Void Distribution Research Articles

Topological Approach to Void Finding Applied to the SDSS Galaxy Map

The structure of the low redshift Universe is dominated by a multiscale void distribution delineated by filaments and walls of galaxies. The characteristics of voids, such as morphology, average density profile, and correlation function, can be used as cosmological probes. However, their physical properties are difficult to infer due to shot noise and the general lack of tracer particles used to define them. In this work, we construct a robust, topology-based void-finding algorithm that utilizes Persistent Homology to detect persistent features in the data. We apply this approach to a volume-limited subsample of galaxies in the SDSS I/II Main Galaxy catalog with the r-band absolute magnitude brighter than M r = −20.19, and a set of mock catalogs constructed using the Horizon Run 4 cosmological N-body simulation. We measure the size distribution of voids, their averaged radial profile, sphericity, and the centroid nearest neighbor separation, using conservative values for the threshold and persistence. We find 32 topologically robust voids in the SDSS data over the redshift range 0.02 ≤ z ≤ 0.116, with effective radii in the range 21−56 h −1 Mpc. The median nearest neighbor void separation is found to be ∼57 h −1 Mpc, and the median radial void profile is consistent with the expected shape from the mock data.

Investigations on the leak resistance performance and the difference mechanism of composite materials under several typical curing processes

This study aims to investigate the leak resistance of carbon fiber composite products formed by various typical curing processes. Firstly, the leak rates of specimens produced through different curing methods were measured, and the defect were statistically analyzed. After that, the simulation approach was applied to numerically study the impact of these defect characteristics on leak rates was examined from the three factors of porosity, void distribution and void morphology, specimen with prefabricated defects was prepared, and its leak performance were tested to validate the simulation results. Finally, the differences in leak resistance among specimens under different curing processes were analyzed from the perspective of curing defects, and specific defect characteristics contributing to enhanced leak resistance were identified.

Effect of solution and cooling methods on the high-temperature mechanical behavior of Ti60 alloy

The influence of solution treatment temperature and cooling rate on the mechanical behavior of Ti60 alloy at 600℃ was investigated. Five different solution treatment temperatures and five different cooling methods were used for the Ti60 alloy. The study revealed that, at the same solution treatment temperature the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation (Z%) of the water-quenched (WQ) microstructure were 32 % and 61 % higher, respectively, compared to the furnace-cooled (FC) microstructure. The WQ microstructure exhibited significantly superior strength and ductility. This phenomenon was primarily attributed to the differences in microstructural morphology caused by varying cooling methods. The effects of different cooling methods on high-temperature tensile behavior were discussed in terms of fracture morphology, high-angle grain boundaries, and void distribution. On the other hand, the UTS of the air-cooled (AC) microstructure initially increased and then decreased with decreasing solution treatment temperature, while the UTS of the FC microstructure decreased with decreasing solution treatment temperature. This phenomenon was mainly due to the competing effects of effective slip length (colony size) and elemental distribution. The correlation between solution treatment temperature and cooling rate parameters and high-temperature mechanical properties was established using the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized solution cooling scheme was determined to be at 1012℃ with a cooling rate of 4238℃/min.

The role of secondary voids in the mechanism of ductile fracture at a crack tip

The mechanics and mechanisms of ductile fracture, ahead of a blunting crack tip, have been studied extensively. Several computational studies analyzing the effect of initial void volume fraction, void shape, void spatial distribution and the mode of loading (KI,KII etc.) on crack-void interaction and its consequence on the mechanism of fracture have been reported. The influence of small size secondary voids on the failure of ligament between the large primary voids and, hence, on fracture toughness has been analyzed using the Gurson-type homogenized models of ductile fracture. In the present work, the two populations of voids ahead of a crack tip are modeled discretely. A plane strain, central line cracked boundary layer model under small-scale yielding is considered. The role of initial shape and spatial distribution of secondary voids, matrix strain hardening and mode of imposed loading in the mechanism of ductile crack growth initiation and advance is analyzed in detail. For completeness sake, numerical calculations are also performed using a homogenized representation of the secondary voids. The results so obtained are then compared with the predictions based on discrete modeling of the secondary voids. Our numerical studies revealed that plastic flow localization resulting from a small initial volume fraction of favorably distributed secondary voids may alter the path of crack growth initiation and advance, thus, influencing the ductile fracture toughness.

