Constant Properties Research Articles

A combined uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of melting in a cubical cavity, Part A: Model validation

Latent heat thermal energy storage systems exploit the solid–liquid phase transition of a material to store thermal energy almost isothermally with high energy density. Numerical methods are increasingly being used for the targeted design of these storage systems. The problem, however, is that the results obtained with these methods – despite a frequently shown near-perfect agreement between validation experiments and simulation results – are subject to large uncertainty. To illustrate the extent of this problem and to show approaches to solving it, a combined uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of the melting process of a paraffin (octadecane) in a cuboid heated from one side is carried out in this two-paper series. In part A, we present the model and validate it; in part B we use it to carry out the combined uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. The validation of the model is performed with the help of experimental results. For this purpose, we measure the liquid phase fraction, the position of the phase boundary, the velocity field in the liquid and the temperature inside the test capsule. We make sure that the experimental results are reproducible. Systematic deviations are discussed and, if possible, the results are corrected for their value. When measuring the velocity field using particle image velocimetry (PIV), the greatest systematic deviation is due to the inhomogeneous refractive index field in the liquid phase. Finally, it is shown that, in the present case, the influence is very low if constant material properties evaluated at the mean temperature are taken for each phase compared to a temperature-dependent implementation. An exception is the density. If the density change during melting is not taken into account the deviation of the melt fraction lies between 6 and 8%. In summary, the validation of the numerical model is very satisfactory and demonstrates the suitability of the model for performing the investigations of the part B paper.

First principles calculation and corrosion resistance study of Fe60CrxNi40-x medium entropy alloy

In this paper, Fe60CrxNi40-x medium entropy alloys (MEAs) were synthesized through vacuum arc melting. Based on the plane wave pseudo-potential and density functional theory, the solid solution structure is modeled by virtual crystal approximation (VCA). The first principle method was employed to examine how Cr content affects the phase structure, elastic constant, and elastic properties of the Fe60CrxNi40-x. Physical phase analysis of the MEAs by X-ray diffraction reveals that the Fe60CrxNi40-x maintain a single FCC solid solution structure. Meanwhile, the impact of Cr content on MEAs' resistance to corrosion in a Cl- setting was examined and contrasted with 316 L stainless steel. The result indicated that as the Cr content rises, the MEAs exhibit an extended passivation period, a reduced dimensional passivation current, and a more compact and stable passivation film. When considering the aggregate outcomes of pitting potential (Epit), self-corrosion potential (Ecorr), and corrosion current density (icorr) for 316LSS and MEAs, it's evident that Fe60CrxNi40-x in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution exhibits superior corrosion resistance compared to 316 L stainless steel, with Fe3 alloy leading in corrosion resistance among medium entropy alloys.

A general ray tracing approach for solving thermal radiation in regular one-dimensional variable index media via the Monte Carlo method

In the heat transfer community, one-dimensional media refers to some media where the temperature and other thermophysical properties vary along one direction. Plane-parallel, concentric cylindrical, and concentric spherical geometries are among of regular one-dimensional media. In this paper, a general ray tracing approach is presented to track the curve paths of energy particles in regular one-dimensional variable index media. The domain of interest is limited by specular sidewalls and the medium is divided into slices with constant temperature and radiative properties. Then, the path of random energy particles emitted from boundary surfaces and volume elements are traced, element by element, until they absorb by diffuse-gray surfaces or the gray medium. After counting the number of absorbed particles by each boundary surface and volume element, the Monte Carlo method is performed to simulate thermal radiation heat transfer. The results are presented for three regular geometries, including plane-parallel, concentric cylindrical, and concentric spherical media, and the effects of radiative properties are investigated by some numerical experiments.

Dynamical analysis of a general delayed HBV infection model with capsids and adaptive immune response in presence of exposed infected hepatocytes.

