Context Of Engineering Research Articles

Development and application of competency mapping for equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity in out-of-curriculum learning opportunities for engineering students, staff, and faculty

Equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDI.I) is increasingly important in engineering. It applies to the institutional systems in which students learn, and also as learned content in the engineering context, which can be traced to both Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) Graduate Attribute 10 and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The objectives of this study were 1) to develop and evaluate a method for assessing comprehensiveness of EDI.I learning opportunities in engineering, and 2) to explore the comprehensiveness of out-of-curricular EDI.I workshops (for engineering students, staff, and faculty) using this method. We collected data via a survey to engineering EDI.I leaders at our institution. Learning opportunities were mapped to EDI and Indigeneity competency frameworks (categories: 1. Individual Relationship to EDI.I; 2. Interpersonal Impact of EDI.I; 3. EDI.I at an Organizational Level; and 4. EDI.I in Society) with Introduce, Develop, and Apply levels. Following mapping, we identified gaps. Most EDI.I content (seven workshops) focused on categories 1 and 2, teaching concepts closer to the individual (e.g. recognition of personal bias). There was minimal coverage of categories 3 and 4 (i.e. broader systemic inequities). Most EDI content was taught at the Introduce level, while the one Indigeneity workshop was focused on higher levels. The evaluation method was useful in identifying specific gaps in EDI.I learning outcomes. Limitations in this study primarily involved inadequate documentation in the collected data. We plan to apply this method and framework to EDI.I content within the undergraduate engineering curricula at our institution.

Numerical simulation of magneto-hydrodynamic fluid flow with heat sink, chemical diffusion and Powell Eyring fluid behavior using Cattaneo–Christov source term

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of magneto hydrodynamic Powell–Eyring fluid on double-diffusive phenomena, with a specific focus on employing the Cattaneo–Christov model. The purpose is to enhance the study's scope by incorporating a heat sink and chemical reactions, thereby analyzing the intricate interplay between heat transfer and chemical processes within the MHD fluid system. To achieve this aim, the study utilizes similarity variables to convert PDEs into ODEs. The primary objective is to gain insights into mass and heat transmission dynamics, placing a particular emphasis on understanding the influence of chemical reactions in the system. For numerical solutions during the analysis, MATLAB's BVP4C solver and the shooting technique are employed. The research further aims to explore various physical constraints, including the fluid Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient. By doing so, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of how the MHD fluid system responds to different conditions. The notable outcomes, presented through graphical representations and tables, include a discernible decrease in fluid velocity with a higher magnetic field parameter and an observable increase in fluid temperature with greater heat source constraints. In summary, this exploration subsidizes significantly to our considerate of complex fluid behavior and holds practical applicability in various scientific and engineering contexts. The novel and physical insights from the study offer valuable understanding into the impact of magneto hydrodynamic Powell–Eyring fluid, particularly concerning double-diffusive phenomena and the intricate interplay between heat transfer and chemical processes.

Numerical study of capillary-dominated drainage dynamics: Influence of fluid properties and wettability

Drainage in porous media, crucial in various engineering, industrial, and pharmaceutical contexts, is influenced by the instability of fluid interfaces, leading to diverse displacement efficiencies. This study employs a color gradient model based on the lattice Boltzmann method for pore-scale simulations, examining effects of fluid viscosity, interfacial tension, and wettability on fluid distribution and pressure variations. Results reveal that higher viscosity ratios intensify the imbibition interface, making the invading fluid more compact early in displacement. Increased interfacial tension amplifies pressure difference fluctuations and enhances imbibition, affecting the displacement front's morphology by enhancing lateral evolution but reducing finger-like structures. A greater contact angle in the defending fluid heightens pressure difference volatility, lowers imbibition interfaces, and improves the displacement front's compactness, thereby boosting overall displacement efficiency. These insights offer foundational theoretical support for optimizing mining and industrial processes considering subtle variations in fluid property and wettability.