Dynamics of localized accelerated corrosion in reinforced concrete: Voids, corrosion products, and crack formation

A comprehensive 3D imaging analysis was conducted to investigate the corrosion process in reinforced concrete (RC) samples at various stages of the accelerated galvanostatic corrosion process. A state-of-the-art X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan technology was utilized to collect high-resolution 3D images of the specimen. The CT imaging was complemented and validated using a multi-faceted approach utilizing Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectrometry techniques. The distribution and evolution of voids, corrosion products, and cracks were investigated. A localized corrosion was observed that has some similarity to pitted corrosion but not as wide spread along the bar. The micro-scale imaging investigations revealed a gradual increase in the diameter of voids as the time of corrosion increased, especially after 8 days of accelerated corrosion process at which a significant decrease in small-sized voids (≤0.11 mm) accompanied by an increase in other void sizes was observed. At 10 and 12 days of accelerated corrosion process, the volume of larger-sized voids (≥0.35 mm) continued to increase, indicating a rapid corrosion progress and the formation of corrosion-induced cracks. In addition, a thorough X-ray CT analysis allowed us to differentiate between various categories of corrosion products. Notably, iron oxides and iron hydroxides were found to dominate the corrosion products. Understanding the composition and distribution of these corrosion products is essential as they play a significant role in the degradation and deterioration of the concrete structure. The coexistence of iron oxides and iron hydroxides in the region of corrosion products were confirmed using Raman spectroscopy analysis. The CT scan images captured the evolution of cracks at different time intervals, revealing a strong correlation between the initiation of cracks and the presence of corrosion products. Subsequently, during the cracking in the matrix, while the propagation of corrosion products within the matrix contributed to the expansion of cracks. SEM images and elemental analysis confirmed that these cracks were filled with corrosion products.

Tensile performance prediction of CFRPs with voids using multiscale analysis and neural networks

The overall work provides a novel multiscale modeling strategy applicable to the mechanical response prediction of arbitrarily laid porous laminates under uniaxial tension by establishing representative defective volumes (RDVs) for the inter-ply and intra-ply regions. A representative defective volume modeling method based on void characterization results using X-ray computed tomography for the interlaminar region was proposed. Elastic properties, tensile strength, and fracture energies of porous and poreless microscale models were obtained and used in the macroscale model. Defective properties were assigned to partial elements in the macroscale model according to the preset distribution mode. The Extended Finite Element Method was taken to simulate the failure process. Tensile properties of porous laminates with stacking sequences of [90]8, [90/0/90/0]2S, and [45/90/-45/0]2S were experimentally tested and numerically simulated. The predicted tensile properties and crack propagation behavior coincide well with the test results. Besides, the effects of micro-voids and macroscopic void distribution were discussed in detail. Further, a back-propagation neural network was used to achieve a fast prediction of the tensile properties and save computational costs. The computation time (<1 s) greatly improved compared with multiscale modeling (>38 h). This work provides an efficient tool for composite performance prediction, design, and optimization.

Investigation of aggregate gradation on air voids distribution in porous asphalt concrete using X-ray CT scanning images

