Structural Control Research Articles

Why Colloidal Syntheses of Bimetallic Nanoparticles Cannot be Generalized.

Introducing one general synthesis to form bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) could accelerate the discovery of NPs for promising energy applications. Although colloidal syntheses can provide precise structural and morphological control of bimetallic NPs, the complex chemical nature of multicomponent syntheses challenges the realization of such synthetic simplicity. Common synthetic issues are frequently ascribed to the variation in metal ion precursor reactivities and complex chemical interactions between the different metal surfaces and capping agents employed. However, no systematic studies have shown how these factors compete to ultimately assign the factor limiting the mixing and formation of bimetallic NPs. Here, we provide a parametric investigation of how the intrinsic standard reduction potentials (E0red) of the metal ions and cocapping agents influence the formation of bimetallic AuCu, AuPd, and PdCu NPs. Using a combination of in situ X-ray total scattering along with transmission electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we illustrate the multifunctional role of the cocapping agents through interactions with both the metal ion precursors and NP surfaces to stabilize metastable structures. Additionally, we demonstrate how system-specific side reactions and the local metal ion coordination environment can be used to selectively tune the formation kinetics, structure, and morphology of bimetallic NPs. Ultimately, these insights show that the chemical interactions rather than the intrinsic E0red are responsible for the formation of bimetallic NPs. Broadly, these insights should aid the synthetic design of tailored multimetallic NPs.

Exploration of Tertiary Structure in Sequence-Defined Polymers Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Peptoids are a class of sequence-defined biomimetic polymers with peptide-like backbones and side chains located on backbone nitrogens rather than alpha carbons. These materials demonstrate a strong ability for precise control of single-chain structure, multiunit self-assembly, and macromolecular assembly through careful tuning of sequence due to the diversity of available side chains, although the driving forces behind these assemblies are often not understood. Prior experimental work has shown that linked 15mer peptoids can mimic the protein helical hairpin structure by leveraging the chirality-inducing nature of bulky side chains and hydrophobicity, but there are still gaps in our understanding of the relationship between sequence, stability, and particular secondary or tertiary structure. We present a molecular dynamics (MD) study on the folding behavior of these polymers into hairpins, discussing the differences in structure from sequences with various characteristics in water and acetonitrile, and then compare the handedness preference of common helical motifs between solvents.

Integrated design method for protection against vibration of offshore platform plate structure

The paper integrates the modal avoidance method, pedestal design method, and dynamic vibration absorber theory to investigate vibration control technology for offshore platform plate structures. We develop an integrated design method for vibration suppression by controlling the vibration excitation load, vibration transmission, and vibration energy dissipation. Firstly, a modal avoidance design is implemented to suppress vibration transmission along the propagation path of the plate structure. Subsequently, pedestal optimization is conducted for pedestal structure to attenuate vibration excitation at the input end. Finally, dynamic vibration absorber theory is employed to control dominant vibration frequency responses further and achieve multi-target vibration control. Case simulation results demonstrate that the integrated design method reduces the acceleration vibrations level at 113.75, 145.61, and 153 Hz, and this method could guide multi-objective vibration control in offshore platform plate structures.

Non-linear bending analysis and control of graphene-platelets-reinforced porous sandwich plates with piezoelectric layer subjected to electromechanical loading

