Dominant Dissipation Mechanism Research Articles

Revisiting the sound absorption mechanisms of a finite flexible perforated panel absorber using a numerical approach.

This study investigates the sound absorption mechanisms of a finite flexible perforated panel absorber. Different from existing work where the mechanisms were often investigated by comparing the sound absorption coefficient curves of different absorber configurations, a numerical approach, called virtual impedance tube (VIT) technique, is developed and used for the analysis. One advantage of this technique is the vast dataset generated can be used to investigate the sound absorption mechanisms from an energy standpoint. The developed VIT technique is first validated using the impedance tube test, where a proportion-integration-differentiation control algorithm is developed to maintain the incident sound at a desired sound pressure level. Then, the sound absorption mechanisms at three absorption peaks, i.e., hole-cavity controlled, panel-cavity controlled, and panel controlled, are investigated and the dominant energy dissipation mechanism at different sound pressure levels (SPLs) is revealed. Finally, an impedance model that takes account of the panel vibration and is applicable to various SPLs is proposed and validated.

Assessment of continuous laser ablation model for lightweight quartz fiber reinforced phenolic composite

AbstractA comprehensive investigation into the interaction between a continuous wave (CW) laser and lightweight quartz fiber reinforced phenolic (LQFRP) composite would provide valuable insights into the characteristics and performance of ablation. To simulate the CW laser ablation of LQFRP composite, a 2D symmetrical element model was developed, incorporating the heat conduction equation, resin pyrolysis mechanism, and deformed geometry module. This model was the first to examine the internal pyrolysis degree and gas flow field of LQFRP composite under CW laser irradiation, and its predictions were in reasonable agreement with experimental measurements. Additionally, the model was used to simulate CW laser ablation with varying spot sizes and power densities. The results revealed that during the laser ablation process, an internal high‐pressure zone formed on the side of the ablation hole. The volatilization of SiO2 was identified as the dominant dissipation mechanism for material removal. The width of the ablation hole was positively correlated with the laser spot size, while the depth of the ablation hole was positively correlated with the laser power density.Highlights The model first studied the internal pyrolysis degree and flow field of LQFRP composite under laser irradiation. The volatilization of SiO2 was identified as the dominant dissipation mechanism for material removal. An internal high‐pressure zone formed on the side of the ablation hole during the laser ablation process. The width of the ablation hole was positively correlated with the laser spot size, while the depth of the ablation hole was positively correlated with the laser power density.

Vapor compression and energy dissipation in a collapsing laser-induced bubble

The composition of the gaseous phase of cavitation bubbles and its role on the collapse remains to date poorly understood. In this work, experiments of single cavitation bubbles in aqueous ammonia serve as a novel approach to investigate the effect of the vapor contained in a bubble on its collapse. We find that the higher vapor pressure of more concentrated aqueous ammonia acts as a resistance to the collapse, reducing the total energy dissipation. In line with visual observation, acoustic measurements, and luminescence recordings, it is also observed that higher vapor pressures contribute to a more spherical collapse, likely hindering the growth of interface instabilities by decreasing the collapse velocities and accelerations. Remarkably, we evidence a strong difference between the effective damping and the energy of the shock emission, suggesting that the latter is not the dominant dissipation mechanism at collapse as predicted from classical correction models accounting for slightly compressible liquids. Furthermore, our results suggest that the vapor inside collapsing bubbles gets compressed, consistently with previous studies performed in the context of single bubble sonoluminescence, addressing the question about the ability of vapors to readily condense during a bubble collapse in similar regimes. These findings provide insight into the identification of the influence of the bubble content and the energy exchanges of the bubble with its surrounding media, eventually paving the way to a more efficient use of cavitation in engineering and biomedical applications.

Motion of a viscous slug on heterogeneous surfaces: crossover from stick–slip to steady sliding

We present a theoretical study of viscous slug motion inside a microscopically rough capillary tube, where pronounced stick–slip motion can emerge at slow displacement rates. The mathematical description of this intermittent motion can be reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations, which also describe the motion of a pendulum inside a fluid-filled rotating drum. We use this analogy to show that the stick–slip motion transitions to steady sliding at high displacement rates. We characterize this crossover with a simple scaling relation and show that the crossover is accompanied by a shift in the dominant energy dissipation mechanisms within the system.

