Penetration Test Research Articles

Experimental Study on the Morphology of Snow Crystal Particles and Its Influence on Compacted Snow Hardness

In their natural state, snow crystals are influenced by the atmosphere during formation and multiple factors after landing, resulting in varying particle sizes and unstable particle morphologies that are challenging to quantify. The current research mainly focuses on the relationship between the porosity of compacted snow samples or qualitatively describes snow crystals and their macroscopic physical properties, ignoring that the significant differences in the morphology of snow crystals also affect their physical properties. To quantitatively evaluate the morphology of snow crystals, we employed optical microscopy to obtain digital images of snow crystals in Harbin, utilizing the Sobel and Otsu algorithms to determine the equivalent particle size and fractal dimension of individual snow particles. In addition, the hardness of snow with a density of 0.4 g/cm3 was measured through a penetration test, with an analysis of its correlation relative to particle size and fractal dimension. The results indicated the fractal dimension as an effective parameter for characterizing particle shape, which decreased rapidly over time and then fluctuated within the range of 1.10 to 1.15. During the initial period, natural snow crystals broke down rapidly, leading to an increase in the percentage of natural snow crystals with an equivalent particle size of 0.2–0.4 mm up to 51.86%. After three days, the sintering effect between snow crystals was enhanced, resulting in an even distribution of the equivalent particle size. Finally, multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between compacted snow hardness and fractal dimension, with a negative correlation between compacted snow hardness and equivalent particle size. These findings offer valuable technical support and data reference for exploring the relationship between snow’s mechanical properties and its microscopic particle shape.

Determining The Depth of Hard Soil Layers Using Geoelectric Resistivity and Cone Penetration Test Methods (Case Study: Kelurahan Bontoramba Kecamatan Somba Opu Kabupaten Gowa)

Hard soil layers can impact the loading, stability, and behavior of structures in the geotechnical field. Comprehensive understanding of the depth and properties of hard soil layers can aid in designing suitable structures. Therefore, this study employed the resistivity geoelectric and Cone Penetration Test (CPT) methods to map the features of hard soil layers. Resistivity data were acquired through measurements utilizing the geoelectric method, while data on cone resistance, shear resistance, and friction ratio were gathered through field measurements using the CPT tool. The collected data was analyzed comprehensively to obtain a complete understanding of soil conditions. Based on resistivity values, the results indicated the research site comprises alluvium, very dry clay, and dry sandy soil. Based on the CPT test, it is determined that the layers contain mixtures of fine-grained soils, clay, silt, and sand. Therefore, it can be inferred that the dense sand lithology constitutes the hard soil layer geologically. The employment of both approaches delivers supplementary details on soil features and depth.

Tailings Behavior Assessment Using Piezocone Penetration Test

Intensive economic development is associated with an increasing demand for raw materials, including minerals. An illustrative example of this issue is the development of the copper industry. A significant problem arising from the scale of copper production is the management of an ever-growing amount of post-flotation tailings. This necessitates the need to ensure the continuity of safe storage. This study presents the results of studies on the behavior of deposits in the Żelazny Most Tailings Storage Facility (Poland). The primary objective of this study was to estimate the settlements of tailings under variable deposition conditions. The results were assessed using two methods: indirect and direct; this was based on cone penetration test (CPTU) results. The results were verified using Modified Cam Clay (MCC) modeling. Depending on the type of test, settlements ranged from several dozen centimeters to over three meters. Despite the observed differences, the results of both CPTU methods indicate a convergent trend in tailings behavior. Conversely, the results estimated using the direct method and numerical modeling demonstrate a high level of agreement.