Piezoelectric materials as the controlling element have been widely utilized to produce intelligent engineering structures, while these smart structures may fail to realize effective control of composite structures with large deformations. However, investigations on such issues are less reported in published literature, as an accurate and efficient model is required to well forecast the geometrically nonlinear behaviors of smart sandwich structures. As a result, a novel sinusoidal Legendre global-local higher-order shear deformation plate theory (SLHSDT) has been developed to accurately capture geometrically nonlinear behaviors of piezoelectric sandwich plates. The proposed model can fulfill the compatible conditions of transverse shear stresses and contain transverse normal strain, which can ensure precision in predicting electromechanical behaviors. The multi-patch isogeometric analysis (IGA) method for sandwich plates partially bonded with piezoelectric layers is proposed to overcome C1-continuity between patches for the first time. Moreover, the Newmark-β method and Newton-Raphson technique are attempted to solve the nonlinear equations. The present model has been utilized to investigate electromechanical behaviors of laminated structures with piezoelectric layers, which has been compared with the published results. In addition, experiments on macro fiber composite (MFC) integrated sandwich plates have been also carried out in the present work, which can effectively verify the performance of proposed model. Subsequently, the proposed model is employed to study electromechanical behaviors of the five-layer piezoelectric sandwich plates containing internal pores and graphene platelets. Then, influences of the porosity coefficient and GPLs weight fraction on the nonlinear electromechanical behaviors of sandwich plates are investigated. Eventually, the active control on nonlinear behaviors of piezoelectric porous sandwich plates with GPLs reinforcement is studied by using a closed-loop control system, and an effective approach slowing down large deformation has been proposed by selecting an appropriate distribution of GPLs along the thickness direction.

A non-classical synthetic strategy for organic mesocrystals.

Mesocrystals are ordered nanoparticle superstructures, often with internal porosity, which receive much recent research interest in catalysis, energy storage, sensors, and biomedicine area. Understanding the mechanism of synthetic routes is essential for precise control of size and structure that affect the function of mesocrystals. The classical synthetic strategy of mesocrystal was formed via self-assembly of nanoparticles with a faceted inorganic core but a denser (or thicker) shell of organic molecules. However, the potential materials and synthetic handles still need to be explored to meet new applications. In this work, we develop a non-classical synthetic strategy for organic molecules, such as tetrakis (4-hydroxyphenyl) ethylene (TPE-4OH), tetrakis (4-bromophenyl) ethylene (TPE-4Br), and benzopinacole, to produce mesocrystals with composed of microrod arrays via co-solvent-induced crystal transformation. The aligned nanorods are grown epitaxially onto organic microplates, directed by small lattice mismatch between plates and rods. Thus, the present work offers general synthetic handle for establishing well-organized organic mesocrystals.

Interval riccati equation-based and non-probabilistic dynamic reliability-constrained multi-objective optimal vibration control with multi-source uncertainties

Structural vibration control is used to ensure the safety of structures in service and has become an active research area in the past few years. In this study, uncertainties in structural dynamics are considered to propose an interval linear quadratic regulator (LQR) method based on an interval Riccati equation. Multi-objective optimization with non-probabilistic dynamic reliability as a constraint is performed to design an optimal uncertain vibration control system. To alleviate the difficulty of quantifying the probabilistic uncertainty and accurately characterize uncertainty information for small samples, multi-source uncertainties are regarded as interval parameters. The bounds on these uncertainties are determined, and the deterministic and uncertain parts of an interval state-space equation for vibration control are then formulated using an expanded-order matrix and the interval analysis method. Next, the interval perturbation method with a matrix series is used to develop a novel solution method for the linear inhomogeneous time-invariant equation in the interval state-space equation for the vibration control system and is used to accurately predict the interval bounds of the state responses. The conventional LQR method from modern control theory is used to propose a novel optimal control method based on a novel interval Riccati equation using the Lyapunov equation and interval uncertainty propagation. The proposed interval control method can be used to estimate the uncertain bounds of the controlled gain and cost function. A non-probabilistic dynamic reliability model is established to evaluate the reliability index of the system, which can overcome the limitations of the large computational cost of determining the probabilistic reliability. The deterministic controlled cost and uncertain states are considered as two optimization objectives with the proposed reliability constraint. The resulting constrained multi-objective optimal vibration control problem is designed and solved using c-DPEA. A flowchart is presented as a clear overview of the uncertain vibration control method, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated using two numerical examples. Different optimal control designs are obtained using different reliability constraints for quantitatively analyzing the safety of the control system.

