Energy Dissipation Mechanisms Research Articles

Efficient discrete element modeling of heat generation and transfer in granular flows: Validation and application

This work presents an efficient Discrete Element Method (DEM) framework for the simulation of the thermal behavior of granular media. The main focus is on long-lasting granular flows, involving heat transfer and generation due to mechanical energy dissipation. The proposed approach uses efficient strategies to reduce the computational cost of the analyses and, therefore, to enable its application to problems of practical relevance. For instance, the contact area is adjusted to compensate for the artificial material softening that is typically considered in DEM to increase the time step size. After extended validation, the methodology is applied to the simulation of different setups of an experimental rotating drum. The numerical simulations presented good agreement with the experimental results and allowed a detailed analysis of the mechanisms and patterns of heat generation, which could not be extrapolated from the experimental campaign.

Experimental study and finite element analysis on impact resistance of wind turbine steel truss foundation

In recent years, steel truss structures have been widely used in civil engineering and wind turbines. In addition to bearing vertical loads, they are also vulnerable to impact accidental loads. If the foundation structure undergoes large deformation, it will lead to the overall instability and collapse of the structure. In this paper, the impact load resistance of steel truss foundation of wind turbine under eccentric mass is taken as the research object, and the combination of pendulum impact test and finite element simulation is adopted. The impact resistance of steel truss foundation was analyzed from the parameters of failure characteristics, impact response and energy dissipation capacity through multiple pendulum impact tests. The results show that after two impacts the stiffness of the impact leg is significantly reduced and even fracture at its root. The branch tube near the point of impact are squeezed and bent, and the deformation and acceleration peak of the impact position are the largest. The denting of the impact leg is the main energy dissipation mechanism. These data provide an experimental basis for improving the impact resistance of full-scale wind turbine structures.

Quantified Plasma Heating and Energy Dissipation in the Earth’s Quasi-perpendicular Bow Shock

The high-speed solar wind decelerates as it travels through the Earth’s bow shock, during which a portion of the incident flow energy is converted into the plasma thermal energy. However, the energy partition of plasma heating among different species, as well as the energy dissipation mechanism, remains elusive. In this paper, we quantify the plasma heating and the energy dissipation by calculating the pressure–strain interactions in 33 quasi-perpendicular bow shocks observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft. Our results show that the Joule dissipation measured by J·E′ and the quasi-viscous dissipation quantified by PiD are distinct in the examined shocks. We also reveal that ions gain more energy than electrons, and the compressive effect is more important than the incompressible channel in plasma heating. PiD contributed by the gyrotropic pressure tensor is consistently positive for electrons; however, there is no discernible distinction between the gyrotropic and nongyrotropic contribution to PiD for ions.

Study on Seismic Mechanical Properties of Reinforced Concrete Energy Dissipation Wall and Seismic Response Analysis of Structure

Utilizing the nonlinear finite element analysis software, ABAQUS, an examination is undertaken to evaluate the ductility characteristics and seismic design methodologies pertinent to a representative reinforced concrete hollow high pier. The research encompasses several focal areas: elucidation of seismic design strategies related to ductility categories, exploration of plastic energy dissipation mechanisms, determination of ductility indices, and delineation of structural measures to enhance ductility. Employing the nonlinear FEA software, ABAQUS, it is recommended that the longitudinal reinforcement ratio for ductile piers fall within the range of 0.6% to 4%. Furthermore, for flexible bridge piers, the maximum spacing of confinement reinforcements should either exceed 100 mm, be sixfold the diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement, or equate to at least one-quarter of the pier column’s bending direction section width. Combined with the influence of high pier ductility seismic axial pressure ratio, reinforcement, concrete factors such as factor analysis results, put forward and checking a reinforced concrete hollow high pier ductility seismic optimization scheme, increase the strength of the plastic hinge area section, through the comparative analysis in different seismic strength of plastic hinge unit cloth, maximum ductility coefficient and pier top displacement to verify its influence on the ductile seismic.