Porous asphalt concrete (PAC) is typically used as a paving material for porous asphalt pavement in rainy areas due to its abundant interconnected pores structure. Not all interconnected pores in PAC are valid for permeability, mainly influenced by the composition of aggregate gradation. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of aggregate gradation on pores structure distribution in PAC by X-ray computed tomography (CT) system and digital image processing (DIP) techniques. The distributions of porosity, number and average equivalent diameter of air voids in middle part are much more evenly compared to the both ends in PAC specimens, accounting for about 70 % of the total of specimen height. The average equivalent diameter of interconnected air voids mainly ranges from 0.5 mm to 5 mm in PAC, accounting for about 80 % of the total numbers. For PAC with similar porosity, the larger the normal maximum aggregate size (NMAS), the less the number and the larger the average equivalent diameter of air voids (interconnected air voids), the smaller the difference between the interconnected porosity and porosity. For PAC with same NMAS, as the porosity increase, the number and average equivalent diameter of air voids (interconnected air voids) are respectively decreased and increased gradually, the difference between the interconnected porosity and porosity is also showed a decreasing trend. And then, the correlated equation is established among porosity, interconnected porosity and the composition of aggregate gradation. The distribution of air voids (interconnected air voids) size could be well described by the two-parameter Weibull model, and the relationships are explored and developed between Weibull model parameters and the composition of aggregate gradation.

Cosmology with persistent homology: a Fisher forecast

Persistent homology naturally addresses the multi-scale topological characteristics of the large-scale structure as a distribution of clusters, loops, and voids. We apply this tool to the dark matter halo catalogs from the Quijote simulations, and build a summary statistic for comparison with the joint power spectrum and bispectrum statistic regarding their information content on cosmological parameters and primordial non-Gaussianity. Through a Fisher analysis, we find that constraints from persistent homology are tighter for 8 out of the 10 parameters by margins of 13–50%. The complementarity of the two statistics breaks parameter degeneracies, allowing for a further gain in constraining power when combined. We run a series of consistency checks to consolidate our results, and conclude that our findings motivate incorporating persistent homology into inference pipelines for cosmological survey data.

Research on the migration law of aggregate particles in the compaction process of asphalt mixture based on discrete element method

Asphalt mixture compaction is among the key technologies in asphalt pavement construction, but the effect of asphalt mixture mixing quality on mixture compaction performance is still unclear. This research aimed to develop an asphalt mixture compaction model by discrete element simulation and verify it by compaction degree. Asphalt mixture compaction process was simulated and the effect of asphalt mixture workability on the stress, migration law and void distribution properties of aggregate particles during compaction process was investigated. The obtained results showed that the developed asphalt mixture compaction model was reasonable and correct. The more uniform the asphalt mixture is mixed, the smaller the average force on the aggregates, the aggregate particle migration velocity, and the aggregate particle displacement during the compaction of the asphalt mixture. Under the same conditions, increasing the mixing temperature from 140℃ to 180℃ increased the average velocity of the aggregates in the asphalt mixture by 92 %. It also decreased the voids in the compacted mixture specimens. At the same time, under the action of edge effect, void distribution at the center of compacted specimen was small, void distribution around the specimen was high, and void distribution along specimen compaction force direction was also high.

Development of insulating backfill materials produced from the ternary mixtures of red mud, fly ash and preformed foam

Many public utility lines to transport power, water, natural gas, water, sewer, and communication are placed beneath trafficable areas. However, insufficient or inadequate backfill induces sudden subsidence, damage, or pothole on the road. This study aims to develop lightweight controlled low-strength materials (CLSM) with low thermal conductivity using the ternary mixtures of red mud to replace aggregate sand, high carbon fly ash, and preformed foam. Changes in flow consistency, air void characteristics, bulk unit weight, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and thermal conductivity (k) of the tested materials with varying red mud contents were investigated as a function of the foam volume ratio (FVR). The results demonstrate that the UCS and k of tested materials decreased with increasing FVR due the decrease in unit weight, and a greater UCS but smaller k was observed at a given FVR with increasing red mud content because the inclusion of red mud in the lightweight CLSM mix design helps improve the stability of air bubbles and achieve uniform distribution of air voids. In addition, the red mud can act as a NaOH supplier, leading to the developed material had additional strength gain from the alkali activation. Thus, the developed insulating backfill material showed 43 % decrease in k while maintaining UCS similar to non-foam CLSM without red mud.