Multi-objective optimization design of low-power-driven, large-flux, and fast-response three-stage valve

Intrinsically safe solenoids drive solenoid valves in coal mining equipment. The low power consumption of these solenoids limits the response time of the solenoid valves. Additionally, the low viscosity and high susceptibility to dust contamination of the emulsion fluid often lead to leakage and sticking of hydraulic valves. This study proposes a low-power-driven, large-flux, fast-response three-stage valve structure with an internal displacement feedback device to address these issues. The critical parameters of the valve were optimized using a novel multi-objective optimization algorithm. A prototype was manufactured based on the obtained parameters and subjected to simulation and experimental verification. The results demonstrate that the valve has an opening time of 21 ms, a closing time of 12 ms, and a maximum flow rate of approximately 225 L/min. The driving power of this structure is less than 1.2 W. By utilizing this valve for hydraulic cylinder control, a positioning accuracy of ± 0.15 mm was achieved. The comparative test results show that the proposed structural control error fluctuation is smaller than that of the 3/4 proportional valve.

Emerging Design Tools for Functional Architectures in Monofilament Fibers

The structural control of the monofilament fiber cross‐sectional architecture is a well‐established method for imparting its active functionality. Resulting from a thermal draw, the fiber device, until recently, is expected to be a cross‐sectionally scaled‐down and axially scaled‐up replica of its preform. However, thermal draw is a melt‐shaping process in which the preform is heated to a viscous liquid to be scaled into a fiber. Thus, it is prone to capillary instabilities on the interfaces between preform cladding and materials it encapsulates, distorting the fiber‐embedded architecture and complicating preform‐to‐fiber geometry translation. Traditionally, capillary instabilities are suppressed by performing the draw at a high‐viscosity, large‐feature‐size regime, such that the scaling of the preform into the fiber happens faster than a pronounced instability can develop. It is discovered recently that highly nonlinear, at times even chaotic capillary instabilities, in some fluid dynamic regimes, become predictable and thus engineerable. Driven by ever‐growing demand for enhancing the fiber‐device functionality, piggybacking on a capillary instability, instead of suppressing it, establishes itself as a new material processing strategy to achieve fiber‐embedded systems with user‐engineered architecture in all 3D, including the axial. Considering this development, the notable emerging methodologies are cross‐compared for designing 3D fiber‐embedded architectures.

Enhancing Building Stability and Seismic Resilience with Water-Added Tuned Mass Dampers

These days, the construction industry is increasingly producing buildings with extremely low damping values. Under structural vibrations caused by storms and earthquakes, structures can collapse easily. There are now several methods for reducing structural vibrations, and one of the methods currently employed is the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD). Research is being conducted to determine its performance and importance. The entire damper was tuned for various constructions. An eight-story model specifically designed for the structure was used in this study to observe the structure's response with and without TMD during shaking table experiments. Compared to passive control devices (PTMDs), Active Tuned Mass Dampers (ATMDs) are more efficient as they are active control devices powered externally. By maintaining the structure's frequency, damping, and stiffness constant, other variables such as the percentage reduction in structural capacity can effectively control structure vibrations. The findings and observations from TMD studies can be used to address challenges in earthquake structural control considering current technological limitations and energy demands. The results illustrate significant improvements with damping: the damped structure experienced a 21% increase in acceleration, a 17% increase in velocity, and a 79% reduction in displacement compared to the un damped structure. These findings underscore the effectiveness of damping in mitigating earthquake-induced vibrations.