Three-dimensional buoyant hydraulic fractures: finite-volume release

In impermeable media, a hydraulic fracture can continue expanding even without additional fluid injection if its volume exceeds the limiting volume of a hydrostatically loaded radial fracture. This limit depends on the mechanical properties of the surrounding solid and the density contrast between the fluid and the solid. We show that two dimensionless numbers characterize self-sustained fracture growth. The first is a buoyancy factor that compares the total released volume to the volume of a hydrostatically loaded radial fracture to determine whether buoyant growth occurs. The second number is the dimensionless viscosity of a radial fracture when buoyant effects become of order one. Notably, this dimensionless viscosity depends on the rate at which the fluid volume is released, indicating that both the total volume and release history impact self-sustained buoyant growth. We identify six well-defined propagation histories based on these two dimensionless numbers. Their growth evolves between distinct limiting regimes of radial and buoyant propagation, resulting in different fracture shapes. Notably, our findings reveal two growth rates depending on the dominant energy dissipation mechanism (viscous flow versus fracture creation) in the fracture head. For finite values of material toughness, the toughness-dominated limit represents a late-time solution for all fractures in growth rate and head shape (possibly reached only at a very late time). The viscosity-dominated limit can appear at intermediate times. Our three-dimensional simulations confirm the predicted scalings. This contribution highlights the importance of the entire propagation and release history for accurate analysis of buoyant hydraulic fractures.

Excellent impact resistance of multilayer metallic glass films subjected to micro-ballistic impact by overcoming dynamic size effects

Size effects are key issues that hinder the enhancement of impact resistance of films with increasing thickness. In this paper, we consider Ni2Ta amorphous metallic alloy as a prototype thin film and demonstrate that the impact resistance of metallic glass (MG) nanofilms with surface oxidation subjected to micro-ballistic impact can be increased significantly by lamination of thin monolayers, overcoming significantly the size effects in the impact resistance of MG nanofilms. Shear band formation and delamination are the dominant energy dissipation mechanisms for multilayered films under impact. Our molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed that the interfaces between thin layers as modified by surface oxidation play an important role in the impact resistance of the multilayered films. Surface oxidation of multilayered films increases significantly the impact resistance due to oxidation-induced curly structure and the increase of the interfacial strength, which contributes greatly to the energy dissipation during impact. However, excessive oxidation initiates defects near the surfaces of the monolayers to therefore reduce greatly impact resistance of the multilayered films. Our work suggests an effective pathway for fabricating high-performance multilayered MG films with extraordinary impact resistance by overcoming the size effects through the lamination of monolayers.

Variation in the volumetric power and momentum losses in the JET-ILW scrape-off layer

In attaining the cold plasma condition at the divertor target via gas puffing and/or nitrogen seeding, a large variation in the pressure-momentum and cooling losses has, for the first time, been demonstrated on JET with the ITER-like wall, leveraging novel target electron temperature measurements and JET’s unique capability for disentangling the main-ion-driven net dissipation effects from impurity radiation. These observations provide key insights into the dependence of volumetric losses on the dominant dissipation mechanisms, whether due to neutral-plasma interaction processes, impurity radiation induced detachment, and their interplay.While numerical code studies indicate that both volumetric cooling and pressure-momentum losses in the scrape-off layer (SOL) are essential for detachment to occur, experimental confirmation has been largely lacking, in large part due to diagnostic limitations. In the present assessment of L-mode discharges in the diagnostically optimized outer horizontal target configuration, the onset of pressure-momentum losses in nitrogen seeding scans in low recycling conditions is shown to occur at relatively high target electron temperature of 10 eV compared to pure deuterium pressure scans, leading to a more pronounced reduction in the target heat flux, and demonstrating for the first time the importance of momentum losses in impurity radiation dominated dissipative divertors in the absence of strong neutral-plasma interactions. Conversely, a relatively constant target heat flux response is observed above Te,t = 5 eV in pure deuterium density ramps, where the decrease in Te,t is balanced by a rise in target pressure prior to the ion flux rollover, coinciding with the pressure-momentum loss onset. While in practice the relative strength of each dissipation channel will be driven by integrated scenario requirements and core plasma performance constraints, this work demonstrates that there is no universal form of the fmom-loss and fcooling volumetric loss factors and their correlation. Moreover, the results confirm the theoretical and code predictions that both volumetric loss processes are required for detachment, while also resolving an apparent, but counter-intuitive, finding of the code results that volumetric power loss is insensitive to the presence of impurities, demonstrating that this is not the case experimentally. Further interpretive modelling is required to elucidate the dominant momentum and cooling loss channels in the observed trends.

