Deformation Rate Research Articles

Efficient Fabrication of Bioinspired Flexible Pressure Sensors via Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing Method.

The bioinspired microdevices have made significant strides in various applications including human motion and health detection. However, the facile and highly efficient fabrication approach of flexible pressure sensors remains a great challenge. Herein, inspired by the gecko's foot structure, a flexible pressure sensor with microdomes structures was one-step fabricated by tip-assisted on-demand electrohydrodynamic jet (EHD-jet) printing method. Ascribed to the interlocking electrodes with microdome structure substantially enlarged 3D deformation rates. When the microdromes structure is under pressure, the resistivity of the CNTs film coated on the surface of the microdomes structure will change remarkably. By using the combined effect of assisted tip and ring focusing electrode, the influence and constraints on microstructure fabrication caused by substrate material and morphology are minimized. The desired uniform structures can be adjusted rapidly by changing the printing parameters and liquid properties. The high length-height ratio (0.64) of microdomes, notably enhances the sensitivity, the minimum detection limit is 2Pa and the response time is 40ms. Finally, the bionic flexible sensor shows excellent performance in capable of detecting pressure, sound vibrations, and human motion. This work introduces a previously unexplored method for the high-efficiency fabrication of micro-nano patterns for bionic flexible sensors, with potential applications in wearable devices and human health detection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Step by step and combined supporting technique with allowable deformation + limiting shape for soft rock roadway

Aiming at the difficult problems of the large deformation in weakly cemented soft rock roadways, the reasons of large deformation are analyzed for roadways in Hongqingliang coal mine. On this basis, the principle of step by step combined support technology based on allowable deformation + limiting shape for weakly cemented soft rock roadway is proposed, and the optimal support parameters of step by step combined technology are determined by FLAC3D. Step by step combined support technology includes the primary support of anchor bolt + anchor cable + initial shotcrete and the secondary support of U-shaped steel shed + filling flexible material behind shed + control of key parts. The comparative analysis on the site shows that the deformation rate and final deformation amount of the surrounding rock after the step by step combined support are less than those of the primary support, and the deformation of the surrounding rock can be controlled effectively after the secondary support is added. Step by step combined support is superior to the traditional bolt + anchor cable combined repair in terms of economy and efficiency. The optimal construction period of each working procedure of the step by step combined technology is 28 days after the completion of the first support, and the step by step combined support based on allowable deformation + limiting shape is an effective way to control the surrounding rock of soft rock roadway.

Developmental toxicity of the neonicotinoid pesticide clothianidin to the larvae of the crustacean Decapoda, Penaeus vannamei

The developmental toxicity effects of neonicotinoid pesticides such as clothianidin have not been fully explored in agricultural applications. This is particularly noteworthy because such pesticides significantly impact the survival rates of invertebrates, with arthropod larvae being particularly vulnerable. This study aimed to address this research gap by specifically investigating the toxicological effects of clothianidin on the developmental stages of the larvae of the economically important aquaculture species Penaeus vannamei. In these experiments, shrimp eggs were exposed to seawater containing different concentrations of clothianidin beginning at N1, and each phase was observed and analyzed to determine its toxic impact on larval development. These results revealed that clothianidin induces an increase in deformity rates and triggers abnormal cell apoptosis. It also significantly reduced survival rates and markedly decreased body length and heart rate in the later stages of larval development (P3). Transcriptomic analysis revealed disruptions in larval DNA integrity, protein synthesis, and signal transduction caused by clothianidin. To survive prolonged exposure, larvae may attempt to maintain their viability by repairing cell structures and enhancing signal transduction mechanisms. This study offers the first empirical evidence of the toxicity of clothianidin to arthropod larvae, underscoring the impact of environmental pollution on aquatic health.