Morphology evolution and mechanism of massive three-level hierarchically porous silver fabricated by vapor phase dealloying

In this study, the Gasar process and vapor phase dealloying (VPD) method were combined to fabricate a massive three-level hierarchical porous silver (MTHPS), which composed of interconnected micron-sized, submicron-sized, and nanoporous structures. The key aspect of this study lies in the preparation of a hypoeutectic Gasar Mg91.6Ag8.4 alloy with the regular micron-scale pore structure as the dealloying precursor, improving the size of the hierarchical porous metal. Under high vacuum conditions, by adjusting the dealloying time and temperature, MTHPS samples with various morphologies were obtained. After dealloying, the MTHPS exhibited Gasar pores (diameter 376 ± 86 μm), submicron pores (diameter 465 ± 125 nm), and a continuous ligament/channel structure (pore size less than 70 ± 40 nm). The coarsening index was 3.6258, and the activation energy was measured to be 0.95 eV, indicating that the formation and coarsening of the pores during VPD are attributed to surface diffusion. The calculated evaporated mass of the precursor alloy after dealloying was very close to the experimental value (±0.004 g), indicating that the evaporation of Mg occurred simultaneously in both solid and liquid phases during the VPD process. This study elucidates the phase transformation characteristics, structural control, and diffusion mechanisms of MTHPS prepared by VPD, providing valuable insights for further research and applications of MTHPS.

Enhancement of peroxymonosulfate activation through regulating electronic structure of cobalt phthalocyanine by g-C3N4 for rhodamine B degradation

The catalytic performance of cobalt-based catalysts in Fenton-like reactions is significantly influenced by the electron density of Co centers. However, precise control of the electronic structure to enhance the degradation activity remains a challenge. This paper demonstrates a method to enhance the catalytic activity of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) by modulating its electronic structure via integrating with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). The electron redistribution between g-C3N4 and CoPc was observed, resulting in electron-rich Co centers. Consequently, the CoPc/g-C3N4 composites exhibit significantly enhanced peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation capability compared to CoPc and their physical mixtures. The improved catalytic performance is due to the electron-rich Co centers, better dispersion of CoPc, and enhanced hydrophilicity. This study proposes a novel strategy for the design of efficient PMS activation catalysts.

Robust active vibration control of flexible smart beam by μ-synthesis

This paper presents a comprehensive method for designing a robust active vibration control system to suppress low-frequency vibrations in smart structures. A novel finite element method based on the first-order shear deformation theory is used to calculate the dynamic response of a smart beam. Through a comprehensive system identification process, the uncertain model of the smart beam is extracted considering both the magnitude and phase. The model fits the experimental data successfully. In addition, a generalized low-frequency vibration control performance function is designed for the piezoelectric smart beam. Using a linear fractional transformation, the system is converted into a standard μ-synthesis control framework, and the controller K is synthesized using structural singular values μ. The effectiveness of the proposed method is experimentally validated using a setup with a piezoelectric smart beam. The experimental results suggest that the proposed control method exhibits robust stability and robust performance, effectively enhancing the performance of smart structure control in various scenarios. The proposed control framework utilizes structured singular value analysis to provide optimal robust stability margins and superior robust control performance, effectively addressing system uncertainties and non-linearities.

Structural controls on hydrothermal fluid flow in a carbonate geothermal reservoir: Insights from giant carbonate veins in western Germany

This study examines the impact of polyphase tectonics on the development of structurally controlled hydrothermal fluid pathways in carbonate geothermal reservoirs. Our case study focuses on hydrothermal carbonate veins and vein-filled faults in Devonian carbonates from the North Rhine-Westphalia region in western Germany, currently being explored as a potential low-enthalpy geothermal reservoir at depths of 4–5 km. These veins, which can be up to 20 m thick, are subvertical and strike NNW, N, or ESE. They exhibit pinch-and-swell undulating geometries, faulted vein-wall contacts, and occasional fillings of hydrothermal breccias. Vein-filled normal faults show hybrid shear-dilatant openings, with fault tips characterized by horsetail vein terminations. The textures, orientations, and age of the veins suggest their formation at low confining pressures and at depths < 2 km during the Post-Variscan East-West extension. Orthogonal North- and East-striking strike slip faults, inherited from the Variscan orogeny, were likely reactivated during post-Variscan extension, with a significant dilatant component that formed the observed veins. In the Ruhr Basin, the dilation tendency analysis indicates that NNW-striking veins or joints are optimally oriented for re-opening under the current strike-slip stress regime, characterized by NNW-trending maximum horizontal stress. The intersections of fractures may currently create moderately SSE-plunging linear zones of enhanced fluid flow. The main uncertainty regards the presence of similar structures at geothermal reservoir depths of ∼4–5 km in the Middle Devonian carbonates underneath the Ruhr Basin. As the study veins are likely to have formed at depths <2 km, the existence of analogous dilatant conduits at greater depths remains speculative. Eventually, we propose that zones characterized by open discontinuities and channelized fluid flow in carbonate geothermal reservoir in strike-slip tectonic settings can be: (a) dilational jogs between overlapping strike-slip faults, (b) bends along faults, and (c) strike-slip fault terminations with horsetail extensional structures. These zones can also be prone to enhanced karstification.