Analytical Solution for Electromagnetic Performance Analysis of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with a Parallel Magnetized Cylindrical Permanent Magnet

High-speed direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), supported by elastic foil gas bearings, have broad applications, such as in microcompressors. However, some problems remain to be solved for the electrical performance analysis of PMSMs. For example, there is presently no related analytical model that can be used in rotor dynamics expression for this type of PMSM. This study aimed to establish theoretical models for electromagnetic force density and torque. The process involved both theoretical and experimental research. The analytic models of air gap magnetic density, electromagnetic force density, and electromagnetic performance were established for a PMSM with a parallel magnetized cylindrical permanent magnet. The analytic calculation was conducted, and the results of the analytic model were obtained. The analytical model of the electromagnetic torque and force can be applied in theoretical research on rotor dynamics. The model provides a theoretical basis and method for studying the influence of the electromagnetic load on rotor dynamics. A finite element simulation analysis of the electrical performance of the PMSM was carried out. An electrical performance experiment was conducted. The deviation between the experimental result and the theoretical value was less than 4%. This result indicated that the analytic models could be used in a dynamics analysis of compressors that are directly driven by a PMSM for application in engineering and industrial contexts.

The Studying of Magnetic Anomalies Due to Shallow Underground Targets and the Environmental Applications.

The magnetic method of investigation is a well-known and dependable technique for detecting underground ferro-materials. However, the application of the magnetic method to identify the exact position of underground targets such as buried explosive devices (BED), illegally buried waste (IBW), metallic storage tanks, utility pipes, and communication cables is quite challenging in both civil and environmental engineering. This article presents the results of the investigation performed at a 55m by 55m area within the Ahmadu Bello University Geophysical Test Site (ABUGTS) to study the signals generated by similar buried targets to simulate situations encountered in environmental engineering. The total magnetic intensity (TMI) of the site without buried targets was obtained to identify the possible existing underground materials or faults that could generate false geophysical data. The magnetic susceptibility of the buried targets was determined in the laboratory before the burial to validate the field results. The influence of the buried materials over the magnetic signature of the site was examined, showing the TMI values vary between 34966 nT and 44510 nT before burial and 351607 nT to 49795 nT after burial. The Euler deconvolution (ED) and residual maps alongside the signal enhancement maps like analytical signal and first vertical derivative (FVD) were employed to study the magnetic anomalies due to buried targets. The results of the data interpretation confirmed the existence of cluster anomaly source bodies due to buried targets. The ED delineates the depth of the buried targets varying between 0.7m – 3.3m corresponding with the actual depth of burial. The analytical signal map produced a perfect behaviour of the magnetic anomalies to buried targets, capturing all the buried targets buried at the site. However, the shape of the anomaly signal is almost independent of the buried target orientation with a spherical pattern of anomalies. However, the exact size and shape of the buried targets were not achieved. Nevertheless, the FVD and analytical signal maps perform better than the residual and TMI maps due to the substantially smaller magnetic anomalies of the buried targets similar to expected. In addition, stronger magnetic anomaly signals occur maximally around buried larger ferro-materials with precise prediction of the buried target position. The magnetic method is a very powerful, convenient, cheap, and time-saving geophysical tool for investigating underground targets, which is highly applicable in engineering and environmental contexts.

Enhancement of teaching and learning quality through assessment for learning: a case in chemical engineering

PurposeThis article presents our experience in implementing the assessment for learning process (AfL) to enhance the teaching–learning quality, which has faced numerous challenges impacting educational quality. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated through a case study conducted in a core course of chemical engineering.Design/methodology/approachThe article shares insights into the systematic course design and planning processes that were discussed and developed through AfL practices. Significant emphasis is placed on implementing formative and summative student self-assessment surveys as simple yet effective methods to meet this purpose. Quantitative data were collected and analyzed over three consecutive academic years (2020–2022) using various statistical parameters such as percentage, interquartile range and the program’s numerical goal (%G).FindingsThe AfL process via formative and summative surveys could significantly and effectively improve teaching–learning quality. These findings assist educators in identifying appropriate teaching methods and recognizing areas of weakness and strength, thereby facilitating continuous improvement in the teaching–learning quality. Validation methods, including quizzes and numerical grades, were employed to practically verify the outcome obtained from the questionnaires.Practical implicationsThe AfL techniques demonstrated in this study can be directly implemented or adapted for various educational fields to enhance the teaching–learning quality.Originality/valueThe practical implementation of AfL in an engineering context has hardly been reported, particularly in chemical engineering. This work represents the practical implementation of AfL to enhance engineering field education.