The aim of this paper is to develop and investigate a novel mathematical model of the dynamical behaviors of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The model includes exposed infected hepatocytes, intracellular HBV DNA-containing capsids, uses a general incidence function for viral infection covering a variety of special cases available in the literature, and describes the interaction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes that kill the infected hepatocytes and the magnitude of B-cells that send antibody immune defense to neutralize free virions. Further, one time delay is incorporated to account for actual capsids production. The other time delays are used to account for maturation of capsids and free viruses. We start with the analysis of the proposed model by establishing the local and global existence, uniqueness, non-negativity and boundedness of solutions. After defined the threshold parameters, we discuss the stability properties of all possible steady state constants by using the crafty Lyapunov functionals, the LaSalle's invariance principle and linearization methods. The impacts of the three time delays on the HBV infection transmission are discussed through local and global sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number and of the classes of infected states. Finally, an application is provided and numerical simulations are performed to illustrate and interpret the theoretical results obtained. It is suggested that, a good strategy to eradicate or to control HBV infection within a host should concentrate on any drugs that may prolong the values of the three delays.

Enhancement of acoustic properties of carbon fibrous membrane (CFM) by in-situ crystallization of PZT nanogenerators (PENGs) inside the fibers for a low-frequency acoustic energy harvesting

Acoustic energy harvesting (AEH) by a nanostructured membrane has recently gained increasing attention. This study focused on a novel approach for in-situ crystallization of Pb(Zr0.58Ti0.42)O3 (PZT) as a piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) inside the carbon fibrous membranes (CFM). The electrospinning process and post-heat treatment were applied to synthesize the CFM-embedded PENG, which benefits from both the flexibility of carbon fibers and the piezoelectric properties of the crystallized PZT. The results indicated that the carbon fibers kept their microstructure over the heat treatment at 250 and 350 °C while the crystallization fraction of PZT increased. The XPS analysis revealed that the CFM embedded by in-situ crystallized PENG had a higher diversity of tetragonal and rhombohedral in comparison with the CFM embedded by the pre-crystallized PENGs. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and ferromagnetic properties of CFM were improved with the incorporation of the in-situ crystallized PENGs. The acoustic studies in the range of 250–2000 Hz under sound pressure of 90 dB revealed that sound absorption performance of CFM was increased by about +35 %. Also, the ability of CFM in the AEH process was enhanced drastically by embedding the PENGs inside the carbon fibers. The maximum harvested electricity at 500 Hz was 5.9 and 13.9 W m−2 by CFM embedded by in-situ crystallized and pre-crystallized PENGs, respectively. The above results exhibit the great potential for the CFM-embedded PENGs to be used in low-frequency AEH applications.

Numerical Analysis of Mice Carotid Arteries’ Response Emphasizing the Importance of Material Law Constants’ Validation

In this paper, a detailed validation of the passive material properties of mice carotid arteries and constants of the Fung and Holzapfel hyperelastic material laws is conducted by means of static nonlinear FEM analyses. The response of the carotid arteries in an inflation test is studied here for the following mouse models: wild-type, mdx, sgcd−/−, Eln+/+, Eln+/−, Fbln5+/+, and Fbln5−/−. All FEM computations are conducted on models that have been preliminarily checked for their reliability. The results of the calculations, namely, the relation between the internal pressure and the artery outer diameter, are verified against experimental responses and the applicability of the laws is assessed. New sets of Holzapfel constitutive relation constants are proposed for Eln+/+ and Fbln5−/− mice. Finally, the problem of carotid artery buckling is also discussed. The buckling pressures of the arteries are predicted using FEM models and nonlinear static analyses. These values are compared with the reference experimental results, which allow for further validation of the constitutive relations. The research emphasizes that computations and numerical methods enable an accurate description of bioengineering processes and behaviors but only if the models used are appropriately validated.

Effects of Ice-Microstructure-Based Inherent Optical Properties Parameterization in the CICE Model

The constant inherent optical properties (IOPs) for sea ice currently applied in sea ice models do not realistically represent the dividing of shortwave radiative fluxes in sea ice and the ocean below it. Here we implement a parameterization of variable IOPs based on ice microstructures in the Los Alamos sea ice model, version 6.0 (CICE6) and investigate its effects on the simulation of the dividing of shortwave radiation and sea ice in the Arctic. Our sensitivity experiments indicate that variable IOP parameterization results in strong seasonal variation for the IOP parameters, typically reaching the seasonal maximum in the boreal summer. With such large differences, variable IOP parameterization leads to increased absorbed solar radiation at the surface and in the interior of Arctic sea ice relative to constant IOPs, up to ~3 W/m2, but decreased solar radiation penetrating into the ocean, up to ~5–6 W/m2. The changes in the dividing of shortwave fluxes in sea ice and the ocean below it induced by the variable IOPs have significant influence on Arctic sea ice thickness by modulating surface and bottom melting and frazil ice formation (increasing surface melting by ~16% and reducing bottom melting by ~11% in summer).

