Energy Release Research Articles

Lithium-ion battery components are at the nexus of sustainable energy and environmental release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are used globally as a key component of clean and sustainable energy infrastructure, and emerging LiB technologies have incorporated a class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) known as bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides (bis-FASIs). PFAS are recognized internationally as recalcitrant contaminants, a subset of which are known to be mobile and toxic, but little is known about environmental impacts of bis-FASIs released during LiB manufacture, use, and disposal. Here we demonstrate that environmental concentrations proximal to manufacturers, ecotoxicity, and treatability of bis-FASIs are comparable to PFAS such as perfluorooctanoic acid that are now prohibited and highly regulated worldwide, and we confirm the clean energy sector as an unrecognized and potentially growing source of international PFAS release. Results underscore that environmental impacts of clean energy infrastructure merit scrutiny to ensure that reduced CO2 emissions are not achieved at the expense of increasing global releases of persistent organic pollutants.

Beyond Strain Release: Delocalization-Enabled Organic Reactivity.

The release of strain energy is a fundamental driving force for organic reactions. However, absolute strain energy alone is an insufficient predictor of reactivity, evidenced by the similar ring strain but disparate reactivity of cyclopropanes and cyclobutanes. In this work, we demonstrate that electronic delocalization is a key factor that operates alongside strain release to boost, or even dominate, reactivity. This delocalization principle extends across a wide range of molecules containing three-membered rings such as epoxides, aziridines, and propellanes and also applies to strain-driven cycloaddition reactions. Our findings lead to a "rule of thumb" for the accurate prediction of activation barriers in such systems, which can be easily applied to reactions involving many of the strained building blocks commonly encountered in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, polymer science, and bioconjugation. Given the significance of electronic delocalization in organic chemistry, for example in aromatic π-systems and hyperconjugation, we anticipate that this concept will serve as a versatile tool to understand and predict organic reactivity.

Failure analysis of adhesively bonded joints using a modulatory damage model

This article presents a novel approach to investigating the failure behavior of adhesively bonded joints (ABJs) in two different configurations of the single lap joint (SLJ) and double cantilever beam (DCB). The proposed approach utilizes a numerical-experimental procedure that incorporates a trapezoidal traction-separation cohesive zone model (CZM) with a modulator damage function. This damage function adjusts to account for parameters specific to ABJs. Additionally, the adhesive model includes graphene nanoplatelets, which are added in varying concentrations (ranging from 0 wt% to 0.5 wt%), to account for the mechanical properties of the adhesives in the new damage model. With a dual effect, the results indicate that the addition of graphene nanoplatelets enhances the elastic modulus and adhesive strength while simultaneously reducing the adhesive toughness (GT). Extensive analysis demonstrates that the updated damage model outperforms its predecessor in accurately predicting the behavior of ABJs. Furthermore, by deriving the energy release rate from GT, the presented model eliminates the need for determining the mode I energy release rate (GIC) through DCB tests when simulating ABJ failure.

Turbulence generation in the solar corona through nonlinear interaction between 3D kinetic Alfvén wave and magnetic islands

This study investigates the interaction between kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) and magnetic islands in solar corona region. KAWs and magnetic islands are believed to be one of the key players in the heating of the coronal plasma and particle acceleration. We have used the dynamical model for KAWs to simulate its propagation through magnetic islands. The equation is solved numerically by using the finite difference and pseudospectral technique for spatial and temporal variations. The simulation results have been studied and signatures of turbulent structures evolving with time have been observed. Turbulence plays a considerable role in tapping out magnetic energy to thermal energy. The plot of the energy spectrum as a function of wavenumber exhibits a power law behavior in the inertial range, characterized with an exponent around −5/3 . Beyond this range, the spectrum becomes steeper. In order to gain a more thorough knowledge of the physical processes that underlie the development of localized structures and to estimate the current sheet scale sizes, a semi-analytically model is also performed. The results indicate that the size of localized structures are comparable to ion gyro-radius, and different intensities of KAW further modify this length scale formed at different times. The purpose of the study is to acquire an understanding of the KAW propagation in magnetic islands and the way it contributes to the formation of turbulence and energy release in the solar corona. A comparative aspect of the non-linear interaction of 3D KAW with magnetic island and null point is also presented which shows that non-linear interaction of 3D KAW with null point, leads to rapid disorganization of the magnetic field and the creation of localized structures.