A review: Critical Heat Flux (CHF) during pool boiling

A Pool Boiling occurs when a heated surface comes into touch with a liquid pool. The liquid is heated until it vaporizes and rises to the surface in the form of bubbles. A liquid is heated to the point of Pool Boiling, where vapor nucleation causes bubbles to form. Heat transmission is increased as these bubbles become larger and detach from the surface, allowing the cold liquid to come into contact with them and transmit heat. A review was conducted on the significance of nucleation site stability in the Pool Boiling thermal transfer method, which finds widespread applicability in diverse industrial settings. The efficiency of heat transfer and the boiling process are dependent on the stability of nucleation sites. The maximum heat flux that may be transported prior to the onset of film boiling is known as the critical heat flux (CHF), and it is an important consideration in the design of thermal transfer systems. Reducing contaminants and dissolved gasses in the liquid as well as altering surface characteristics including microstructures, coatings, and roughness can all increase the stability of nucleation sites. Although nucleation site stability requires a complex mathematical computation, it may be described by a few general equations and relationships, such as the crucial bubble size and heat flux. The critical heat flux (CHF) phenomena, its significance for Pool Boiling thermal transfer, and its use in a range of industrial and engineering contexts are covered in this page. The significance of fathoming the components driving CHF and the factors impacting it is stressed in the article for of making exact prescient models and compelling heat exchange frameworks. The CHF component, the few hypothetical and observational models that have been put on a mission to make sense of CHF, and the factors that impact it —, for example, liquid boundaries, surface elements, framework strain, and stream rate — are undeniably canvassed in this article. The improvement of novel surface modifications and strategies to help CHF and support the heat exchange effectiveness of Pool Boiling frameworks was the primary focal point of ongoing examination. The article's decision is that CHF is a convoluted peculiarity that keeps on collecting a ton of interest from specialists and presents practical open doors for raising the viability and guaranteeing the protected sending of heat exchange frameworks in different settings.

Assessing the Impact of Copula Selection on Reliability Measures of Type P(X < Y) with Generalized Extreme Value Marginals

In reliability studies, we are interested in the behaviour of a system when it interacts with its surrounding environment. To assess the system’s behaviour in a reliability sense, we can take the system’s intrinsic quality as strength and the outcome of interactions as stress. Failure is observed whenever stress exceeds strength. Taking Y as a random variable representing the stress the system experiences and random variable X as its strength, the probability of not failing can be taken as a proxy for the reliability of the component and given as P(Y<X)=1−P(X<Y). This way, in the present paper, it is considered that X and Y follow generalized extreme value distributions, which represent a family of continuous probability distributions that have been extensively applied in engineering and economic contexts. Our contribution deals with a more general scenario where stress and strength are not independent and copulas are used to model the dependence between the involved random variables. In such modelling framework, we explored the proper selection of copula models characterizing the dependence structure. The Gumbel–Hougaard, Frank, and Clayton copulas were used for modelling bivariate data sets. In each case, information criteria were considered to compare the modelling capabilities of each copula. Two economic applications, as well as an engineering one, on real data sets are discussed. Overall, an easy-to-use methodological framework is described, allowing practitioners to apply it to their own research projects.

Experimental study on bond durability of GFRP bar/engineered cementitious composite exposed to freeze-thaw environments

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and engineered cementitious composites (ECC) present better structural performance as compared to conventional concrete with reinforcing steel bars. However, the bond behavior of the GFRP bar to ECC matrix under freeze-thaw (FT) cycles in cold climates remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the bond durability of GFRP bars and ECC under FT conditions. An experiment was conducted with 33 pullout specimens, categorized according to concrete types (normal concrete and ECC), compressive strengths (30 MPa and 50 MPa) and the number of FT cycles (0, 100, 150, and 200 cycles). Assessment parameters included surface degradation, failure modes, mean bond strength, weight loss, and the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity. Results indicated ECC specimens exhibited greater durability compared to normal concrete specimens, with no significant improvement in durability observed with increased compressive strength. Specifically, the mean bond strengths of N30 (30 MPa normal concrete) specimens, E30 (30 MPa ECC) specimens, and E50 (50 MPa ECC) specimens decreased by 88.41 %, 38.86 %, and 58.21 % after 150 FT cycles, respectively. Failure modes correlated strongly with concrete type and the number of FT cycles. SEM and composition analyses revealed the effects of FT cycles on the concrete matrix, the bond interface, and the GFRP bars. The ascending branches in the bond stress-slip curves of specimens subjected to FT cycles were effectively modeled using Malvar's model. Based on the declining relative dynamic modulus of elasticity and the correlation between laboratory and natural FT cycles, the estimated fatigue lives for GFRP bar/E30 specimens subjected to 250 FT cycles are 35.7, 71.4, and 46.2 years in Beijing, Detroit, and Vancouver, respectively. This research provides insights on GFRP bar/ECC's longevity in practical engineering contexts.