Effect of Na2O on Verdet constant of Tb-doped magneto-optical glass

The terbium (Tb) ions doped magneto-optical glasses have attracted significant attention due to their high Verdet constant and excellent optical properties. In the Tb ions doped glass, +3 and + 4 valence states of Tb ions coexisted. However, only the +3 valence is favorable for magneto-optical performance. This study proposed a strategy to increase the concentration of Tb3+ ions (CTb3+) in the glass. The high optical basicity Na2O is beneficial for enhancing the Verdet constant. The lower melting temperature suppresses the oxidation of the Tb3+ to Tb4+, leading to the increase of CTb3+. As a result, the Verdet constant at 650 nm was achieved as high as 78.6 rad/(T·m), representing a 42.8 % improvement compared to glasses melted at 1450 °C. This approach avoids glass crystallization at high concentrations of Tb doping and provides a new solution for preparing high-performance magneto-optical glasses.

Experimentally verified thermodynamic framework for corrosion

Utilizing the foundational principles of thermodynamics, this study characterizes material degradation resulting from corrosion, substantiating the outcomes through experimental verification. The proposed methodology establishes a unified corrosion model, effectively correlating entropy generation with measurable parameters, including potential difference, corrosion current, and temperature. The Degradation Entropy Generation (DEG) theorem is applied to establish a linear relationship between entropy generation and the degradation rate through a constant material property known as the degradation coefficient (B). Material degradation, quantified by assessing the material loss, is systematically examined with a focus on low-carbon steel (LCS 1018) and Al6061-T6. Corrosion experiments were conducted using a three-electrode electrochemical corrosion cell immersed in a 3.5 wt% NaCl aqueous solution. The degradation parameter, B, for both materials was assessed through multiple accelerated corrosion tests, where various magnitudes of potentials were applied to specimens with differing exposed areas. The presented results unveil a consistent degradation coefficient of (30±2)×10−9 m3K/J for LCS 1018 and (25±2)×10−9 m3K/J for Al6061-T6. To ascertain the generalizability of these findings under diverse environmental conditions, additional experiments are conducted on LCS 1018, exposing it to varying environmental parameters such as different percentages of NaCl solution, acidic conditions, and elevated solution temperatures. Remarkably, the degradation coefficient remains constant across all tested corrosive environments, attesting to its independence. This study offers a novel approach to understanding material degradation through a thermodynamic lens and demonstrates the applicability of the proposed corrosion model in diverse and challenging operational conditions.

Pressurized pyrolysis of mattress residue: An alternative to landfill management

Mattresses are a difficult waste to manage in landfills due to their large volume and low density. Pyrolysis treatment could reduce its volume while producing fuel or products valuable for the chemical industry. Pressurized pyrolysis at 400, 450, and 500 °C is carried out in a lab-scale autoclave at initial pressures 4.2, 8.4, and 16.8 bar. Product gas yield increases slightly along with elevated pressure as well as temperature. However, beyond 8.4 bar the initial pressure makes no discernible differences. CO and CO2 are the major gas species followed by CH4. CO contributes the most to the product gas energy content followed by C3 species, C2H6, and H2. Calculated energy content (heating value) is between 2 and 15 MJ·Nm−3. In terms of product gas energy content, low pressure pyrolysis is favorable over high pressure pyrolysis. According to integration areas of chromatographic measurements the liquid phase contains up to 25 % of N-compounds, with benzonitrile being the most abundant, followed by toluene, o-xylene, and ethylbenzene. The solid char maintains constant properties across operating conditions, with carbon and energy contents of approximately 75 wt% and 30 MJ·kg−1, respectively.