Stirring of interior potential vorticity gradients as a formation mechanism for large subsurface-intensified eddies in the Beaufort Gyre

Abstract The Beaufort Gyre (BG) is hypothesized to be partially equilibrated by those mesoscale eddies that form via baroclinic instabilities of its currents. However, our understanding of the eddy field’s dependence on the mean BG currents and the role of sea ice remains incomplete. This theoretical study explores the scales and vertical structures of eddies forming specifically due to baroclinic instabilities of interior BG flows. An idealized quasi-geostrophic model is used to show that flows driven only by the Ekman pumping contain no interior potential vorticity (PV) gradients and generate weak and large eddies, ℴ(200km) in size, with predominantly barotropic and first baroclinic mode energy. However, flows containing realistic interior PV gradients in the Pacific halocline layer generate significantly smaller eddies of about 50 km in size, with a distinct second baroclinic mode structure and a subsurface kinetic energy maximum. The dramatic change in eddy characteristics is shown to be caused by the stirring of interior PV gradients by large-scale barotropic eddies. The sea ice-ocean drag is identified as the dominant eddy dissipation mechanism, leading to realistic sub-surface maxima of eddy kinetic energy for drag coefficients higher than about 2×10−3. A scaling law is developed for the eddy potential enstrophy, demonstrating that it is directly proportional to the interior PV gradient and the square root of the barotropic eddy kinetic energy. This study proposes a possible formation mechanism of large BG eddies and points to the importance of accurate representation of the interior PV gradients and eddy dissipation by ice-ocean drag in BG simulations and theory.

A robust finite element‐finite volume strategy for viscosity‐dominated hydraulic fracture propagation using an asymptotic tip enrichment

AbstractFluid‐driven fracture propagation is widely observed in various geological processes and crucial to many applications of geological engineering. Developing robust and accurate numerical strategies has significance in advancing the scientific understanding and engineering applications related with fluid‐driven fracture propagation. We present a finite element‐finite volume strategy using asymptotic fracture tip enrichment to model the fluid‐driven fracture propagation in three‐dimensional Cartesian meshes under the viscosity‐dominated regime, in which the fluid viscosity‐related process is the dominant energy dissipation mechanism. We use the finite element method to discretize the balance of linear momentum equation for the deformed solid and the finite volume method to discretize the Reynolds equation that governs the fluid flow. In order to track the evolving fracture front in heterogeneous media, we extend the implicit level set approach originally proposed for the displacement discontinuity method. Through this process, a signed distance‐based fracture propagation criterion naturally emerges and is suitable for the viscosity‐dominated regime when solid toughness becomes irrelevant. Critically, we enrich the fluid volume treatment near the fracture front using the tip asymptotic solution. This enrichment strategy is crucial to overcome the mesh nonconformity caused by the arbitrary intersections between propagating fracture front and underlying Cartesian meshes. We compare the numerical results with analytical solutions of the KGD problem and the penny‐shape problem, and illustrate the mesh size and time step‐insensitivity of the numerical results due to the tip enrichment technique. Also, we demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed method to model fluid‐driven fracture propagation in various heterogeneous media.

Ac losses in field-cooled type I superconducting cavities

As superconductors are cooled below their critical temperature, stray magnetic flux can become trapped in regions that remain normal. The presence of trapped flux facilitates dissipation of ac current in a superconductor, leading to losses in superconducting elements of microwave devices. In type II superconductors, dissipation is well-understood in terms of the dynamics of vortices hosting a single flux quantum. In contrast, the ac response of type I superconductors with trapped flux has not received much attention. Building on Andreev’s early work (Andreev 1967 Sov. Phys. JETP 24 1019), here we show theoretically that the dominant dissipation mechanism is the absorption of the ac field at the exposed surfaces of the normal regions, while the deformation of the superconducting/normal interfaces is unimportant. We use the developed theory to estimate the degradation of the quality factors in field-cooled cavities, and we satisfactorily compare these theoretical estimates to the measured field dependence of the quality factors of two aluminum cavities. We also identify a regime in which the dissipated power depends weakly on the Ginzburg-Landau parameter; this makes it possible to apply our findings to cavities made of other materials, such as niobium.