Modified post-installed adhesive anchorage test: Investigation of in-place compressive strength of concrete and influential factors

This paper presents the Modified Post-installed Adhesive Anchorage test (MPAA) as a method for evaluating the in-place compressive strength of concrete. It considers various influential factors, including test surface characteristics, concrete strength, anchorage depth, bolt diameter, and rebar location. Additionally, a formula for calculating concrete compressive strength, applicable to various influencing factors, was suggested. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of MPAA in assessing in-place compressive strength of concrete with a high degree of precision. Following pull-out test, the prevalent failure modes observed were vertebral failure and vertebral-bond composite failure. Moreover, diverse concrete strengths, anchorage depths, and rebar locations demonstrated differing impacts on failure modes, while test surface characteristics and bolt diameter exerted less noticeable effects. The pull-out force-displacement curve during pull-out displayed three discernible phases: the elastic phase, crack propagation phase, and descent phase. When conducting on-site assessments, it is advisable to situate test points on the side surfaces of the members. Furthermore, factors like cover thickness and rebar location should be thoroughly evaluated when positioning test points. This encompasses the prudent choice of anchorage depth and bolt diameter to improve test precision. The suggested formula for calculating compressive strength exhibited minimal error and is applicable in determining concrete compressive strength for a wide range of practical engineering contexts. This study not only establishes a theoretical underpinning and offers support for standard revisions but also furnishes valuable guidance for conducting on-site testing procedures.

Representation of the solution of a nonlinear molecular beam epitaxy equation

<p>Stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) driven by Lévy noise are extensively employed across various domains such as physics, finance, and engineering to simulate systems experiencing random fluctuations. In this paper, we focus on a specific type of such SPDEs, namely the nonlinear beam epitaxy equation driven by Lévy noise. The Feynman graph formalism emerges as a potent tool for analyzing these SPDEs, particularly in computing their correlation functions, which are essential for understanding the moments of the solution. In this context, the solution to the SPDE and its truncated moments can be expressed as a sum over particular Feynman graphs. Each graph is evaluated according to a set of established rules, providing a systematic method to derive the properties of the solution. Moreover, the study delves into the behavior of the truncated moments for large times. Truncated moments, which capture the statistical properties of the system up to a certain order, are crucial for characterizing the long-term behavior and stability of the solution. The paper will conclude with a discussion on potential applications, highlighting the broader implications of this approach in various scientific and engineering contexts.</p>

Fourth-order neutral dynamic equations oscillate on timescales with different arguments

<p>The theory of neutral dynamic equations on timescales was based to unify the study of differential and difference equations. The article described several oscillating criteria that will be developed for fourth-order-neutral dynamic equations in the presence of various types of arguments on timescales. The goal was to establish all necessary conditions for the solutions of these models to be oscillatory. To construct observation values, ideas from [Y. Sui and Z. Han, Oscillation of second order neutral dynamic equations with deviating arguments on time scales, <italic>Adv. Differ. Equ.</italic>, 10 (2018)] were used. The research seeked to provide sufficient criteria that ensured the oscillation of solutions to these complex dynamic equations using a technique Riccati transformations generalized, emphasizing their importance in the study of oscillatory processes within various scientific and engineering contexts.</p>

Analytical and numerical investigation of beam-spring systems with varying stiffness: a comparison of consistent and lumped mass matrices considerations

This study examined the vibration behavior of a beam with linear spring attachments using finite element analysis. It aims to determine the natural frequency with both consistent/coupled mass and lumped mass matrices. The natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes were correctly determined which formed the basis of any further noise vibration and severity calculations and impact or crash analysis. In order to obtain eigenfrequencies subject to the attached spring, the characteristic equation was obtained by eigenfunctions expansion whose roots were extracted using the root-finding technique. The finite element method by coupled and lumped mass matrices was then used to determine complete mode shapes against various eigenfrequencies. The mode shapes were then analyzed subject to supports with varying stiffness thereby comparing the analytical and numerical results in case of consistent and lumped masses matrices so as to demonstrate how the present analysis could prove more valuable in mathematical and engineering contexts. Utilizing a consistent mass matrix significantly enhanced accuracy compared to a lumped mass matrix, thereby validating the preference for the former, even with a limited number of beam elements. The results indicated that substantial deflection occurred at the beam's endpoints, supporting the dynamic behavior of the spring-beam system.