Timing, sequence, duration and rate of deformation in fold-and-thrust belts: a review of traditional approaches and recent advances from absolute dating (K–Ar illite/U–Pb calcite) of brittle structures

Timing, sequence, duration and rate of deformation in fold-and-thrust belts: a review of traditional approaches and recent advances from absolute dating (K–Ar illite/U–Pb calcite) of brittle structures

The High Temperature Strength of Single Crystal Ni‐base Superalloys – Re‐visiting Constant Strain Rate, Creep, and Thermomechanical Fatigue Testing

The present work takes a new look at the high temperature strength of single crystal (SX) Ni‐base superalloys. It compares high temperature constant strain rate (CSR) testing, creep testing, and out‐of‐phase thermomechanical fatigue (OP TMF) testing, which represent key characterization methods supporting alloy development and component design in SX material science and technology. The three types of tests are compared using the same SX alloy, working with precisely oriented <001>‐specimens and considering the same temperature range between 1023 and 1223 K, where climb controlled micro‐creep processes need to be considered. Nevertheless, the three types of tests provide different types of information. CSR testing at imposed strain rates of 3.3 × 10−4 s−1 shows a yield stress anomaly (YSA) with a YSA stress peak at a temperature of 1073 K. This increase of strength with increasing temperature is not observed during constant load creep testing at much lower deformation rates around 10−7 s−1. Creep rates show a usual behavior and increase with increasing temperatures. During OP‐TMF loading, the temperature continuously increases/decreases in the compression/tension part of the mechanical strain‐controlled cycle (±0.5%). At the temperature, where the YSA peak stress temperature is observed, no peculiarities are observed. It is shown that OP‐TMF life is sensitive to surface quality, which is not the case in creep. A smaller number of cycles to failure is observed when reducing the heating rate in the compression/heating part of the mechanical strain‐controlled OP‐TMF cycle. The results are discussed on a microstructural basis, using results from scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and in light of previous work published in the literature.

Optimizing the Use of Palm Fiber to Increase Stability and Deformation Resistance in Asphalt Concrete Mixes

Modifying asphalt binder materials with fiber reinforcement is one approach to improving the performance of asphalt concrete mixtures. This research aims to evaluate the effect of optimal palm fiber concentration on strengthening and improving the properties of the mixture and rutting resistance. Test specimens were made with four variations in the composition of a mixture of different palm fiber percentages (0%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.85) with lengths (0.4 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.8 cm, and 1.0 cm) using an optimum asphalt content of 6% to evaluate the properties of the asphalt concrete mixture based on the Marshall Test. In comparison, the rutting indicator was evaluated using a wheel tracking tool with four variations in the percentage of palm fiber to an optimal length of 0.8 cm. The results of the Marshall test research showed that palm fiber increased stability by 6%, with the highest stability at a percentage of palm fiber of 0.6% with a length of 0.8 cm 1210.45 kg, higher than the normal mixture with a stability value of 1142.59 kg, VIM value decreased by 14% compared to the normal mixture and increased the flexibility of the mixture at the optimum percentage composition of palm fiber 0.6% length 8 cm by 4%. Fibre wheel tracking test results show that adding fiber fibers increases the groove and rutting resistance of optimum fiber by 53% with a total deformation value of 0.856 mm, dynamic stability of 5727 passes/mm, and a deformation rate of 0.007/mm/minute. Palm fiber is not strong enough to withstand heat due to a mixing temperature of 150oC and a compaction temperature of 140oC, with a higher risk of fiber damage

Estimation of surface deformation in Sikkim and Eastern Nepal Himalaya using PSInSAR technique