Size-Dependent Oxidation-Induced Phase Engineering for MOFs Derivatives Via Spatial Confinement Strategy Toward Enhanced Microwave Absorption

HighlightsThe size of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) derivatives was manipulated by a spatial confined growth strategy.Dielectric polarization is the dominant dissipation mechanism due to the phase hybridization based on size dependent oxidation motion.The specific reflection loss of synthesized Co/Co3O4 hollow carbon nanocages surpasses most reported MOFs derived counterparts for practical microwave absorption applications.

Dynamical tides in eccentric binaries containing massive main-sequence stars: analytical expressions

ABSTRACT Tidal evolution of eccentric binary systems containing at least one massive main-sequence (MS) star plays an important role in the formation scenarios of merging compact-object binaries. The dominant dissipation mechanism in such systems involves tidal excitation of outgoing internal gravity waves at the convective-radiative boundary and dissipation of the waves at the stellar envelope/surface. We have derived analytical expressions for the tidal torque and tidal energy transfer rate in such binaries for arbitrary orbital eccentricities and stellar rotation rates. These expressions can be used to study the spin and orbital evolution of eccentric binaries containing massive MS stars, such as the progenitors of merging neutron star binaries. Applying our results to the PSR J0045-7319 system, which has a massive B-star companion and an observed, rapidly decaying orbit, we find that for the standard radius of convective core based on non-rotating stellar models, the B-star must have a significant retrograde and differential rotation in order to explain the observed orbital decay rate. Alternatively, we suggest that the convective core may be larger as a result of rapid stellar rotation and/or mass transfer to the B-star in the recent past during the post-MS evolution of the pulsar progenitor.

Hydraulic fracture height growth in layered rocks: Perspective from DEM simulation of different propagation regimes

A propagating fluid driven fracture in a rock mass is expected to interact with geological interfaces on a wide variety of length scales. The vertical growth of hydraulic fractures in layered rocks is of pivotal importance for the successful stimulation in reservoir development. In this study, 2D discrete element modeling is used to investigate the influence of the stiffness and toughness ratio, as well as stress contrast between layers on the hydraulic fracture height growth. In particular, the ultimate goal is to better understand mechanisms of the fracture height containment by contrasts of different rock properties and to quantitatively determine which parameters provide a stronger influence. In addition, the analysis is performed in the context of hydraulic fracture regimes, whereby the dominant dissipation mechanism in the system can either be associated with fracture toughness or viscous fluid flow. As a starting point, we investigated the propagation of a plane strain hydraulic fracture from a low stiffness layer to a high stiffness layer and vice versa, while keeping the stress constant. The influence of stress on hydraulic fracture propagation in layered rocks is investigated afterwards. The numerical results demonstrate that the hydraulic fracture can either directly pass through the geological interface, be arrested at the interface, or stop before reaching the interface. The interface itself is assumed to be perfectly bonded, therefore no slippage is considered. Ability of the hydraulic fracture to approach the interface is first determined by the elastic modulus ratio of the two adjacent layers. Once reached the interface, the further growth is then affected by the toughness ratio between the layers. After that, if the fracture crosses the interface, then it is affected by the stress contrast. The propagation regime has an important influence on the fracture propagation in layered rocks. If the propagation regime is closer to the viscosity dominated, the hydraulic fracture is likely to cross the interface. In contrast, it is more difficult for a fracture to cross the barrier if the propagation regime is near the toughness dominated. A map of fracture crossing behavior versus propagation regime and contrast in properties has been constructed, that can be used to quantify strength of mechanical barriers and to deduce hydraulic fracture height growth behavior for various scenarios.

DEM simulation of energy transitions in a hammer mill: Effect of impeller configurations, agitation speed, and fill level

In this study, a numerical approach is employed to investigate the flow and energy transitions characteristics of particles in a horizontal drum equipped with rotational flat blade. The results indicated that the dominant energy dissipation mechanisms were the internal friction between particles, the friction between particles and wall, and the damping loss of collision between particles. The mean tangential velocity and blade torque increased monotonously with the increase of fill level and blade speed. The dimensionless mean velocity in the tangential direction was dependent on the fill level and mill geometry instead of impeller agitation rate. In sequence, the characteristic parameters related to the geometric features and operational conditions were established to characterize the energy input in the agitator. The blade torque was characterized as a linear function of the characteristic parameter TS, which is determined by mill geometry and operational conditions.