Hybrid cross-linking for the synthesis of highly tough fluorescent alginate fibers

The limited mechanical performance and functional constraints of alginate fibers significantly impede their development in the context of professional research. To address the aforementioned issues, this study initially utilized polyethyleneimine (PEI) and citric acid to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CD) with surface amino functionalization. Subsequently, in a sodium alginate (SA) solution, CD and vinyl silicon-based nanoparticles (VSNP) were co-introduced. Utilizing the abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in polysaccharides, stable interactions were achieved with CD and VSNP. Incorporating a dynamic hydrogen-bonded crosslinking network among CD, VSNP and SA, the establishment of a calcium alginate (CA) ionically crosslinked network is facilitated via calcium-sodium ion exchange. Additionally, the interwoven and interlocked structure between the aforementioned dual networks was established. Employing a wet spinning process, the synergistic multiple dynamic energy dissipation mechanisms significantly enhance the mechanical performance. Fluorescent alginate fibers (CA/VSNP/CD) were prepared. The tensile strength was 3.81 cN/dtex, and the elongation at break was 13.16%. Compared to pure CA fibers, there were respective increases of 95.38% and 82.02%. Simultaneously, the fibers exhibit excitation-dependent emission characteristics. This work lays the foundation for potential applications of fluorescent alginate fibers in environmental monitoring, chemical sensors, dynamic anti-counterfeiting, and biomedical fields.

Dynamic models for impact-initiated stress waves through snow columns

Abstract The objective of this research is to model snow's response to dynamic, impact loading. Two constitutive relationships are considered: elastic and Maxwell-viscoelastic. These material models are applied to laboratory experiments consisting of 1000 individual impacts across 22 snow column configurations. The columns are 60 cm tall with a 30 cm by 30 cm cross-section. The snow ranges in density from 135 to 428 kg m−3 and is loaded with both short-duration (~1 ms) and long-duration (~10 ms) impacts. The Maxwell-viscoelastic model more accurately describes snow's response because it contains a mechanism for energy dissipation, which the elastic model does not. Furthermore, the ascertained model parameters show a clear dependence on impact duration; shorter duration impacts resulted in higher wave speeds and greater damping coefficients. The stress wave's magnitude is amplified when it hits a stiffer material because of the positive interference between incident and reflected waves. This phenomenon is observed in the laboratory and modeled with the governing equations.

Insights into energy quenching mechanisms and carotenoid uptake by orange carotenoid protein homologs: HCP4 and CTDH

Photodamage to the photosynthetic apparatus by excessive light radiation has led to the evolution of a variety of energy dissipation mechanisms. A mechanism that exists in some cyanobacterial species, enables non-photochemical quenching of excitation energy within the phycobilisome (PBS) antenna complex by the Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP). The OCP contains an active N-terminal domain (NTD) and a regulatory C-terminal domain (CTD). Some cyanobacteria also have genes encoding for homologs to both the CTD (CTDH) and the NTD (referred to as helical carotenoid proteins, HCP). The CTDH facilitates uptake of carotenoids from the thylakoid membranes to be transferred to the HCPs. Holo-HCPs exhibit diverse functionalities such as carotenoid carriers, singlet oxygen quenchers, and in the case of HCP4, constitutive OCP-like energy quenching. Here, we present the first crystal structure of the holo-HCP4 binding canthaxanthin molecule and an improved structure of the apo-CTDH from Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. We propose here models of the binding of the HCP4 to the PBS and the associated energy quenching mechanism. Our results show that the presence of the carotenoid is essential for fluorescence quenching. We also examined interactions within OCP-like species, including HCP4 and CTDH, providing the basis for mechanisms of carotenoid transfer from CTDH to HCPs.

Tunable viscoelasticity of bulk fullerene network via high-temperature annealing

Although the experimental transformation of C60 bulk into various functional carbon materials at a certain temperature and pressure has been extensively explored, the understanding of the structural transformation mechanisms and the energy dissipation mechanisms of the derived topologies at the atomic scale is still poor. By using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations method, the structural transformation of C60 bulk to various carbon materials is studied. Besides, the mechanisms of energy dissipation of three typical structures are revealed and the effects of loading frequency, temperature, loading amplitude, and pre-strain on the storage, loss modulus, and dumping ratio of three typical structures were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results show that due to the difference in structural morphology and mechanical behaviors under cyclic loading, three typical structures show different viscoelastic mechanical properties which could also be tuned by changing related parameters. This work systematically investigates the viscoelastic mechanical properties of bulk fullerene network during different annealing processes and corresponding energy dissipation mechanisms and provides important references for further design and application.