The region of the Himalayan arc covering Sikkim and eastern Nepal experiences dominant strike-slip deformation oblique to the convergence direction of the Indian plate. This region is also traversed by transverse structural and tectonic features. The present study is aimed at comprehending the horizontal and vertical deformation rates for this region using the PSInSAR technique. We utilized 70 and 78 Single Look Complex images in ascending and descending passes respectively, spanning from February 2017 to August 2023 for time-series displacement measurement along the radar line of sight (LOS). The results reveal the LOS velocity ranging from −15 to +10 mm/yr for the ascending data and ±20 mm/yr for the descending data. The mean line-of-sight velocities of ascending and descending passes were decomposed to estimate the horizontal (east-west) and vertical components of the deformation vector. These components range from ±15 mm/yr and −12 to +8 mm/yr, respectively, suggesting that the horizontal deformation predominates in the study area. A NW-SE trending boundary coinciding with the Tista lineament sub-divides the study region into the eastern Nepal and the Sikkim blocks based on the patterns of the deformation rates. The eastern Nepal block south of the Main Central Thrust exhibits locked portion of the arc with eastward motion, whereas the Sikkim block exhibits uplift (unlocked with creep) and westward motion. The amplitudes of these deformation rates support dominant strike-slip deformation with minor vertical deformation component. These results suggest that the Tista lineament is a prominent strike-slip fault and probably the most significant active tectonic feature in the region. Together with the seismicity data, we infer that probably the entire crustal block rather than the Himalayan wedge is contributing to the surface deformation, as mapped by the present PSInSAR study.

Improving quality of stored Trichogramma evanescens (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) by inducing diapause or quiescence

BackgroundEfficacy of parasitic wasps from the genus Trichogramma to attack the eggs of numerous important pests in various agricultural crops makes them one of the most prevalent biocontrol agents. In Trichogramma, the pre-pupal stage can survive during the cold season in a dormant state (diapause or quiescence). The optimal conditions for the induction of this pause of development during mass rearing to store the parasitoid for a long time in good quality depend on the species. In the present study, four factors [the incubation periods (24 and 48 h), diapause induction temperatures (9 and 11 °C), durations of the diapause induction (from 0 to 6 weeks), and the periods of storage (from 0 to 6 months)], were experimented to force Trichogramma evanescens Westwood, reared on Sitotroga cerealella, to enter diapause or quiescence and estimating their impacts on the efficacy of stored parasitoid.ResultsResults confirmed that the life parameters of T. evanescens as the percentage of adult emergence, female percentage, rates of wing deformation of emerged adults, and fecundity of emerged females were significantly affected by all experimented factors. The pre-storage treatments made it possible to store the parasitoid for at least 2 months at 3 °C, with no much changes in their fitness, the emergence rate of adults reached more than 80%, and the egg-laying efficacy of females reached more than 42 eggs per emerged female, when diapause induction treatments were applied for 5 weeks at 11 °C after 24 h of incubation. Furthermore, there is the possibility of storage for 6 months with an acceptable level of parasitoid’s quality, when diapause induction treatments were applied for 5 weeks at 9 °C after 24 h of incubation, the emergence rate reached 70%, and the number of eggs per female was 52 eggs, while no emergence of adult insects was recorded after 3 months of cold storage without diapause induction treatments.ConclusionTwo storage programs were reached for T. evanescens (depending on the adult emergence rate and fecundity of emerged females). There is a long-term storage (6 months), when diapause was induced at a low temperature (9 °C) after 24 h of incubation. Short-term storage (from 2 to 4 months), when quiescence was induced under a higher temperature of 11 °C after both 24 and 48 h of incubation.

Intrusive mechanism of the 2018 Sierra Negra Galápagos eruption, constrained by 4D tomographic images