Design of constant-force mechanisms using origami

The origami mechanisms possess numerous unique advantages, including folding, reconfigurability, and multi-stability. The presence of multi-stability introduces a novel concept for the design of constant force mechanisms (CFM). In this study, we present a CFM with multi-segment constant-force regions by leveraging the multi-stable characteristics of the origami mechanism. The design principle behind this CFM involves combining an accordion origami structure with positive stiffness and a Kresling origami structure with multi-segment negative stiffness regions. To achieve zero stiffness, the Kresling origami structure is aligned parallel to the accordion origami. To effectively utilize both the Kresling and accordion origamis, we have established a mechanical model that describes their respective stiffness characteristics to establish design rules for the constant-force mechanism. By carefully designing the parameters of these two origami structures, we evaluate how variations in the structural parameters of Kresling influence the constant force properties of our proposed multi-segment CFM. To illustrate its inherent property of providing constant force across multiple segments, we employ finite element analysis and experiments to obtain force-displacement curves for our mechanism. The results demonstrate the feasibility of our presented design method which paves the way for constructing a simple CFM.

Influence of concentration-dependent material properties on the fracture and debonding of electrode particles with core–shell structure

Core–shell electrode particle designs offer a route to improved lithium-ion battery performance. However, they are susceptible to mechanical damage such as fracture and debonding, which can significantly reduce their lifetime. Using a coupled finite element model, we explore the impacts of diffusion-induced stresses on the failure mechanisms of an exemplar system with an NMC811 core and an NMC111 shell. In particular, we systematically compare the implications of assuming constant material properties against using Li concentration-dependent diffusion coefficient and partial molar volume. With constant material properties, our results show that smaller cores with thinner shells avoid debonding and fracture regimes. When factoring in a concentration-dependent partial molar volume, the maximum values of tensile hoop stress in the shell are found to be significantly lower than those predicted with constant properties, reducing the likelihood of fracture. Furthermore, with a concentration-dependent diffusion coefficient, significant barriers to full electrode utilisation are observed due to reduced lithium mobility at high states of lithiation. This provides a possible explanation for the reduced accessible capacity observed in experiments. Shell thickness is found to be the dominant factor in precluding structural integrity once the concentration dependency is accounted for. These findings shed new light on the performance and effective design of core–shell electrode particles.

Effect of slug characteristics on the nonlinear dynamic response of a long flexible fluid-conveying cylinder

Hydrocarbon flows in a marine riser may appear in multiple phases with varying flow patterns, among which, slug flows are known to exhibit complex flow characteristics due to fluctuations in multiphase mass, velocities, and pressure changes. Bulk of the literature concerning internal single and two-phase flow induced vibrations have largely focused on the use of a linearized tension beam model. In this study, the fluid-structure interaction phenomena of a submerged long flexible cylinder conveying two-phase slug flows is investigated taking into account the geometric and hydrodynamic nonlinearities. A semi-empirical theoretical model which consists of nonlinear structural equations of coupled out-of-plane, in-plane and axial structural motions is presented for the analysis and prediction of two-phase slug flow induced vibrations (SIV). The model includes equations involving centrifugal and Coriolis forces to capture mass variations in the slug flow regime. A numerical space-time finite difference approach combined with a frequency domain analysis is used for analyzing the highly nonlinear three-dimensional responses. The model assumes constant geometric properties across the span of the cylinder and utilizes an idealized slug unit concept, wherein slug properties are considered to be fully developed and undisturbed by pipe oscillations. Model validations are performed through comparisons with published experimental internal flow-induced vibration results. Parametric study captures the effects of several key slug characteristics on the vibration responses of a fluid-conveying cylinder. The results demonstrate amplitude-modulation response, mean displacements, three-dimensional cylinder displacements due to geometric nonlinear couplings and the influence of internal flow velocities. Higher dominant modes and oscillation frequencies were observed when the cylinder experiences large amplitude motions at specific slug formations. A new dimensionless parameter is introduced to predict scenarios of high amplitude oscillations for long flexible cylinders carrying two-phase slug flows.