A computational method for tunnel energy evolution in strain-softening rock mass during excavation unloading based on triaxial stress paths

The squeezing deformation of deep soft rock tunnels is driven by energy. Few scholars have carried out theoretical research on energy evolution for deep soft rock tunnels. This study proposes a computational method for tunnel energy evolution in strain-softening rock mass during excavation unloading based on triaxial stress paths. The characteristics of energy distribution and energy evolution are further investigated. Results show that energy is input from the distant surrounding rock after tunnel excavation and converted into elastic strain energy in the elastic stage. In the plastic stage, the elastic strain energy density in the plastic zone reaches the storage limit, which is reduced due to the strain-softening behaviour. Thus the dissipated and released energy of the surrounding rock increases exponentially. For deep rocks with high peak strength, the energy evolution in the plastic stage is dominated by energy release, which indicates that rockburst mainly results from the energy release mechanism. In contrast, for the surrounding rock with low strength, the energy evolution during excavation unloading is dominated by energy dissipation due to the significant strain softening behaviour. Large squeezing deformation mainly stems from the energy dissipation mechanism.

Buoyancy and Velocity Field Synergy Principle in Convective Heat Transfer and Its Role in Thermo-Hydraulic Performance Improvement

Abstract This study proposes the buoyancy and velocity field synergy principle and aims to enhance thermo-hydraulic performance in convective heat transfer. A mechanical energy conservation equation concerning synergy between buoyancy and velocity was derived, which describes the mechanical energy transport and dissipation in convective heat transfer. Two new field synergy numbers, FsU,g and FsU,∇p, were proposed to characterize the degree of synergy between velocity and buoyancy, and the degree of synergy between velocity and pressure gradient over the fluid domain, respectively. The pressure drop of a channel subjected to convective heat transfer is related to not only Gr/Re2 but also FsU,g. Under a same Gr/Re2, a larger |FsU,g| leads to a smaller |FsU,∇p|, and thus the pressure drop is decreased. Furthermore, the multifield synergetic relationships among buoyancy, velocity, temperature gradient and pressure gradient were analyzed for convective heat transfer in channels. The correlation between FsU,∇p and (Gr/Re2)FsU,g, and the correlation between FsU,g and a traditional field synergy number characterizing convective heat transfer capability, Fc, were derived, which reveals the coupled mechanisms of mechanical energy dissipation and thermal energy transport in convective heat transfer. The proposed principle was applied in typical channel flows subjected to convective heat transfer, and its benefits were demonstrated. It is noted that both pressure drop reduction and convective heat transfer enhancement can be achieved in convective heat transfer using the proposed principle. This paper provides a new insight for improving thermo-hydraulic performance of heat exchangers.

Bicontinuous Ionogel Electrolyte with Conductive Nanochannels for Flexible Supercapacitors.

Ionogels with excellent mechanical performance and conductivity have been considered as ideal candidates for flexible ionotronics. However, current ionogels suffer from the well-known trade-off between mechanical strength and conductivity. Herein, we construct an ionogel with bicontinuous phase structures, a polymer-rich phase, and a solvent-rich phase. The synergy of the polymer-rich phase as an energy dissipation mechanism and the solvent-rich phase as a conductive nanochannel enables the resultant bicontinuous ionogel to show comprehensive properties, a tensile strength of 4.2 MPa, a toughness of 14.4 MJ/m3, a conductivity of 4.3 mS/cm, excellent self-healing capability, and reprocessability. Benefiting from the remarkable mechanical performance and high conductivity, the integrated supercapacitor achieves a high specific capacitance of 118 mF/cm2 (at a current density of 0.2 mA/cm2) and a capacitance retention of up to 90% (1000 charge-discharge cycles). More significantly, the resultant supercapacitor retains outstanding electrochemical performance even after being subjected to various deformations and even under harsh conditions. This study provides a reliable strategy for developing a high-performance ionogel electrolyte and broadens its application in flexible ionotronics.