Understanding the mechanisms of magma intrusion underpins our ability to interpret geophysical monitoring signals at volcanoes and thus issue reliable forecasts of future activity. The basaltic caldera volcanoes of the western Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, exhibit exceptionally high rates of deformation driven by shallow magma accumulation and migration. However, the nature and evolution of magma storage at these volcanoes is poorly constrained by earthquake hypocentre locations or geodetic inversions. Here we show that transient variations in seismic velocity before, during, and after the 2018 eruption of the Sierra Negra volcano track the accumulation of magma in a shallow sill complex and the emplacement of a lateral flank intrusion. A four-dimensional tomographic technique applied to the P-wave arrivals of local earthquakes provides high spatiotemporal resolution of changes in the physical properties of the shallow volcanic system. In the month before the eruption, the expansion of a low-velocity zone above the sub-caldera sill complex coincides with caldera uplift and near-surface fracturing, driven by persistent shallow magma accumulation. A new low-velocity anomaly appeared progressively in the western flank of the volcano in the days after the onset of the eruption, coinciding with the opening of a curved sill that supplied magma to secondary eruptive fissures. The anomaly disappeared as the curved sill deflated after the initial opening, despite it remaining the conduit for magma from the caldera complex to the flank fissures. Low velocities across the shallow caldera after the end of the eruption likely result from rapid inflation due to recharge with fresh magma from depth. These results indicate a previously unknown complexity to the magmatic plumbing system at Sierra Negra and suggest velocity changes resulting from an interplay of thermal and stress perturbations.

Spatiotemporal Mechanism-Based Spacetimeformer Network for InSAR Deformation Prediction and Identification of Retrogressive Thaw Slumps in the Chumar River Basin

The increasing incidence of retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs) in permafrost regions underscores the need for detailed spatial and temporal analysis using InSAR technology to monitor and predict dynamic changes in the process of RTSs. Nevertheless, current InSAR deformation forecasting methods employing deep learning strategies such as the traditional long short-term memory (LSTM) and recent transformer models encounter difficulties in effectively capturing temporal features. Moreover, they are limited in their ability to directly integrate spatial information. In this paper, an innovative deep learning approach named Spacetimeformer is proposed for predicting medium- and short-term InSAR deformation of RTSs in the Chumar River area. This method employs a transformer architecture with a spatiotemporal attention mechanism, which enhances the long-term prediction capabilities of time series models and dynamic spatial modeling. It is applicable to multivariate InSAR spatiotemporal deformation prediction problems. The findings include a list of 72 RTSs compiled based on derived InSAR deformation maps and Sentinel-2 optical images, of which 64 have an average deformation rate exceeding 10 mm/year, indicating signs of permafrost degradation. The density distribution of the displacement maps predicted by the Spacetimeformer model aligned well with the InSAR deformation maps obtained from the small baseline subset (SBAS) method, with the overall prediction deviation controlled within 20 mm. In addition, the point-scale prediction results were compared with LSTM and transformer models. This study indicates that the Spacetimeformer network achieved good results in predicting the deformation of RTSs, with a root mean square error of 1.249 mm. The Spacetimeformer method for deformation prediction with the spacetime mechanism presented in this study can serve as a general framework for multivariate deformation prediction based on InSAR results. It can also quantitatively assess the spatial deformation characteristics and deformation trends of RTSs.

Effect of formulation method for plastic deformation rate on topology optimization considering elastic-plastic behavior

In continuum mechanics the deformation rate is a crucial tensor that drives deformation evolution. It plays an important role in the formulation of elastic and plastic deformations, and makes a distinction between Lagrangian and Eulerian formulations. Furthermore, because plastic deformation measure is not uniquely determined, the modeling method adopted has a bearing on topology optimization and structural design. However, research on this aspect has been scarce. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the formulation method chosen for the plastic deformation rate on topology optimization by considering both Lagrangian and Eulerian formulations. In this work, the Lagrangian framework adopted both phenomenological and crystal plasticity, while the Eulerian framework used microstructural vector theory. For the sake of brevity, the phenomenological plasticity in the Lagrangian framework has been denoted as classical plasticity in this work. The Eulerian formulation was the first to be implemented for topology optimization in this study. The plastic deformation rates from the three models were applied to the topology optimization with the finite element (FE) method. The Messerschmitt–Bölkow–Blohm beam problem, a widely known example in this regard, was considered in this study for comparison purposes. While classical and crystal plasticity models exhibited similar overall trends in terms of optimization, the Eulerian deformation rate presented distinctly different optimization results compared with the other two approaches. All the three models aimed to minimize free energy in the topology optimization loop. However, ultimately, differences in the constitutive equations affected the resultant values of the free energy leading to different optimization outcomes. The results of this study were validated through comparisons between experimental and FE analysis results for each design. The results clearly demonstrate that the plastic deformation rate significantly affects the topology optimization, and hence needs to be appropriately adapted based on the design objectives.