Investigation of carbon black nanoparticle modified cementitious composites for sensing dynamic vibro-acousto signals

Current application of intrinsic piezoresistivity of cementitious materials filled with nano conductive substances is limited in sensing quasi-static signals featuring low-frequency and high-amplitude. Its self-sensing capacity for low-amplitude and high-frequency vibro-acousto signals is not fully investigated. In this study, different doses of carbon black nanoparticles (CBN) are added in cementitious materials and their conductivity is measured to find the percolation zone where the tunnelling effect dominates the conduction mechanism, followed by the characterization of their piezoresistivity. Consequently, impact forces and crack-related energy release, which generate dynamic signals in the range of vibrational and acoustic frequencies, are individually utilized to test the behaviour of such materials for sensing dynamic vibro-acousto signals. The results show that CBN-modified cementitious composites which show excellent piezoresistivity behaviour are capable of locally self-sensing dynamic signals as sensors. Comparing with piezoelectrical sensors, the developed sensor shows higher sensitivity to crack initiation.

Wave propagation in a light-temperature neural network under adaptive local energy balance.

External electric and mechanical stimuli can induce shape deformation in excitable media because of its intrinsic flexible property. When the signals propagation in the media is described by a neural network, creation of heterogeneity or defect is considered as the effect of shape deformation due to accumulation or release of energy in the media. In this paper, a temperature-light sensitive neuron model is developed from a nonlinear circuit composed of a phototube and a thermistor, and the physical energy is kept in capacitive and inductive terms. Furthermore, the Hamilton energy for this function neuron is obtained in theoretical way. A regular neural network is built on a square array by activating electric synapse between adjacent neurons, and a few of neurons in local area is excited by noisy disturbance, which induces local energy diversity, and continuous coupling enables energy propagation and diffusion. Initially, the Hamilton energy function for a temperature-light sensitive neuron can be obtained. Then, the finite neurons are applied noise to obtain energy diversity to explore the energy spread between neurons in the network. For keeping local energy balance, one intrinsic parameter is regulated adaptively until energy diversity in this local area is decreased greatly. Regular pattern formation indicates that local energy balance creates heterogeneity or defects and a few of neurons show continuous parameter shift for keeping energy balance in a local area, which supports gradient energy distribution for propagating waves in the network.

Investigation of thermal conductivity and mechanical properties in multi-layer of graphene and graphene oxide: a molecular dynamics study

ABSTRACT Multi-layered graphene and graphene oxide have been used as reinforcements in nanodevices and nanocomposites due to their extraordinary mechanical and thermal properties. However, compared to graphene, graphene oxide has a lower Young’s modulus and lower thermal conductivity. Nanodevices and nanocomposites based on multi-layered graphene and graphene oxide require different mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. This study employed molecular dynamics simulation to investigate 10 models of multi-layered graphene and graphene oxide (in the form of different layer arrangements) in single, double, and triple layers. The results showed that an increase in the number of graphene oxide layers leads to irregularities in the nanosheets, resulting in decreased thermal conductivity (by 64.4%) of the nanosheets decreases. Furthermore, the greater number of graphene layers in multi-layer nanosheets resulted in an increase in Young’s modulus (by 79.3%) and tensile strength (by 73.7%). Moreover, the arrangement of graphene and graphene oxide is a crucial factor that can significantly impact the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the models. Moreover, an increase in temperature can lead to a decrease in Young’s modulus of multilayered nanosheets. Increasing the number and size of graphene layers enhances both the ultimate tensile strength and the critical energy release rate.

Theoretical analysis of the scattering characteristics of blasting stress waves at an arc-shaped interface crack in a deep rock mass with high in-situ stress

A mathematical model of blasting stress wave scattering at an arc-shaped interface crack is established to theoretically analyze and verify the scattering characteristics of blasting stress waves at an arc-shaped interface crack in a deep rock mass with high in-situ stress. Based on the continuum mechanics, finite deformation, and incremental stress theories and the geometric and physical characteristics of the arc-shaped interface crack, the mathematical model includes a set of the first class of singular integral equations with Hilbert kernels. The opening and dislocating displacements of the arc-shaped interface crack and the effective stress components of scattered stress waves are numerically calculated and discussed with the variation of the type, frequency, and incident angle of the blasting stress wave; the curvature radius and opening angle of the arc-shaped interface crack. The condition that the dynamic stress intensity factors and energy release rates at the upper and lower tips of the arc-shaped interface crack reach peak are also provided. It is found that when the frequency of the blasting stress wave and the curvature radius of the arc-shaped interface crack increase, the peaks of the above dynamic stress intensity factors will increase further, and the arc-shaped interface crack is more likely to expand or destabilize. Although the order of in-situ stress is much smaller than that of Young’s modulus of the deep rock mass, it increases the effective stress concentration of scattered stress waves and the opening and dislocating displacements of the arc-shaped interface crack. These findings will provide theoretical guidance for analyzing the cracking characteristics of blasting stress waves in deep rock masses with high in-situ stress.