High temperature tensile and creep properties of the new cladding steel of 15-15Ti-Y

The 15-15Ti austenitic stainless steel is commonly used as a fast reactor cladding material due to its favorable comprehensive properties. To further enhance its high temperature strength, yttrium (Y) modified 15-15Ti (15-15Ti-Y) steel was developed. In this study, the tensile properties of 15-15Ti-Y were evaluated across the temperature range of 200–700 °C, and the constant load creep properties of 20 % cold worked (CW) 15-15Ti-Y were measured at temperatures of 550–700 °C under various applied stresses. The results indicated that Y addition led to enhanced intragranular precipitates and delayed intergranular precipitates, which resulted in a YS (YS) that was ∼ 100 MPa higher than that of Y-free steel at temperatures ranging from 200 to 600 °C, without compromising the plasticity and ductility. The creep fracture life of 15-15Ti-Y steel ranged from 21 to 5761 h, and the deformation and damage processes were found to adhere to the Norton power-law and Modified Monkman Grant relationship. The stress exponent revealed that the deformation was dislocation creep mechanism, while the creep damage tolerance parameter suggested that the creep fracture was caused by necking. These findings provide data and theoretical support for the application of Y-modified 15-15Ti steel as a fast reactor cladding material in high temperature environments.

Composition-dependent structure and bandgaps in HfxZr1−xO2 thin films

ZrO2 as a wide-bandgap semiconductor with high dielectric constant and ferroelectric properties has been extensively studied. To explore the impact of chemical doping on the structure and optical performance of ZrO2, HfxZr1−xO2 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) thin films were prepared through pulsed laser deposition. X-ray diffraction reveals that the orthorhombic phase (o) (111) gradually transforms into the monoclinic phase (m) (−111) with the increase in Hf content from 0 to 1. Furthermore, optical property analysis demonstrates an increase in the optical bandgap from 5.17 to 5.68 eV with the increase in Hf doping content. Density functional theory calculations and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggest that the widening of the bandgap in HZO films is associated with the hybridization of Zr 4d and Hf 5d orbitals.

Glass fiber strengthened BNNS/ST/polyolefin composites with high dielectric constant and high thermal conductivity

The present research presents an examination of the consequential effects brought about by the introduction of short-cut E-glass fibers (GF) on the properties of high-dielectric constant, high-thermal conductivity microwave composite systems (xGF/(8-x)BNNS/78 wt%ST/polyolefin, x = 0-8 wt%, BNNS: hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets). The GF is modified using KH550, with the success of the surface modification definitively confirmed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). All components are found to exhibit consistently ultra-high and stable dielectric constants within the 8–12 GHz frequency range (Dk = 17.7–18.08). Based on thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results, the incorporation of modified GF improve the thermal stability of the composite materials, enhancing thermal decomposition temperature, residual carbon content and glass transition temperature. Furthermore, replacing BNNS with GF significantly amplifies the mechanical properties of the composite substrate. This substitution leads to a notable reduction in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in all directions while simultaneously increasing the bending and tensile strength. At the same time, the composites can maintain reasonably high thermal conductivity values. Overall, with a GF concentration of 4 wt%, the composite showcases an appreciable increase in dielectric constants (17.81), a high thermal conductivity (1.3 W/m·K) and enhances mechanical properties (cross-plane CTE: 15.44 μm/(m·°C), in-plane CTE: 26.06 μm/(m·°C), bending strength: 65.6 MPa, tensile strength: 17.42 MPa). Considering its superior performance metrics, the composite can be identified as an optimal choice for microwave composite dielectric substrate material.

Measurements of the Permeability Coefficient of Waste Coal Ash under Hydrostatic Pressure to Identify the Feasibility of Its Use in Construction

The aim of this research was to measure the filtration properties of waste coal ash under the influence of hydrostatic pressure generated in a three-axial compression apparatus. The scope of work included determining the compactibility parameters, maximum bulk density and optimal moisture content. Permeability tests were performed for a sample with an average grain composition at three compaction indices IS: 0.964, 0.98 and 1.00. The hydrostatic pressure ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 bar corresponded to the layer depths from 2.17 to 7.83 m. Gradually increasing the pressure during the first loading cycle caused irreversible changes in the structure of the sample by local material agglomeration or grain interlocking. The water permeability coefficient was higher in the second loading cycle than in the first cycle. It was shown that waste coal ash cannot be used as a construction material on its own. To obtain constant filtration properties, the waste coal ash material should be doped, or an optimal compactionshould be used (IS = 1.00). The results presented in this study are important for assessing the use of waste coal ash for construction engineering purposes.