Numerical simulation and structure optimization for hydraulic performance of perforated drip irrigation emitters

ABSTRACT The perforated drip irrigation emitter (PDIE) is a novel drip irrigation emitter incorporating multiple energy dissipation mechanisms, chiefly hedging, deflection, and friction. To characterize the influences of structural parameters and vortices on the hydraulic performance of PDIE, the discharge exponent, discharge rate, and emitter unit constant were analyzed via hydraulic performance experiments and numerical simulation. The key findings are: (1) Discharge exponents of PDIE ranged from 0.478 to 0.515; average high-pressure hydraulic performance exceeded low pressure by 4.882%. (2) The four key structural parameters impacted hydraulic performance from large to small as follows: the width of the perforation (a), the angle of the scalariform perforation plate (α), the distance of the two perforations (b), and the length of the channel cavity (c). Among them, the discharge exponent changes significantly with a and α. (3) Vortex-retaining PDIE exhibited a lower emitter discharge exponent versus vortex-removed versions. However, vortices increase discharge rate and reduce energy consumption of PDIE. After optimization, the emitter discharge exponent of the PDIE with the reserved vortex is 0.461, which is relatively improved by 3.556%. This study can provide a theoretical reference for the structural design of new drip irrigation emitters and functional analysis of vortices.

Processing–microstructure–fracture toughness relationships in PP/EPDM/SiO2 blend‐nanocomposites: Effect of mixing sequence

AbstractThis study investigates the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of polypropylene (PP)‐based blend‐nanocomposites comprising 30 wt.% ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) and 5 wt.% SiO2 nanoparticles. Different mixing sequences were employed to prepare the nanocomposites, and the resulting morphology development and dispersion states of modifiers were analyzed. Mechanical performance of the nanocomposites was evaluated through quasi‐static and high‐speed dynamic fracture tests. The dispersion and distribution of SiO2 nanoparticles within the nanocomposites were significantly influenced by the mixing protocol. In impact fracture tests, the presence of nanoparticles exhibited a beneficial efffect on fracture energy, demonstrating a synergistic toughening effect of the soft EPDM and rigid SiO2 particles. Conversely, adverse effects were observed in quasi‐static tests. Essential work of fracture (EWF) parameters indicated an increase in the yielding component and a decrease in the necking‐to‐tearing component with SiO2 incorporation into the PP/EPDM blends. During impact loadings, the highest improvement in crack propagation resistance was observed in nanocomposites with nanoparticles localized around the rubbery domains forming a network‐like structure of EPDM/SiO2‐nanoparticles. Morphologies where rubber domains and nanoparticles were separately distributed in the PP matrix resulted in the lowest fracture parameters. Energy dissipation mechanisms were elucidated, revealing multiple void formation followed by matrix shear yielding as the primary source under both quasi‐static and impact fracture conditions. In the latter case, stress‐concentrating percolated structures in the PP matrix facilitated the nucleation of dilatational bands evolving into highly stretched void‐fibrillar structures upon further loading. These findings contribute valuable insights into tailoring nanocomposite morphologies for enhanced mechanical performance in different loading scenarios.Highlights Fracture behavior of PP/EPDM/SiO2 ternary systems was evaluated by EWF methodology and Izod impact test. Rubber particles surrounded by silica nanoparticles led to a percolated morphology and as a result to superior impact resistance. EWF parameters were mostly controlled by the tearing‐related parts regardless of phase morphology. The impact toughness was mainly controlled by the dispersion and distribution characteristics of the SiO2 nanoparticles.