An experimental and analytical study of mode I fracture and crack kinking in thick adhesive joints

This study investigates the fracture behavior of thick adhesive joints manufactured with composite adherends and bonded with an epoxy-based structural adhesive common to the wind turbine industry. For that purpose, double cantilever beam specimens with an adhesive thickness of approximately 10 mm and different pre-crack lengths are manufactured and tested under mode I loading. Analytical approaches are compared to assess the energy release rate, including the simple beam theory, modified beam theory, compliance calibration method, and beam on an elastic and elastic-plastic foundation. In order to evaluate the applicability of the analytical approaches, an in-situ measurement method based on Digital Image Correlation is also employed to determine the energy release rate of the thick adhesive joints. The crack propagation angle is determined theoretically using the second-order crack kinking theory. A good correlation is observed between the theoretical predictions and experimental results. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that due to the T-stress, the crack tends to deviate from the middle of the joint and propagate towards the interface. By comparing different data reduction methods to evaluate the energy release rate of thick adhesive joints, recommendations for their fracture analysis are made, pinpointing the beam on an elastic and elastic-plastic foundation as the most suitable model.

Disodium terephthalate as a multifunctional additive for simultaneous enhancing the energy release performance and weakening the water reactivity of aluminum

In this study, disodium terephthalate (Na2TP) has been successfully introduced as a novel multifunctional additive for simultaneous enhancing the energy release performance and weakening the water reactivity of micro-aluminum (μ-Al). Seven μ-Al/Na2TP composites with different contents of Na2TP (R-100 to R-700) and four comparison samples have been prepared to investigate the thermochemical behaviors, combustion performances and water reactivity. Importantly, structure characterizations as well as kinetic parameters (e.g., Ea, ΔS‡) have been performed to reveal the impacts of Na2TP on μ-Al oxidation. Moreover, incorporating Na2TP into μ-Al shows the enhancement of energy release, with R-400 exhibiting the highest heat release (4970 J/g) in the main oxidation stage, compared to μ-Al (1696 J/g). Interestingly, μ-Al shows an increased Ea while R-400 exhibits a decreased Ea as the oxidation proceeds. The decomposition of Na2TP generates both heat and CO2 gases, which are beneficial for destroying alumina shell and increasing oxidation kinetics, in consistent with higher positive ΔS‡ value, rougher surface, and higher surface O content for oxidation of R-400 compared to μ-Al. As a result, the enhanced combustion performances of higher peak pressure, pressurization rate and characteristic shock velocity as well as brighter/larger flame images have been achieved by μ-Al/Na2TP composites. On the other hand, water reactivity of μ-Al has been significantly suppressed by introducing Na2TP in terms of the 85.4 % decrease in heat release, elevated Ea, and alteration of reaction mechanism. Consequently, taking organic Na2TP as a multifunctional additive, two birds of enhancing the energy release and weakening the water reactivity is harvested, showing great potentials in improving the performances of metal-based energy systems.

Uncovering the freezing energy release of salted grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) flesh: Effects of water state and protein structure on the thermal properties

The effect of NaCl content on the protein structures, water status and thermal properties of grass carp flesh, along with its relationship with energy required for freezing was investigated to improve the quality of frozen flesh and to reduce energy consumption for freezing. Adding salt prompted the shifting of the secondary structure of α-helix to β-sheet, β-turn and random coil. The interaction between water molecules and hydrophilic groups in the unfolded protein structure increased nonfreezing water content, which decreased specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity of sample during freezing. The lowest energy required (235.69 kJ/kg) for freezing was found in 7% NaCl salted sample, indicating a 38.39% reduction compared to the unsalted sample. Few pores between muscle fibers were observed in the 3% and 5% NaCl salted sample. Therefore, an optimal salt concentration improved quality of frozen flesh and reduced the energy required for freezing, promoting energy-efficient freezing of aquatic products.

Energy characteristics and damage constitutive model of pre‐cracked granite with or without filling materials

AbstractIn order to study the effects of pre‐crack inclination angle and filling material on granite, uniaxial compression tests were performed on pre‐cracked granite specimens without filling material and specimens filled with epoxy resin, gypsum, and organosilicon. Results indicate that the peak strength and apparent stiffness of pre‐cracked granite without filling materials increase with increasing pre‐crack inclination angle. The strain energy absorbed by the filling material improves the energy storage limit, inhibits the energy release effect when microcracks are connected to each other, and ultimately improves the compressive resistance and energy storage capacity. The strengthening effect of gypsum and epoxy resin is relatively better, which is more significant when the pre‐crack inclination angle equals 0°–60°. Finally, a damage constitutive model is established, which is in good agreement with the test and numerical simulation data. The results can provide reference for the research of grouting reinforcement of rock masses.