Role of tendon-derived stem cells in tendon and ligament repair: focus on tissue engineer.

This review offered a comprehensive analysis of tendon and ligament injuries, emphasizing the crucial role of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) in tissue engineering as a potential solution for these challenging medical conditions. Tendon and ligament injuries, prevalent among athletes, the elderly, and laborers, often result in long-term disability and reduced quality of life due to the poor intrinsic healing capacity of these avascular structures. The formation of biomechanically inferior scar tissue and a high rate of reinjury underscore the need for innovative approaches to enhance and guide the regenerative process. This review delved into the complexities of tendon and ligament structure and function, types of injuries and their impacts, and the limitations of the natural repair process. It particularly focused on the role of TDSCs within the context of tissue engineering. TDSCs, with their ability to differentiate into tenocytes, are explored in various applications, including biocompatible scaffolds for cell tracking, co-culture systems to optimize tendon-bone healing, and graft healing techniques. The review also addressed the challenges of immunoreactivity post-transplantation, the importance of pre-treating TDSCs, and the potential of hydrogels and decellularized matrices in supporting tendon regeneration. It concluded by highlighting the essential roles of mechanical and molecular stimuli in TDSC differentiation and the current challenges in the field, paving the way for future research directions.

An Extended Function-Behaviour-Structure Ontology to support FMEA within a System Engineering Context

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis is a core tool for the systems engineering design assurance, facilitating the identification of design risks and their management throughout the lifecycle of the system. However, the development and management of the FMEA within a systems engineering context faces many challenges, including effectiveness of the process and integrity of knowledge capture, and the lack of a consistent integration with the systems lifecycle. The research underpinning this contribution aims to establish an intelligent FMEA environment supported by an ontology as the basis for knowledge representation of complex systems function failure underpinning the FMEA analysis and documentation. We propose to extend the Function-Behaviour-Structure (FBS) ontology of system design, with representation of function failure reasoning supported by a function failure taxonomy. This provides a consistent ontological basis underpinning the FMEA analysis of a system. We also discuss the expansion of the ontology with the levels of design decomposition of a complex system, to support the management of traceability of the FMEA across the design process. We illustrate the deployment of the proposed ontology framework, implemented in Protégé environment.

Paper waste grown as a biocalcified foam: perspectives from a bacterial and design viewpoint

Abstract Biocalcification is a naturally occurring mineralisation phenomenon resulting from the urease produced by microorganisms inhabiting soil environments. This process, often referred to as microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP), is primarily exploited in an engineering context for soil stabilisation and the repair of concrete structures. MICP represents an emerging area of research in architecture and design. In this paper, we discuss the appropriation of MICP on Papier Plume, a foam made of paper waste used in the context of ImpressioVivo: a design-led research project exploring the conception and fabrication of 3D-printed and bacterially induced bio-sourced materials for a circular design framework. In the light of a previous study based on two strategies of calcification: (1) direct inoculation (2) spraying, we – a team of two designers and a microbiologist – discuss the relevance of an immersion strategy applied to the dry paper foam substrate. By doing so, we reflect on the relevance of MICP as a material design process underpinned by sustainable and circularity concerns, from a design perspective, but also into an attempt to embrace the perspective of the bacteria supporting these experiments; namely Sporosarcina pasteurii.

A study on extended form of multivariable Hermite-Apostol type Frobenius-Euler polynomials via fractional operators

<abstract><p>Originally developed within the realm of mathematical physics, integral transformations have transcended their origins and now find wide application across various mathematical domains. Among these applications, the construction and analysis of special polynomials benefit significantly from the elucidation of generating expressions, operational principles, and other distinctive properties. This study delves into a pioneering exploration of an extended lineage of Frobenius-Euler polynomials belonging to the Hermite-Apostol type, incorporating multivariable variables through fractional operators. Motivated by the exigencies of contemporary engineering challenges, the research endeavors to uncover the operational rules and establishing connections inherent within these extended polynomials. In doing so, it seeks to chart a course towards harnessing these mathematical constructs within diverse engineering contexts, where their unique attributes hold the potential for yielding profound insights. The study deduces operational rules for this generalized family, facilitating the establishment of generating connections and the identification of recurrence relations. Furthermore, it showcases compelling applications, demonstrating how these derived polynomials may offer meaningful solutions within specific engineering scenarios.</p></abstract>