Flexural behavior of circular rubberized concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular beams: Experiments

The study aims to assess the impact of RuC on twelve concrete-filled double-skin steel tube (CFDST) specimens. The research explores key variables, including outer tube slenderness ratio, hollow ratio, and rubber replacement ratio. Rubber particles replace natural aggregates at replacement ratios (ρνr) of 0%, 15%, and 30% by mass. The experimental findings are comprehensively discussed, encompassing member flexural capacity, confinement effects, ductility, energy dissipation, and failure mechanisms. The findings reveal that replacing normal concrete (NC) with RuC leads to a reduction in beam flexural strength ranging from 5.0% to 18.1%, depending on ρνr and outer tube diameter. In contrast, RuC members exhibit an increase of up to 70% in ductility and 27.7% in energy dissipation compared to members with NC, depending on rubber content. Increasing the outer tube thickness proves to be an effective method for mitigating strength reduction due to rubber replacement. Specifically, elevating the outer tube thickness from 3.6 mm to 4.5 mm results in strength enhancements of 17.0%, 19.0%, and 23.7% for beams with NC, 15%RuC, and 30%RuC, respectively. Furthermore, the results are applied to assess existing design models and to suggest modifications that offer improved strength estimations for a broad spectrum of rubber replacement ratios.

On the Micro-Stress Fields in Fibre-Hybrid Polymer Composite Laminae with Periodic Microstructure Under Transverse Tension and Transverse Shear Loading

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of intra-laminar fibre hybridisation, i.e., primary and secondary fibres within a matrix, on the homogenised properties and micro-stress fields in uni-directional polymer composite laminae. The study is focused on S-glass/epoxy laminae which are hybridised with secondary fibres (e.g., polypropylene). Two-dimensional repeating unit cells (2D RUCs) with periodic microstructures are developed to conduct the micro-mechanical analyses under transverse tensile and transverse shear loading conditions. Uni-directional fibre-hybrid S-glass/epoxy laminae with different secondary fibres are studied by varying (a) the periodic microstructure and (b) the material properties of the constituent fibres to assess the effect of such geometric and material variations on the homogenised elastic lamina properties and intra-lamina micro-stress fields. The results show that intra-laminar fibre hybridisation significantly affects the elastic lamina properties and micro-stress fields. Notably, the presence of the secondary fibres significantly increases or reduces the stress fields in the matrix and at the fibre-matrix interfaces (i.e. normal and shears stress components)–depending on the microstructure and the stiffness of the secondary fibres–which could be explored to manipulate the damage modes and thus energy dissipation mechanisms.

Thermo-hydrodynamic lubrication and energy dissipation mechanism of a pump-turbine thrust bearing in load-rejection process

The dynamic behavior of the pump-turbine thrust bearing is important to the safety operation of the unit. This paper analyzed the lubrication and energy dissipation mechanism of pump-turbine thrust bearing during load-rejection based on the thermo-hydrodynamic model. The results show that the variation of the axial force and the maximum pad surface pressure is basically consistent with that of the inclination of the pad surface. The change of the friction loss is consistent with the change of rotational speed, while the change of pad surface temperature is affected by the combination of pad inclination and rotational speed. The chaotic flow in the oil tank is accompanied by different forms of vortices, such as Taylor vortices, vortex pairs, and Karman vortices, and results in a significant asymmetry in the pressure distribution. The flow in the bearing pad groove has an effect on the energy dissipation in the oil film. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the design and optimization of thrust bearings, and provides a reference for solving the problems of wear, oil mist, and other related problems of thrust bearings in engineering.

Energy loss mechanism of a full tubular pump under reverse power generation conditions using entropy production theory

This paper investigates the energy dissipation mechanism of the internal flow field of the full tubular pump during reverse power generation and pump conditions, utilizing CFD and model test methods to research the device’s hydraulic characteristics, internal flow field and entropy production. The results indicate that the reverse power generation and pump conditions’ performance curves have opposite trends. Under PRPG conditions, the flow uniformity and weighted average angle of the impeller inlet flow field are smaller and the inlet flow field is poor. The stator-rotor gap flow under PRPG conditions increases with the increase in total flow, the gap flow under the design flow is 2.88 L/s, and the torque is 7.35 N·m. Under the PRPG condition, the turbulent and wall entropy production ratio increases gradually with the flow increase. Under the design flow rate, the entropy production rate of the impeller is 55.07%, and the entropy production rate of the impeller is the largest among the components under different flow rates. The entropy production of the outlet channel rises significantly with the flow rate. The research results of this paper provide a theoretical basis for the distribution of energy loss in reverse power generation of the full tubular pump.

