1.2 MPa, and power density 124-128 kW/m2. The average strength of resistance welding joints prepared in the optimal range of process parameters was 13.58 MPa.

Urban perception by using eye movement data on street view images

AbstractUnderstanding the spatial distribution patterns of urban perception and analyzing the correlation between human emotional perception and street composition elements are important for accurately understanding how people interact with the urban environment, urban planning, and urban management. Previous studies on urban perception using street view data have not fully considered the actual level of attention to different visual elements when browsing street view images. In this article, we use eye tracking technology to collect eye movement data and subjective perception evaluation data when people browse street view images, and analyze the correlation between the time to first fixation, duration of first fixation, and fixation frequency of different visual elements and the six perceptual outcomes of wealthy, safe, lively, beautiful, boring, and depressing. Furthermore, this article integrates eye movement data with street view semantic data and introduces a novel method for predicting urban perception using a machine learning algorithm. The proposed method outperforms a comparative model that solely relies on semantic data, exhibiting higher accuracy in perception prediction. Additionally, the study presents a perceptual mapping of the prediction results, providing a visual representation of the predicted urban perception outcomes. As vision is the primary perceptual channel, this study achieves a more objective and scientifically reliable urban perception, which is of reference value for the study of physical and mental health due to the urban physical environment.

Detection of edge delamination in composite laminates using edge waves

Detecting near-edge damage in composite structural elements using guided wave-based techniques can be challenging, primarily due to the complexity of wave analysis arising from material anisotropy. Furthermore, scattered waves containing damage information can be contaminated by waves reflected from the edges, which makes detecting near-edge damage difficult to implement. In the literature, studies showed that in elastic materials, the edge of a structure can serve as a waveguide, enabling the existence of typical edge modes with concentrated energy at the edge. However, studies regarding edge waves in composite structures have received limited attention. This paper aims to explore the potential of detecting edge delamination damage in composite laminates using edge waves. The modal properties of edge waves in [(0/90)2]s composite laminates are investigated using the Semi-Analytical Finite Element (SAFE) method. Additionally, dispersion curves for quasi-isotropic composite laminates are calculated. Following this, numerical and experimental studies were conducted to investigate the sensitivity of edge waves in detecting edge delamination in the [(0/90)2]s composite laminates. The outcomes of this study offer physical insights into the modal properties of edge waves and confirm their effectiveness in detecting damage near the edges.

Optimizing the impact of rheological properties on bentonite pre-hydrated based drilling mud through the utilization of pre-hydration

In offshore drilling activities, the employment of seawater mud is indispensable, and its adoption is steadily increasing. Traditionally, attapulgite has held a dominant position as the key element in seawater mud composition. However, a shift is underway towards substituting attapulgite with bentonite owing to the manifold advantages that the latter presents. Bentonite boasts favourable viscosity characteristics and efficient control over water loss, outperforming attapulgite particularly in terms of its capacity for clay absorption. Nevertheless, to harness its thickening capabilities for use with seawater, bentonite necessitates a preliminary hydration process. The pre-hydration procedure involves the amalgamation of seawater and bentonite at a low mixing speed for a duration of 10 minutes, succeeded by a resting interval spanning 16 hours. The integration of this pre-hydrated bentonite system necessitated an extensive research undertaking, encompassing a comprehensive review of pertinent literature, the collection of seawater samples, laboratory experiments conducted at three distinct temperatures comparing both fresh water and seawater formulations, the incorporation of diverse additives to augment the assessment of the mud’s physical attributes, meticulous measurement of the drilling mud’s physical properties, implementing treatments to enhance measurement values under heightened temperatures, meticulous analysis of acquired data, and the comprehensive documentation of research findings in scholarly publications. The crux of this research endeavour lies in attaining the objective of incorporating pre-hydrated bentonite as a pivotal constituent within seawaterbased drilling mud. The realization of this goal hinges on the congruence of the measured physical properties of the drilling mud with predefined specifications. Through a rigorous exploration of these methodologies and a systematic approach to research, the study endeavours to foster advancements in seawater-based drilling mud formulations and their operational effectiveness within offshore drilling contexts.

Norwegian Sea Oceanic Basin and Prograded Margins Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element

Abstract The Norwegian Sea oceanic basins and prograded margins have developed since NE Atlantic break-up in the earliest Eocene. Significant amounts of sediments were fed to the regionally subsiding and widening Norwegian Sea during the Cenozoic as a result of several phases of uplift and erosion of the bounding shelves and their hinterland. Despite an overall passive-margin evolution, the area experienced tectonic events and associated processes that interrupted the regional subsidence, causing contraction/inversion and tilting. The post-break-up depositional history of the mid-Norwegian margin comprises two main stages: (1) middle Eocene–Pliocene margin subsidence and relatively modest sedimentation during a period of climatic decline; and (2) latest Pliocene–Pleistocene full-scale northern hemisphere glaciations that resulted in deep erosion of shelves and hinterlands, and very high sedimentation rates and large-scale continental margin progradation. Slope failures within rapidly deposited glacial sediments affected both prograded margins, releasing large slides that travelled downslope into the oceanic Norway and Lofoten basins. Despite a long exploration history for hydrocarbon prospects in deeper waters and large amounts of data acquisition, no significant discovery has been made.