Probing protoplanetary disk evolution in the Chamaeleon II region

Context. Characterizing the evolution of protoplanetary disks is necessary to improve our understanding of planet formation. Constraints on both dust and gas are needed to determine the dominant disk dissipation mechanisms. Aims. We aim to compare the disk dust masses in the Chamaeleon II (Cha II) star-forming region with other regions with ages between 1 and 10 Myr. Methods. We use ALMA band 6 observations (1.3 mm) to survey 29 protoplanetary disks in Cha II. Dust mass estimates are derived from the continuum data. Results. Out of our initial sample of 29 disks, we detect 22 sources in the continuum, 10 in 12CO, 3 in 13CO, and none in C18O (J = 2−1). Additionally, we detect two companion candidates in the continuum and 12CO emission. Most disk dust masses are lower than 10 M⊕, assuming thermal emission from optically thin dust. Including non-detections, we derive a median dust mass of 4.5 ± 1.5 M⊕ from survival analysis. We compare consistent estimations of the distributions of the disk dust mass and the disk-to-stellar mass ratios in Cha II with six other low mass and isolated star-forming regions in the age range of 1–10 Myr: Upper Sco, CrA, IC 348, Cha I, Lupus, and Taurus. When comparing the dust-to-stellar mass ratio, we find that the masses of disks in Cha II are statistically different from those in Upper Sco and Taurus, and we confirm that disks in Upper Sco, the oldest region of the sample, are statistically less massive than in all other regions. Performing a second statistical test of the dust mass distributions from similar mass bins, we find no statistical differences between these regions and Cha II. Conclusions. We interpret these trends, most simply, as a sign of decline in the disk dust masses with time or dust evolution. Different global initial conditions in star-forming regions may also play a role, but their impact on the properties of a disk population is difficult to isolate in star-forming regions lacking nearby massive stars.

Tailoring high-electroconductivity carbon cloth coated by nickel cobaltate/nickel oxide: A case of transition from microwave shielding to absorption

The development of electromagnetic wave (EMW) shielding and absorbing materials for flexible devices with carbon cloth and cotton cloth as the substrate has been widely reported. However, the utilization of incorrect test methods in recent reports led to the test data erroneously exhibits the actual absorption performance of the flexible absorber, which confuses the cognition of shielding and the absorbent. Moreover, previous studies are mostly based on semi-empirical rules and lack data relationships between absorption and characterization. The dominant dissipation mechanism in EMW absorbent materials demands to be resolved. Hence, we compared the EMW absorption capacity of the hierarchical carbon cloth@NiCo2O4/NiO hybrid via the waveguide method and the coaxial method. Specifically, the flexible absorber with integrated structure is unfavorable for incident waves to enter its interior due to its skin depth and extremely high conductivity. However, the absorbers made into a paraffin ring showed obvious optimization. Enhanced interfacial polarization is confirmed as the dominant mechanism of EMW dissipation via various characterization and analysis of electromagnetic (EM) parameters. This work provides an insight into the misunderstanding of the rational design of flexible absorbent materials for the first time, which is of great significance to the research of flexible electronic countermeasure materials.

Slingshot spiders build tensed, underdamped webs for ultrafast launches and speedy halts.

We develop a mathematical model to capture the web dynamics of slingshot spiders (Araneae: Theridiosomatidae), which utilize a tension line to deform their orb webs into conical springs to hunt flying insects. Slingshot spiders are characterized by their ultrafast launch speeds and accelerations (exceeding 1300 [Formula: see text]), however a theoretical approach to characterize the underlying spatiotemporal web dynamics remains missing. To address this knowledge gap, we develop a 2D-coupled damped oscillator model of the web. Our model reveals three key insights into the dynamics of slingshot motion. First, the tension line plays a dual role: enabling the spider to load elastic energy into the web for a quick launch (in milliseconds) to displacements of 10-15 body lengths, but also enabling the spider to halt quickly, attenuating inertial oscillations. Second, the dominant energy dissipation mechanism is viscous drag by the silk lines - acting as a low Reynolds number parachute. Third, the web exhibits underdamped oscillatory dynamics through a finely-tuned balance between the radial line forces, the tension line force and viscous drag dissipation. Together, our work suggests that the conical geometry and tension-line enables the slingshot web to act as both an elastic spring and a shock absorber, for the multi-functional roles of risky predation and self-preservation.