Site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis in Nuweiba, Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt: Combining area source model and active faults

Gulf of Aqaba in Eastern Egypt is characterized by significant seismic activity and high deformation rate, making it a major source of destructive earthquakes in the region. While previous studies have produced probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) maps for the region, they have not adequately accounted for active faults or site response in their calculations. This study introduces a newly developed seismic source model for the Gulf of Aqaba, considering area source, active fault source, and a combination of both models to improve seismic hazard assessment for the region. The study incorporates the previously measured average shear-wave velocity for the upper 30 m (Vs30), fundamental frequency (F0), and amplification factor (A0) at some selected sites in Nuweiba city. Accordingly, site-specific PSHA is carried out for the bedrock condition (Vs30 = 800 m/s, according to the Egyptian Building Code) and for the surface of soft sediments using F0, A0, and Vs30. Uncertainties in slip rate, maximum magnitude, and recurrence model are accounted during PSHA computation. Ground motion parameters such as peak ground acceleration (PGA) and spectral acceleration (SA) for various probabilities of exceedance in 50-year lifetime are calculated for both rock site conditions and soft sediments. The maximum calculated PGA and SA are 0.65 g and 1.25 g, respectively, for a 10% probability of exceedance over 50 years at bedrock conditions.

Copper-Nanoparticle-Induced Neurotoxic Effect and Oxidative Stress in the Early Developmental Stage of Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are extensively used in electronics, cosmetics, fungicides, and various other fields due to their distinctive qualities. However, this widespread usage can contribute to environmental contamination and heightened health risks for living organisms. Despite their prevalent use, the ecological impacts and biosafety of CuNPs remain inadequately understood. The present study aims to delve into the potential toxic effects of CuNPs on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, focusing on multiple indexes such as embryonic development, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. The results revealed a notable increase in the death rate and deformity rate, alongside varying degrees of decrease in hatching rate and heart rate following CuNPs exposure. Particularly, the frequency of spontaneous tail coiling significantly declined under exposure to CuNPs at concentrations of 500 µg/L. Furthermore, CuNPs exposure induced alterations in the transcriptional expression of GABA signaling pathway-related genes (gabra1, gad, abat, and gat1), indicating potential impacts on GABA synthesis, release, catabolism, recovery, and receptor binding. Additionally, CuNPs triggered oxidative stress, evidenced by disruption in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, along with elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. This oxidative stress subsequently led to a proinflammatory cascade, as demonstrated by the increased transcriptional expression of inflammatory markers (il-1β, tnf-α, il-6, and il-8). Comparative analysis with copper ion (provided as CuCl2) exposure highlighted more significant changes in most indexes with CuCl2, indicating greater toxicity compared to CuNPs at equivalent concentrations. In conclusion, these findings provide valuable insights into the toxic effects of CuNPs on zebrafish embryo development and neurotransmitter conduction. Furthermore, they present technical methodologies for assessing environmental and health risks associated with CuNPs, contributing to a better understanding of their biosafety and ecological impact.

Mechanical Behaviour of Photopolymer Cell-Size Graded Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures at Different Deformation Rates.