Research on the Prediction of Optimal Frequency for Vibration Mixing and Comparison on Initial Performance of Cold-Recycled Asphalt Emulsion Mixture.

The multicomponent cold-recycled asphalt emulsion mixture (CRAEM) has the ability of antireflection cracking between the base and the bottom surface layer, but it has secondary compaction and residual void, which is not conducive to crack resistance and fatigue performance. The application of high-frequency vibration mixing technology can reduce voids and improve crack resistance, but it is limited by the complexity of testing to determine the optimal mixing frequency. The fractal dimension of gradation is deduced by fractal theory, and the prediction model for optimal frequency is proposed. Dry, wet, freeze-thaw splitting tests, and rutting tests were employed to test the early mechanical properties of high-frequency vibration mixing specimens corresponding to different vibration accelerations, and mercury inclusion tests were utilized to compare the void distribution corresponding to the optimal mixing frequency and forced mixing, and to verify the prediction model for optimal frequency. The results indicate that the high-frequency vibration mixing technology is able to benefit the initial cracking resistance (28.1% increase), moisture stability (11.2% increase), and high-temperature stability on the macro level on the optimal frequency. Meanwhile, the void distribution structure can be optimized, reducing the proportion of harmful voids and increasing the proportion of transitional pores on the micro level. However, the freeze-thaw resistance needs to be further studied. This study reduces the number and cost of experiments to determine the optimal frequency, and provides theoretical guidance and technical support for the engineering application of the CRAEM.

Post-fire mechanical properties of full-grouted sleeve connection with different grouting defects

The full-grouted sleeve connection (FGSC) is widely used in prefabricated structural connections, but the complexity of the grouting process often leads to defects, primarily grouting voids. The mechanical properties of FGSCs with these defects under fire exposure are not well understood. This study examines 144 FGSCs with various grouting voids exposed to specific temperatures before cooling to room temperature for static tensile testing. Key parameters include defect type, volume defect rates, and temperature. The study identifies two primary failure modes: rebar tensile and pull-out failures, influenced by void size, distribution, and temperature. Below 300 °C, tensile failure occurs when the defect rate is ≤0.05; above this rate, pull-out failure dominates. Above 300 °C, all specimens exhibit pull-out failure. Specimens with concentrated voids show lower bearing capacities. The research provides a bond stress-slip constitutive model for FGSCs and a fitting formula for characteristic points. A neural network model predicts the ultimate bond stress based on defect type, volume defect rate, temperature, and grouting material strength, with sensitivity analysis indicating the volume defect rate as a critical factor. This work offers a comprehensive theoretical foundation for studying the impact of grouting defects on FGSCs' post-fire mechanical properties.

Optical tomography by laser line scanning and digital twinning for in-process inspection of lattice structures in material extrusion

One of the challenges of manufacturing hollow parts featuring internal lattice structures by using material extrusion is to achieve geometric accuracy of the internal geometries. In this work a solution for in-process geometric inspection and monitoring is presented, based on combining on-machine part measurement by laser line scanning and digital twinning. In the solution, a laser line scanner is used to acquire a two-dimensional map of material and void distribution within the deposited layer. Layer inspection is carried out by comparing the 2D map with a reference one obtained by simulating the deposition process (digital twin of the layer); discrepancies are automatically identified and quantified. The evolution of anomalies across layers can be tracked by vertically stacking both layer measurements and 2D digital twins and by investigating the resulting 3D voxel models. The models are updated after the fabrication of each new layer, to allow geometric monitoring over time. The proposed inspection and monitoring solution is particularly suitable for hollow parts and/or lattice or otherwise reticular internal structures, which would otherwise be inaccessible when using conventional measurement methods on the final part.