Hybrid PBF-LB/M of Pure Copper for Hairpin Winding Heads of Electric Traction Drives

In the automotive sector, the so-called hairpin technology currently dominates the copper winding of stators in traction drives. In addition to the advantages of higher power density and deterministic production process steps, the winding technology also entails complexities and disadvantages. The production of hairpin stators requires high investments for production machines and their highly complex tools for manufacturing the windings. In addition, it is a major challenge to integrate variant flexibility in these production lines. Producing different product variants of a hairpin stator is only possible with additional costs for tools of the individual lines. In contrast, additive manufacturing technologies enable tool-free production of complex 3D geometries.In the field of PBF-LB/M, the processability of pure copper for electrical applications has been intensively researched and improved in recent years. Therefore, the approach of printing complex winding heads of a hairpin winding directly on conventional copper conductors using PBF-LB/M process is researched in this study. Challenges regarding alignment in the hybrid process as well as redesign using design automation methods considering restrictions and boundary conditions are faced and investigated. By integrating additive manufacturing in hairpin stator production and developing an innovative production process chain, process steps, machines and tools can thus be substituted. By exploiting design potentials of additive manufacturing, winding head heights can additionally be reduced, thus reducing losses in the e‑machine and saving quantities of copper material. The approach is validated using a hairpin stator from the automotive sector. The same conventionally produced hairpin stator is used as a benchmark to evaluate the results achieved by the hybrid stator in a production engineering context.

REVIEW OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES FOR "STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING" (SHM) OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN COMPLEX ENGINEERING AND GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS: SENSORS, DATA ANALYSIS METHODS AND PROSPECTS FOR APPLICATION IN UKRAINE

A brief overview of modern technologies of “Structural Health Monitoring” (SHM) of building structures is presented. The main attention is paid to the analysis of the world experience and features of the application of SHM to historical buildings, which are situated in difficult geothechnical conditions and are exposed to the influence of dangerous geological processes. The goals and principles of the methodology are outlined. An overview of the main types of instrumental sensors (in particular, accelerometers, acoustic emission sensors, GPS sensors, and sensors of environmental conditions) is presented. The methods of mathematical analysis and interpretation of the received data streams are discussed. The article demonstrates the significance of employing contemporary SHM technologies for architectural monuments within the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”. These structures are situated in challenging engineering and geological contexts, and are susceptible to hazardous effects from both natural (landslide processes, meteorological factors) and anthropogenic (waterlogging of foundation soils due to leaks from engineering networks, vibration loads from transport, blast waves due to military operations, etc.) sources. The pilot experience of applying the SHM methodology to the objects of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve is discussed. The work on testing of sensors (accelerometers, bicycle meters, laser inclinometer) for recording vibrometric, seismic and deformation effects on the objects of the reserve is described. A method of automatic extraction of a useful signal of the ‘microcrack’ type for an accelerometer sensor is presented. The results of the test operation of a 3D laser inclinometer for studying the directions of sliding and deformation of historical buildings and structures, in particular, due to landslides and soil subsidence, etc. are presented.

4D structural changes and pore network model of biomass during pyrolysis

Biochar is an engineered carbon-rich substance used for soil improvement, environmental management, and other diverse applications. To date, the understanding of how biomass affects biochar microstructure has been limited due to the complexity of analysis involved in tracing the changes in the physical structure of biomass as it undergoes thermochemical conversion. In this study, we used synchrotron x-ray micro-tomography to visualize changes in the internal structure of biochar from diverse feedstock (miscanthus straw pellets, wheat straw pellets, oilseed rape straw pellets, and rice husk) during pyrolysis by collecting a sequence of 3D scans at 50 °C intervals during progressive heating from 50 °C to 800 °C. The results show a strong dependence of biochar porosity on feedstock as well as pyrolysis temperature, with observed porosity in the range of 7.41–60.56%. Our results show that the porosity, total surface area, pore volume, and equivalent diameter of the largest pore increases with increasing pyrolysis temperature up to about 550 °C. The most dramatic development of pore structure occurred in the temperature range of 350–450 °C. This understanding is pivotal for optimizing biochar’s properties for specific applications in soil improvement, environmental management, and beyond. By elucidating the nuanced variations in biochar’s physical characteristics across different production temperatures and feedstocks, this research advances the practical application of biochar, offering significant benefits in agricultural, environmental, and engineering contexts.