This study investigates how varying cell size affects the mechanical behaviour of photopolymer Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) under different deformation rates. Diamond, Gyroid, and Primitive TPMS structures with spatially graded cell sizes were tested. Quasi-static experiments measured boundary forces, representing material behaviour, inertia, and deformation mechanisms. Separate studies explored the base material's behaviour and its response to strain rate, revealing a strength increase with rising strain rate. Ten compression tests identified a critical strain rate of 0.7 s-1 for "Grey Pro" material, indicating a shift in failure susceptibility. X-ray tomography, camera recording, and image correlation techniques observed cell connectivity and non-uniform deformation in TPMS structures. Regions exceeding the critical rate fractured earlier. In Primitive structures, stiffness differences caused collapse after densification of smaller cells at lower rates. The study found increasing collapse initiation stress, plateau stress, densification strain, and specific energy absorption with higher deformation rates below the critical rate for all TPMS structures. However, cell-size graded Primitive structures showed a significant reduction in plateau and specific energy absorption at a 500 mm/min rate.

A novel method based on deep learning algorithms for material deformation rate detection

A novel method based on deep learning algorithms for material deformation rate detection

Analysis of surface deformation and related factors over mining areas based on InSAR: A case study of Fengcheng mine

Abstract. Ground surface deformation in mines affects mining production, damages the ecological environment, and endangers human safety. Mastering the detailed time series deformation and related triggering factors can provide key information for the safety of the mining area. Therefore, the Fengcheng mining area, a large and ancient coal mine in Jiangxi Province, China, was selected as the study area in this work, and the following research was conducted: 1. The accuracy and applicability of the Stacking, Small-Baseline Subset InSAR (SBAS-InSAR), and Interferometric Point Target Analysis (IPTA) methods were preliminarily explored while monitoring the annual deformation rate based on Sentinel-1A data from October 2019 to November 2022. 2. The time-series deformation of the Fengcheng mining area was obtained with SBAS-InSAR technology, and the sedimentation was validated with leveling results. 3. The correlation factors of deformation, such as rainfall and land cover, were studied, and the relationship between the influencing factors, such as coal mining dip angle, digital elevation, coal mining elevation, and deformation, was quantitatively explored with the Grey correlation model and Pearson correlation analysis method. The following conclusions were drawn: The SBAS method has the best adaptability in the dense vegetation mining area, and the root-mean-square error of the difference between deformation results and leveling data does not exceed 4mm. The evolution process of deformation centers is mainly divided into the stages of initial deformation, constant velocity deformation, accelerated deformation, and stable condition. Compared with the natural factors, the settlement of the Fengcheng mining area is mainly affected by human-induced mining and construction of artificial facilities.

Role of minimization entropy generation and heat transfer on the nanofluid peristaltic flow via Reiner-Philippoff model

The primary objective of this study is to explore the effects of minimizing entropy generation in the context of peristaltic flow within an asymmetric tapered channel, using Buongiorno’s nanofluid model to account for pseudoplastic and dilatant behaviors of the nanofluid. To accurately represent the non-Newtonian characteristics of the fluid, we employ the Reiner-Philippoff (RPh) fluid model, known for its intricate nature among non-Newtonian models. In the RPh model, the relationship between shear stress and velocity gradient is nonlinear, and it also accounts for the implicit coupling between stress and deformation rate, presenting a formidable challenge. Our investigation incorporates the effects of thermophoresis motion, the viscosity parameter of the RPh fluid, and Brownian motion into the governing equations. We simplify these equations under the assumptions of low Reynolds numbers and long wavelengths. Subsequently, we numerically solve the resulting nonlinear equations. We thoroughly discuss the significant impact of RPh nanofluid parameters on entropy generation and the Bejan number by presenting graphical representations. Notably, we observe that the fluid transitions from a dilatant behavior to Newtonian behavior and from Newtonian behavior to pseudoplastic behavior as we vary the RPh fluid parameter. Furthermore, we briefly address the influence of thermophoretic diffusion, the Brinkman number, the RPh fluid parameter, Prandtl number, and Brownian motion parameters on entropy production and the Bejan number. It is experimented that the entropy generation is less for dilatants fluid and higher for pseudoplastic fluids. We can also notice that the entropy generation significantly increases by Brinkman number Br for both types of fluid. We also provide a mathematical and graphical examination of the effects of all these significant parameters.