Preparation of μ-HMX/C-Based Composite Energy Composite Microspheres by Microdroplet Technology.

Taking μ-HMX particles as the main research subject, a set of microdroplet sphericalization coating technology platforms was designed and constructed to realize the preparation of composite microspheres by sphericalization coating of μ-HMX. The suspension stability of μ-HMX particles and the mechanism of droplet formation were investigated, and the application effect of nanocarbon materials was also analyzed. The results showed that the prepared sample microspheres all showed a better spherical morphology, as well as good dispersibility; the samples with micron-sized particles for spherical coating had a lower thermal decomposition temperature, a higher energy release efficiency, lower mechanical sensibility, and better combustion performance; the incorporation of CNFs changed the combustion mode of the system, which resulted in the microsphere system of μ-HMX having a good safety performance. The stability and feasibility of uniform spheronization when the dispersed phase is a low-concentration particle suspension system in the spheronization encapsulation process by microdroplet technology were verified.

Simulation of pulse-like ground motions with directionality effect for the 2001 Mw 7.6 Bhuj, India earthquake and sensitivity analysis of uncertain model input parameters

Ground motions exhibiting pulse-like (PL) features present a distinct and significant threat to the structural integrity of constructed environments, due to intense pulse, large amplitude, and rapid energy release. The lack of recorded PL ground motion data in the Indian region presents a significant challenge for accurate seismic risk assessment of the built environment. In the absence of recorded PL ground motions, the generation of synthetic PL ground motions can provide earthquake acceleration time histories for seismic response analysis of structures and also to evaluate ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs). Within this framework, the modified stochastic finite-fault approach based on the dynamic corner frequency is used to generate the synthetic ground motions for the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. These artificially generated ground motions are validated using available peak ground acceleration data from thirteen stations. After validation, the ground motions are generated at locations equidistant from the fault in all four directions (i.e., east, west, north, south). The expected acceleration time histories at specific sites, the spatial distribution of ground motion characteristics, and the effect of site non-linearity are investigated. Based on the geographical positioning of sites for the 2001 event, it was observed that 65.15 % of ground motions on the western side, relative to the epicenter, exhibited PL characteristics, whereas 23.64 % of ground motions on the eastern side were observed to have PL properties. The effect of uncertainty in the model input parameters on the simulated ground motions is examined by performing a sensitivity analysis. The reliability and validity of the simulated ground motions are assessed by deriving an empirical equation and compared with the results obtained from available GMPEs for the region.

The Study of Hydrogen Energy Storage and Release

The Study of Hydrogen Energy Storage and Release

Construction of rGH/NTO 3D-network composite with improved energy release efficiency and significantly reduced corrosiveness of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one

3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (NTO) is a high-energy insensitive explosive with broad application prospects. However, due to the slow energy release kinetics, high decomposition temperature and unsatisfactory safety performance, its effective application is affected. In this paper, a reduced graphene oxide hydrogel (rGH)/NTO composite material was prepared to improve both the physical and chemical properties of NTO. The morphology and structure of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that the rGH/NTO composites did not undergo polymorphic transformation during the preparation process. At the same time, the three-dimensional (3D) network structure formed by rGH can reduce the initial temperature and activation energy of NTO thermal decomposition, and significantly increase the energy release rate. In addition, combined with experiments and DFT theoretical calculations, it is verified that the synergistic effect of the composite material reduces the corrosivity of NTO and increases the insensitivity, thereby improving the effective safety performance. Therefore, the synergistic effect of 3D network structure composite strategy is expected to be extended to the multi-performance control of energetic materials.

Preparation of ADN-based energetic composite microspheres with excellent anti-moisture absorption and safety