Lagrangian operator inference enhanced with structure-preserving machine learning for nonintrusive model reduction of mechanical systems

Complex mechanical systems often exhibit strongly nonlinear behavior due to the presence of nonlinearities in the energy dissipation mechanisms, material constitutive relationships, or geometric/connectivity mechanics. Numerical modeling of these systems leads to nonlinear full-order models that possess an underlying Lagrangian structure. This work proposes a Lagrangian operator inference method enhanced with structure-preserving machine learning to learn nonlinear reduced-order models (ROMs) of nonlinear mechanical systems. This two-step approach first learns the best-fit linear Lagrangian ROM via Lagrangian operator inference and then presents a structure-preserving machine learning method to learn nonlinearities in the reduced space. The proposed approach can learn a structure-preserving nonlinear ROM purely from data, unlike the existing operator inference approaches that require knowledge about the mathematical form of nonlinear terms. From a machine learning perspective, it accelerates the training of the structure-preserving neural network by providing an informed prior (i.e., the linear Lagrangian ROM structure), and it reduces the computational cost of the network training by operating on the reduced space. The method is first demonstrated on two simulated examples: a conservative nonlinear rod model and a two-dimensional nonlinear membrane with nonlinear internal damping. Finally, the method is demonstrated on an experimental dataset consisting of digital image correlation measurements taken from a lap-joint beam structure from which a predictive model is learned that captures amplitude-dependent frequency and damping characteristics accurately. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed approach yields generalizable nonlinear ROMs that exhibit bounded energy error, capture the nonlinear characteristics reliably, and provide accurate long-time predictions outside the training data regime.

Analysis of vibration reduction performance of vibration isolation system based on particle damping

Taking ship vibration isolation systems as the research subject, the particle damper was applied to ship vibration isolation systems to study its vibration reduction performance. The energy dissipation mechanism of particle dampers is analyzed, and an energy dissipation calculation model is derived. The combined method of simulation and experimentation is employed to study the influence of parameters such as particle material, filling rate, particle diameter, and collision coefficient of restitution on the vibration reduction performance of particle dampers. The impact laws of these parameters are summarized, demonstrating that particle dampers can produce excellent vibration reduction performance when applied in ship vibration isolation systems, and reasonable parameter recommendations are provided. Response surface method (RSM) is used to fit an accurate energy dissipation prediction model and calculate the optimal performance parameters. This paper serves as a valuable reference for the parameter design, optimization, and practical engineering applications of particle dampers.

ApcE plays an important role in light-induced excitation energy dissipation in the Synechocystis PCC6803 phycobilisomes

Phycobilisomes (PBs) play an important role in cyanobacterial photosynthesis. They capture light and transfer excitation energy to the photosynthetic reaction centres. PBs are also central to some photoprotective and photoregulatory mechanisms that help sustain photosynthesis under non-optimal conditions. Amongst the mechanisms involved in excitation energy dissipation that are activated in response to excessive illumination is a recently discovered light-induced mechanism that is intrinsic to PBs and has been the least studied. Here, we used single-molecule spectroscopy and developed robust data analysis methods to explore the role of a terminal emitter subunit, ApcE, in this intrinsic, light-induced mechanism. We isolated the PBs from WT Synechocystis PCC 6803 as well as from the ApcE-C190S mutant of this strain and compared the dynamics of their fluorescence emission. PBs isolated from the mutant (i.e., ApcE-C190S-PBs), despite not binding some of the red-shifted pigments in the complex, showed similar global emission dynamics to WT-PBs. However, a detailed analysis of dynamics in the core revealed that the ApcE-C190S-PBs are less likely than WT-PBs to enter quenched states under illumination but still fully capable of doing so. This result points to an important but not exclusive role of the ApcE pigments in the light-induced intrinsic excitation energy dissipation mechanism in PBs.