Polystyrene microplastics induce male reproductive toxicity in mice by activating spermatogonium mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis

Microplastics have emerged as environmental hazards in recent years. This study was intended to prove the toxic effects of microplastics on the male reproductive system and further elucidate its mechanism. C57bl/6 mice were exposed to ultrapure water or different doses (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/d) of 5 μm polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) for 4 weeks, and the GC-1 mouse spermatogonium was treated with different concentrations of PS-MPs. The results showed that sperm count and motility were decreased, and sperm deformity rate was increased after exposure to PS-MPs. The morphology of testes in PS-MPs groups exhibited pathological changes, such as abnormal development of spermatogenic tubules, and inhibited spermatogonium function. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of TUNEL staining and the BAX/BCL2 ratio were increased. Exposure to PS-MPs resulted in impaired mitochondrial morphology of spermatogonium, decreased activity of GSH-px and SOD, and increased the MDA level. In vitro, after treatment with PS-MPs, the cell apoptosis rate of spermatogonium was significantly increased, mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased, mitochondrial morphology was damaged, and exposure to PS-MPs increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, inducing an oxidative stress state in spermatogonia. In summary, PS-MPs induced a decrease in sperm quality by activating spermatogonium mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis, offering novel insights into mitigating the reproductive toxicity of microplastics.

Investigation of Phase Transformations and Ordering Mechanisms in a Pd–Cu–Ag–Ru Alloy

An in‐depth analysis of phase transformations in a Pd–Cu–Ag alloy, crucial for applications in hydrogen membranes and electrical components, is presented. The investigation emphasizes the influence of the deformation rate and addition of Ag on the formation of the ordered CuPd phase. This study focuses on a specific alloy composition, 49.1% Cu–41.3% Pd–8.3% Ag–1.3% Ru, investigating its behavior under various conditions. Through comprehensive analysis, including the influence of the initial state, deformation variations, and chemical composition modifications, high‐energy X‐ray diffraction to unveil detailed phase evolution dynamics is used. Surprisingly, experimental findings deviate from the anticipated phase diagram, uncovering a previously unrecognized three‐phase region with the formation of AgPd. Notably, the study reveals the pivotal role of the alloy's Ag content in the development of ordered CuPd and AgPd phases. The addition of Ru exhibits no involvement in the observed phase transformations, contributing to the understanding of the alloy's composition‐dependent behavior. This research provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay of factors influencing phase transformations, offering a nuanced perspective beyond theoretical predictions. The newfound understanding of Ag's role and Ru's inertness refines material design considerations, enhancing the grasp of the alloy's thermodynamic stability under varying conditions.

Highway Deformation Monitoring by Multiple InSAR Technology.

Addressing the challenge of large-scale uneven deformation and the complexities of monitoring road conditions, this study focuses on a segment of the G15 Coastal Highway in Jiangsu Province. It employs PS-InSAR, SBAS-InSAR, and DS-InSAR techniques to comprehensively observe deformation. Analysis of 73 image datasets spanning 2018 to 2021 enables separate derivation of deformation data using distinct InSAR methodologies. Results are then interpreted alongside geological and geomorphological features. Findings indicate widespread deformation along the G15 Coastal Highway, notably significant settlement near Guanyun North Hub and uplift near Guhe Bridge. Maximum deformation rates exceeding 10 mm/year are observed in adjacent areas by all three techniques. To assess data consistency across techniques, identical observation points are identified, and correlation and difference analyses are conducted using statistical software. Results reveal a high correlation between the monitoring outcomes of the three techniques, with an average observation difference of less than 2 mm/year. This underscores the feasibility of employing a combination of these InSAR techniques for road deformation monitoring, offering a reliable approach for establishing real-time monitoring systems and serving as a foundation for ongoing road health assessments.