A Microphysical Thermal Model for the Lunar Regolith: Investigating the Latitudinal Dependence of Regolith Properties

AbstractThe microphysical structure of the lunar regolith provides information on the geologic history of the Moon. We used remote sensing measurements of thermal emission and a thermophysical model to determine the microphysical properties of the lunar regolith. We expand upon previous investigations by developing a microphysical thermal model, which more directly simulates regolith properties, such as grain size and volume filling factor. The modeled temperatures are matched with surface temperatures measured by the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment on board the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The maria and highlands are investigated separately and characterized in the model by a difference in albedo and grain density. We find similar regolith temperatures for both terrains, which can be well described by similar volume filling factor profiles and mean grain sizes obtained from returned Apollo samples. We also investigate a significantly lower thermal conductivity for highlands, which formally also gives a very good solution, but in a parameter range that is well outside the Apollo data. We then study the latitudinal dependence of regolith properties up to ±80° latitude. When assuming constant regolith properties, we find that a variation of the solar incidence‐dependent albedo can reduce the initially observed latitudinal gradient between model and Diviner measurements significantly. A better match between measurements and model can be achieved by a variation in intrinsic regolith properties with a decrease in bulk density with increasing latitude. We find that a variation in grain size alone cannot explain the Diviner measurements at higher latitudes.

Viscous dissipation effects on slip flow heat transfer in rhombic microchannels

This study aimed to numerically investigate the viscous dissipation effect on forced convection in rhombic microchannels for gases in a slip flow regime. The numerical analysis was carried out by assuming a 2D steady-state flow. The solution of governing equations was obtained by adopting the finite element method and assuming that the fluid is Newtonian, with constant thermophysical properties, and in a fully developed laminar flow regime. The solution of the momentum equation is obtained by considering a first-order boundary condition, while the solution of the energy balance equation is obtained by assuming a constant wall heat flux (H2 boundary condition) and taking into account the wall temperature jump. The validation of the numerical model was carried out using the data available in the scientific literature. The numerical outcomes obtained for several values of the acute angle of the rhombus, the Knudsen number (i.e., rarefaction effects), and the Brinkman number (i.e., viscous dissipation effects) reveal that viscous forces play an opposite role with respect to rarefaction and significantly affect the convective heat transfer coefficient, especially for low Knudsen numbers and for high values of the acute angle. In particular, it was observed that Nu is significantly affected by the Brinkman number for acute angles higher than 50°.

Conformal Broad‐Spectra Laser Sensing Array from Ferroelectric Polymer Composites

AbstractPhotoelectric sensors based on charge‐coupled device (CCD) and complementary‐metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) used to be planar image sensors due to the rigidity of the base materials. Moreover, they are limited to a narrow reaction wavelength range. Here, a conformal broad‐spectra laser sensor based on a flexible metal‐ferroelectric‐metal photocapacitor is promoted. The photocapacitance signal is attributed to the photothermal effect of copper (Cu) electrode and gold nanoparticles (Au NP), and the temperature‐dependent property of the dielectric constant of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐TrFE). Cu/PVDF‐TrFE/Cu and Cu/Au NP@PVDF‐TrFE/Cu flexible photocapacitors have a reliable photocapacitive response from −60 to 60 °C. Meanwhile, both photocapacitors respond from 265 to 980 nm due to the absorption of light by the composite structure, which can be used for broad‐spectra photodetection. The addition of a small amount of Au NP (0.05 vol%) effectively improves the photoresponsiveness of the device. Real‐time photodetection is realized on a hemispherical surface, and these photocapacitors with conformal characteristics are expected to gain application in an omnidirectional broad‐spectra laser alarming system.