Why cosmic voids matter: mitigation of baryonic physics

We utilize the Magneticum suite of state-of-the-art hydrodynamical, as well as dark-matter-only simulations to investigate the effects of baryonic physics on cosmic voids in the highest-resolution study of its kind. This includes the size, shape and inner density distributions of voids, as well as their radial density and velocity profiles traced by (sub-) halos, baryonic and cold dark matter particles. Our results reveal observationally insignificant effects that slightly increase with the inner densities of voids and are exclusively relevant on scales of only a few Mpc. Most notably, we identify deviations in the distributions of baryons and cold dark matter around halo-defined voids, relevant for weak lensing studies. In contrast, we find that voids identified in cold dark matter, as well as in halos of fixed tracer density exhibit nearly indistinguishable distributions and profiles between hydrodynamical and dark-matter-only simulations, consolidating the universality and robustness of the latter for comparisons of void statistics with observations in upcoming surveys. This corroborates that voids are the components of the cosmic web that are least affected by baryonic physics, further enhancing their use as cosmological probes.

Modelling the effects of void swelling and spatial heterogeneity on the fracture of metallic materials by crystal plasticity

To theoretically analyse how void swelling and spatial heterogeneity impact the fracture behaviour of metallic materials, a coupled porous crystal plasticity framework has been developed. The proposed framework is then applied to analyse the fracture behaviour of metallic materials under different swelling conditions and types of spatial heterogeneity. It is revealed that at low porosity, the spatial heterogeneity of voids will have limited influence on the fracture behaviour of the material. However, at high porosity, owing to void swelling, a concentrated distribution of voids near grain boundaries can lead to a strong deformation localization, which can be seen as an indicator of possible quasi-brittle fracture. It is further discovered that the inner pressure of the voids tends to reduce the yield stress of the material and promote localized plastic deformation. As a result, such pressure will enhance the impact of concentrated distribution of voids, which can lead to further embrittlement of the material. The present study reveals the key role of void swelling and spatial heterogeneity in regulating the fracture behaviour of metallic materials, a step towards a better understanding over the failure mechanisms of metallic materials under extreme conditions.

Dynamic response and sound radiation of cracked asphalt pavements under moving loads and variable thermal profiles

ABSTRACT This study investigates the acoustic performance and dynamic response of cracked, viscoelastic porous asphalt pavements under moving loads and variable thermal conditions. Realistic pavement cracks are modelled using an advanced line spring model with fracture compliance coefficients. The novelty lies in the synergistic integration of a heterogeneous triple-porosity media model, a non-uniform depth-dependent temperature profile, and an advanced fracture mechanics-based line spring model with arbitrary crack orientation. Variations in temperature that are uniform, linear, and nonlinear with respect to the thickness layer axis are taken into account. The governing equations are derived by Hamilton’s principle and solved analytically via Fourier-Laplace transforms. The acoustic pressure is first-time predicted through Rayleigh integral analysis. Durbin’s numerical inversion validates the model’s accuracy versus sophisticated finite element simulations. Parametric analysis offers new insights into the effects of crack length, pore size distribution, loading frequency, and thermal gradients on noise pollution and fatigue cracking. The integrated chemo-thermo-mechanical modelling enables optimal structural design and accelerated pavement testing to limit acoustic radiation and premature failure in porous asphalt pavements. It allows for the development of noise-reducing porous asphalt mixtures by modifying aggregate gradation, binder content, and air void distribution.

Synergistic effects of aggregate-void distribution on low-temperature fracture performance and crack propagation of asphalt concrete under mode I and mode II fracturing

Mesoscopic structures of asphalt concrete play an important role in low-temperature cracking behavior. Existing studies mainly focus on a single feature of the mesoscopic structure, neglecting the spatial distribution and synergistic effects of aggregates and voids, especially in Mode II fracturing. The results show that: in the case of −5 °C and Mode I fracturing, the fracture trend is less affected by the spatial distribution of mesoscopic structure, and tending to spread through aggregate and asphalt mastic along the shortest path. In the case of −5 °C and Mode II fracturing, the crack is easily affected by the distribution of large particle size aggregates in the initial zone, but not by the uneven distribution of voids. In the case of 10 °C and Mode I fracturing, the dominant large aggregate particle size influence on the path is weakened, and the effect of void distribution on the cracking path is perceptibly increased. In the case of 10 °C and Mode II fracturing, the location of large-particle aggregate determines the main streak of fractures, and the uneven distribution of void space determines the occurrence of fracture bending.