Ammonium dinitramide (ADN) is an ideal solid composite propellant oxidizer. But it also exhibits high hygroscopicity and low safety. Solving these issues will be crucial of ADN in practical applications. In this study, three ADN-based energetic composite microspheres were prepared by suspension assembly process coating ADN with different polymeric materials (glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), fluorine rubber(F2602), and hydroxyl-terminated block copolyether(HTPE)). The experimental results showed that the three prepared samples were spherical particles with regular morphology and uniform particle size. The crystal structure was not changed. The contact angle, moisture absorption and mechanical sensitivity test showed that the ADN-based energetic composite microspheres have low moisture absorption and mechanical sensitivity. In particular, the ADN/F2602 sample, which possesses a lotus-like hydrophobic effect, exhibits a 57.24 % reduction in water absorption compared to the raw ADN, and the contact angle of ADN/F2602 (93.91°) is 4.24 times higher than that of the raw ADN (22.15°). The critical friction susceptibility of ADN/F2602 (168 N) is 2.1 times higher than that of raw ADN (80 N), and the critical impact susceptibility of ADN/F2602 (17 J) is 2.43 times higher than that of raw ADN (7 J). The combustion test showed that the combustion duration of ADN/F2602 increased from 1.353 s to 1.578 s for the raw ADN, and the flame intensity was enhanced. The successful ignition and flame stabilization of ADN/F2602 samples after 24 h storage under a relative humidity of 60 % indicates its good energy release performance in a propellant. Through this study, F2602 as a capping material has good anti-hygroscopic effect, mechanical insensitivity and combustion stability for ADN, which can support the application of ADN as an oxidizer in composite solid propellants.

A Surrogate Model of Heat Transfer Mechanism in a Domestic Gas Oven: A Numerical Simulation Approach for Premixed Flames

This paper introduces an innovative analytical model to compute flame velocities and temperatures within a premix burner in a domestic gas oven. This model significantly streamlines the heat transfer simulation process by simplifying the modeling of the thermo-chemical energy release during combustion, effectively reducing complexity and computation time. Accelerated solutions are essential at the initial design stages when comparing the effect of the oven parameter variation on the overall performance. The validation of the proposed analytical model involved experimental assessments of the temperature of the false bottom plate in a natural gas oven. The resulting data were then compared against CFD simulations performed utilizing the proposed model. The results revealed a marginal discrepancy of 4% between the experimental measurements and the outcomes generated by the model. Simulations were executed under differing conditions, encompassing scenarios with and without radiation effects. This exploration identified natural convection as the predominant heat transfer mechanism, with heat radiation contributing only modestly to the heating of the false bottom plate. Among its advantages, the proposed model offers a notable reduction in the numerical complexity of the modeling of the combustion process. Furthermore, its straightforward integration into numerical simulations involving premixed flames underscores its practical utility and versatility in evaluating design performance at the early stages of the design. Highly accurate models can be left for the final oven configuration validation.

Inspired by nacre: α-ZrP three-dimensional network structures for interlaminar toughening of laminates

This work study enhancing the mechanical properties of composite laminates by using a three-dimensional network structure that mimics the nacre-like structure. The optimal interlaminar structure was developed by utilizing α-ZrP with ultrasonic-assisted exfoliation for 6 minutes. The mode-I critical energy release rate (GIC) and mode-II critical energy release rate (GIIC) of the toughened composite are 104.44% and 74.20% higher than those of the unmodified sample. Observation of the region around the crack by SEM and OM reveals that the three-dimensional network structure across the fiber fabric undergoes energy dissipation behaviors, such as fracture, slip and pull-out when cracks penetrate thin walls. In addition, the effect of the thin-walled structure of the α-ZrP aerogel on interlaminar crack propagation is discussed, taking into account the inhomogeneous and multi-surface of the composite interfaces, and the toughening mechanism is investigated.

Properties of magnetic null points associated with X-class flares during solar cycle 24

ABSTRACT Since the launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) in 2010 and throughout the solar cycle 24, the Sun has produced few tens of X-class flares, which are the most energetic solar events. Those flares are produced in regions where the magnetic flux/energy is large and the magnetic configurations are complex. To provide more insights into the flaring process, we investigate the properties of magnetic null points (MNPs) and their correlation with the energy release sites. During solar cycle 24, we identify 17 X-class flares satisfying selection criteria. From SDO/HMI magnetograms, we perform potential extrapolations around the peak time of the flare to access the 3D coronal magnetic field and thus investigate the existence of coronal MNPs. We then correlate the flaring sites with the existing MNPs using SDO/AIA 171 Å; EUV observations, and deduce their properties (sign, spine, and fan). Six active regions out of 10 possess at least one MNP which is stable and with large magnetic field gradients: this implies that 35 per cent of X-class flares are associated with an MNP; of which 87.5 per cent of MNPs are of positive type. The MNPs associated with the flare sites are predominantly located at a height between 0.5 and 2 Mm, and with a vertical/radial spine field line. We also find a slight correlation between the MNPs not associated with a flare and negative-type MNPs (55 per cent) within the active region. Regarding the physics of flares, the association between the enhanced intensity at the flaring site and an MNP represents about a third of the possible scenarios for triggering X-class flares.