Wavy Graphene Nanoribbons Containing Periodic Eight-Membered Rings for Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells.

Precision graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) offer distinctive physicochemical properties that are highly dependent on their geometric topologies, thereby holding great potential for applications in carbon-based optoelectronics and spintronics. While the edge structure and width control has been a popular strategy for engineering the optoelectronic properties of GNRs, non-hexagonal-ring-containing GNRs remain underexplored due to synthetic challenges, despite offering an equally high potential for tailored properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of a wavy GNR (wGNR) embedding periodic eight-membered rings into its carbon skeleton, which is achieved by the A2B2-type Diels-Alder polymerization between dibenzocyclooctadiyne (6) and dicyclopenta[e,l]pyrene-5,11-dione derivative (8), followed by a selective Scholl reaction of the obtained ladder-type polymer (LTP) precursor. The obtained wGNR, with a length of up to 30 nm, is thoroughly characterized by solid-state NMR, FT-IR, Raman, and UV-Vis spectroscopy with the support of DFT calculations. The non-planar geometry of wGNR efficiently prevents the inter-ribbon π-π aggregation, leading to photoluminescence in solution. Consequently, the wGNR can function as an emissive layer for organic light-emitting electrochemical cells (OLECs), offering a proof-of-concept exploration in implementing luminescent GNRs into optoelectronic devices. The fast-responding OLECs employing wGNR will pave the way for advancements in OLEC technology and other optoelectronic devices.

Design and performance evaluation of toroidal TLCDs in bidirectional seismic control of structures using a modified dynamic model

In this study, a modified dynamic model which distinguishes between liquid oscillation and sloshing in vertical columns is derived for toroidal tuned liquid column dampers (TLCDs). In the modified model of toroidal TLCDs, the primary sloshing mode within vertical columns is modeled as mass–spring-dashpot systems, whereas the oscillatory behavior of the liquid is analyzed employing the conventional theory of TLCDs. The accuracy of the modified dynamic model in capturing bidirectional liquid responses is verified by computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based simulations. A large number of CFD-based simulations are performed to establish a ready-to-use suggested formula for a newly introduced parameter (which is related to the geometric configuration of liquid containers and the initial liquid depth) in the modified model. Subsequently, considering the maximum allowable liquid displacement in vertical columns, an optimized design approach for toroidal TLCDs installed in symmetric and asymmetric structures is illustrated. On the basis of the proposed optimization design method, the bidirectional vibration control effects of toroidal TLCDs are comprehensively analyzed under El Centro, Loma Prieta, Northridge, and Chi–Chi seismic excitations in both the time and frequency domains. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of toroidal TLCDs for bidirectional seismic control of structures.