Study of the microstructure of asphalt concrete using X-ray computed tomography

A mechanical digital twin (a mechanical finite-element model) of an asphalt concrete sample has been developed in the framework of a project for recycling polymer composite materials with fibrous reinforcement (fiberglass) as an alternative for crushed stone in the asphalt concrete production. A methodology of using X-ray computed tomography (XCT) for analysis of the asphalt concrete microstructure and calculation of the mechanical properties is developed. The data processing chain for developing a digital twin of the asphalt concrete microstructure, based on X-ray micro-computed tomography (XCT) image includes the following steps: 1) image enhancement; 2) image segmentation; 3) analysis of the morphology of pores and solid particles; 4) transformation of the segmented image into a voxels-based finite element (FE) model. It is demonstrated that the XCT resolution of 40 μm is sufficient for a reliable identification of microstructural parameters, i.e., volume fractions of the components, distributions of voids (pores) in size, shape and spatial position, as well as distributions of the crushed brittle additives (fiberglass chips) in size. The FE model constitutes a digital twin of the material, and, after specifying the characteristics of the material components, can be used for simulation of the thermomechanical and functional properties of the material. The developed procedure is exemplified in the calculation of statistics of the compression and shear moduli of the asphalt concrete with addition of crushed fiberglass particles. The dependence of the calculated elastic properties on the size of the digital twin is studied. It is shown that a model size of 10 mm and more is sufficient for the microstructural representativity and calculation of the homogenization characteristics. The results can be used for analysis of the microstructure and structure-dependent thermomechanical properties of asphalt concrete. The developed finite element model can be used for modelling of the visco-elastic response of asphalt concrete and its behavior under cyclic loading.

Innovative Skin Structures: Synthesis, Void Analysis, and Hysteresis Modeling of Zero Poisson’s Ratio Skin for Span Morphing Wing

This paper explores the use of carbon fiber-reinforced elastomeric skins for advancing flexible morphing wing technologies, highlighting exceptional 1D morphing capabilities. The study focuses on synthesizing a specially engineered elastomer-based skin with a zero Poisson’s ratio, achieved through precise formulation and fabrication onto unidirectional carbon fiber. Poisson’s ratio of the 1D skin is confirmed to be zero via image analysis. Micro-CT tomography evaluates carbon fiber quality and voids under varied prestretch conditions, revealing proportional increases in void sizes. X-ray tomography also provides insights into void distribution and morphology during pre- and post-cyclic stretching. The innovative approach enables seamless 1D morphing, achieving an impressive 200% stretch with a slight increase in actuation force and hysteresis loss percentage. Inspired by continuum mechanics, the proposed “Exp-ln-ln” framework accurately models the loading–unloading stretching of the skin. An extensive parametric investigation assesses key parameters, advancing fiber-reinforced elastomeric materials for aerospace morphing skins.

Improving structural damage tolerance and fracture energy via bamboo-inspired void patterns

Bamboo has a functionally-graded microstructure that endows it with a combination of desirable properties, such as high failure strain, high toughness, and a low density. As a result, bamboo has been widely used in load-bearing structures. In this work, we study the use of bamboo-inspired void patterns to geometrically improve the failure properties of structures made from brittle polymers. We perform finite element analysis and experiments on 3D-printed structures to quantify the effect of the shape and spatial distribution of voids on the fracture behavior. The introduction of periodic, uniformly distributed voids in notched bend specimens leads to a 15-fold increase in the fracture energy relative to solid specimens. Adding a gradient to the pattern of voids leads to a cumulative 55-fold improvement in the fracture energy. Mechanistically, the individual voids result in crack blunting, which suppresses crack initiation, while neighboring voids redistribute stresses throughout the sample to enable large deformation before failure.