Dissipation Analysis Methods and Q-Enhancement Strategies in Piezoelectric MEMS Laterally Vibrating Resonators: A Review.

Over the last two decades, piezoelectric resonant sensors based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies have been extensively studied as such sensors offer several unique benefits, such as small form factor, high sensitivity, low noise performance and fabrication compatibility with mainstream integrated circuit technologies. One key challenge for piezoelectric MEMS resonant sensors is enhancing their quality factors (Qs) to improve the resolution of these resonant sensors. Apart from sensing applications, large values of Qs are also demanded when using piezoelectric MEMS resonators to build high-frequency oscillators and radio frequency (RF) filters due to the fact that high-Q MEMS resonators favor lowering close-to-carrier phase noise in oscillators and sharpening roll-off characteristics in RF filters. Pursuant to boosting Q, it is essential to elucidate the dominant dissipation mechanisms that set the Q of the resonator. Based upon these insights on dissipation, Q-enhancement strategies can then be designed to target and suppress the identified dominant losses. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the substantial progress that has been made during the last two decades for dissipation analysis methods and Q-enhancement strategies of piezoelectric MEMS laterally vibrating resonators.

Computational assessment of baffle performance against rapid granular flows

Rapid granular flows are one of the most catastrophic geo-disasters frequently encountered in mountainous areas. The baffle structure has been demonstrated to be an effective measure for decreasing the destructivity of such geo-disasters. In this paper, a flow–baffle interaction model based on the 3D discrete element method is adopted to assess the baffle performance, hoping to facilitate the optimal design of baffles. A multiple-indicator-based framework, which covers three aspects and six metrics, is proposed and used to thoroughly and quantitatively assess the energy dissipation capacity, deposition regulation function, and failure potential of the baffle structure considering the particle size and baffle shape effect. Results indicate that the particle size significantly affects the baffle performance, and several linear relationships are proposed to account for the effect of the particle size, which may serve to improve engineering structural design. The square baffle performs better than the triangular baffle even though they have identical transverse blockage. Investigation of the patterns of the force chain distribution in granular flows confirms that the flow–baffle interaction is controlled by the evolution of force chains. The particle size and baffle shape effect can be explained by the difference in stability of arches that form during flow–baffle interaction. In addition, the quantification of energy loss due to inelastic contact between particles and baffles reveals that enhanced particle–particle interaction is the dominant energy dissipation mechanism, accounting for more than 80–90% of the total energy loss.

Experimental and numerical investigation of mortar and ITZ parameters in meso-scale models of concrete

Meso-structural models are presently in common use for analysis of the mechanical behaviour, damage evolution and failure of concrete. These are constructed either from XCT images, or in silico, using statistical information about concrete’s meso-scale constituents. As a minimum, such models include mortar and aggregates as separate phases, while more detailed versions consider the interfacial transition zones (ITZ) between mortar and aggregates, and voids. Analyses of given meso-structures vary further by different constitutive modelling of constituents, with past works focusing on parameters’ calibration using experiments with one loading condition - either tension or compression. Using a detailed meso-structure representation, this work proposes a novel combination of constitutive relations, involving concrete damage plasticity (CDP) for mortar and cohesive zone behaviour for ITZ. CDP parameters are calibrated using both compression and tension experiments with mortar samples. ITZ parameters are calibrated by comparing simulated stress–strain curves and failure patterns with data from compression and tension experiments with concrete samples. This process leads to constitutive relations, applicable to both loading conditions, which has not been demonstrated previously, but is essential to extending the modelling approach to complex stress states encountered in real engineering structures. After establishing the realism of the approach, parametric studies are conducted to investigate the effects of friction between loading plate and specimen, the mortar dilation angle, the ITZ cohesive stiffness, critical stresses, fracture energy and mix mode ratio. The results show that mortar plasticity is the dominant energy dissipation mechanism in both compression and tension, and its rate governs the localisation of damage. The effect of ITZ parameters on the tensile behaviour is found to be negligible. Their effect on the compressive behaviour is found to be limited, but sufficient to propose a set of parameters working for both conditions. Importantly, under both loadings the ITZ is found to control failure localisation into a macroscopic crack in combination with mortar plasticity and damage. Predicted stress-stain curves, damage evolution and macro-crack propagation are shown to be in very good agreement with the experimental observations. This justifies the use of the proposed experimental-modelling strategy for developing models for analysis of complex loading conditions.