The Structure Control of MoC Optimizes Charge Transfer to Improve Solar Cell Performance

The Structure Control of MoC Optimizes Charge Transfer to Improve Solar Cell Performance

Discrete-Time Sliding Mode Control Strategies—State of the Art

Variable structure control systems are known to provide a high level of robustness to external disturbances and modeling uncertainties with comparably low computational complexity. Thanks to these features, they have found applications in various fields, such as power engineering, electronics, robotics, and aviation. In recent decades, the field of sliding mode control has developed significantly. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the basic concepts and design methodology of such strategies. Although in the 20th century, continuous-time sliding mode control has been the center of the control engineering society’s attention, it has certain major shortcomings. In particular, such control schemes result in undesirable high-frequency oscillations when applied digitally. Therefore, the more recent discrete-time approach to sliding mode control has gained recognition in the 21st century. Since the introduction of discrete-time sliding mode control strategies, the reaching law-based controller design method has been designed, within which two main paradigms may be named: the switching type and the nonswitching type quasi-sliding mode. This paper presents a broad review of the discrete-time sliding mode control strategies, starting from the definition of sliding mode through the controller design procedures and up to potential applications. The aim of this study is to provide an up-to-date state of the art and introduce readers to the newest trends and achievements in the field of sliding mode control.

Achieving high strength and ductility in Inconel 718: tailoring grain structure through micron-sized carbide additives in PBF-LB/M additive manufacturing

ABSTRACT Few attempts have been made so far to develop modifiers for in situ use in Inconel 718 PBF-LB/M fabrication. Reports show an increase in tensile strength compared to unmodified counterparts. However, significant ductility reduction is observed, outweighing the mere tensile strength improvements when considering practical applications. In this study, micron-sized powder modifiers (NbC, TiC, and B4C) were added in proportions of 0.6 wt.% (NbC and TiC) and 0.2 wt.% (B4C) to Inconel 718 powder for PBF-LB/M processing. These modifiers allowed for grain structure control during heat treatment, including hot isostatic pressing. The addition of NbC resulted in a finer grain structure, while the addition of TiC preserved the as-built grain structure after heat treatment. Carbide precipitates led to uniform GND distribution and promoted uniform stress distribution. We show that the trade-off between strength and ductility in carbide-modified IN718 can be overcome by careful PBF-LB/M processing and heat treatment.

Dual Control of Macrolithotype and Coal Structure on the Pore Parameters of Middle Jurassic Coals in the Southern Junggar Basin, NW China

Dual Control of Macrolithotype and Coal Structure on the Pore Parameters of Middle Jurassic Coals in the Southern Junggar Basin, NW China

Evaluation of gold mineralisation potential using AHP systems and weighted overlay analysis

The demand for sustainable development goals and the absence of systematic development and organised exploration for gold has prompted this study to integrate magnetic and radiometric datasets with lithology to evaluate the gold mineralisation potential in the Ilesha schist belt. This study considers 3168.72 km2 of the Ilesha schist belt in southwestern Nigeria, a frontier belt for gold deposits. The high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric datasets were processed using enhancement techniques, including the analytical signal, lineament density, and K/Th ratio. CET grid analysis, Euler deconvolution, and analytical signal depth estimation methods were used to aid the interpretation. The spatial integration and interpolation were performed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weighted overlay analytical tools within the ArcGIS environment. The dominant structural controls for potential mineralisation are ENE–WSW and ESE–WNW trends. The depth of the magnetic sources revealed by the analytical signal ranged from 63.17 to 629.47 m, while depths ranging from 47.32 to 457.22 m were obtained from Euler deconvolution. The delineated highly magnetic edge sources, dense lineaments, radiometrically highlighted alteration zones, and lithological hosts for gold mineralisation were integrated to establish the gold mineralisation potential map. The AHP deductions reveal that 10.52% of the study site is within the high mineralisation potential class, a remarkable 60.39% falls within the moderate class, a significant portion (28.86%) falls within the poor class, and 0.23% is considered unfavourable. The result was optimised by validation using known mines, with 94% (i.e., 15 out of 16 mining sites) plotting within the high mineralisation potential class. This assessment provides invaluable insight for stakeholders and policymakers to embark on gold exploration and exploitation and promote sustainable mineral development.