An Evaluation of Wireless Network Security with Penetration Testing Method at PT PLN UP2D S2JB

Advances in information and communication technology continue to grow over time. This causes significant changes in social, economic, and political conditions. One company that requires strong network security is PT PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara) Persero, which is a leading energy company in Indonesia. In this case, the need to evaluate network security at PT PLN is very important. This evaluation will help identify vulnerabilities and security gaps that exist in PT PLN's network infrastructure. This network security evaluation using the Penetration Testing Execution Standards (PTES) method can provide an overview of the vulnerabilities or weaknesses of the network system at PT PLN UP2D S2JB which has quite a lot of gaps to exploit. This is evidenced by the results of fifteen tests conducted, only two of which failed, namely in the type of attack The Rogue Access Point. The results of Penetration Testing are very necessary and important as feedback for system managers in fixing existing vulnerability gaps.

Analysis of wetability properties for kraft paper and corrugated cardboard

Corrugated cardboard and kraft paper are widely used in the packaging industry, providing versatility of use and protection for products. The analysis of the wettability properties of these materials is extremely important, as it allows us to understand how they react to humidity. This research aimed to study the wettability properties of corrugated paper (PO) and kraft paper in order to expand knowledge about the quality of packaging produced with them. The study was conducted in the laboratory using corrugated cardboard (PO) with waves of type "A", "B", "C" "E" and kraft paper obtained from coils with and without coating. The wettability tests performed were total immersion, absorption time and drop penetration method. The collected data was interpreted using descriptive and graphical analysis generated by the R program. The research concluded that for the total immersion test, both materials absorbed more water in the vertical position. In the droplet absorption and penetration time tests, cardboards with type “E” waves showed the highest results when compared to other materials, providing a superior barrier for products that will be transported in boxes of this type. Furthermore, the coated Kraft paper also demonstrated good performance for drop penetration testing, confirming the coating's effectiveness as a moisture barrier.

Feature analysis of precipitation-induced subgrade defects on a high-speed rail ballasted track using multiple track inspection data: A case study

Heavy rainfall has posed a great challenge to the service performance of high-speed rail (HSR) substructure, resulting in a reduction in the ride quality and safety of high-speed trains. To carry out proper repair work for the substructure, it is imperative to realize efficient identification of precipitation-induced subgrade defects. To this end, this paper aims to extract the features of typical precipitation-induced subgrade defects from the multiple track inspection data to provide a basis for defect identification. Firstly, the geotechnical site investigation including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) detection, moisture content test, and dynamic cone penetration (DCP) test of a typical defective spot is performed to determine the condition of the subgrade after heavy rainfall; then, the analysis methods of track inspection data are introduced; finally, the track geometry data and carbody acceleration data of four typical defective sections are analyzed, and the time-domain, frequency-domain and discrete wavelet transform (DWT)-based features which are highly correlated with the precipitation-induced subgrade defects are extracted. The results show that the feature indexes extracted from track surface irregularity and carbody vertical acceleration increase significantly after heavy rainfall; the long wavelength components (8 m and above) of both track irregularity and carbody vibration are more sensitive to the subgrade defects, which is reflected by the sharp increase of the DWT-based features at some levels corresponding to long wavelength ranges. The results of defect feature extraction based on the track inspection data agree well with the geotechnical site investigation results, which demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing multiple track inspection data to identify the typical precipitation-induced subgrade defects.

Ultrafast Carbothermal Shock Synthesis of Wadsley–Roth Phase Niobium‐Based Oxides for Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractWadsley–Roth phase niobium‐based oxides show potential as anode candidates for fast‐charging lithium‐ion batteries. Traditional synthesis methods, however, usually involve a time‐consuming calcination process, resulting in poor production efficiency. Herein, a novel carbothermal shock (CTS) method that enables the ultra‐fast synthesis of various Wadsley–Roth phase Nb‐based oxides within seconds is introduced. The extremely rapid heating rates enabled by CTS alter the reaction mechanism from a sluggish solid‐state process to a swift liquid‐phase assisted one and drive the chemical reactions away from equilibrium, thereby generating abundant oxygen vacancies and dislocations. Theoretical calculations reveal that oxygen vacancies significantly lower the energy barrier for Li+ diffusion and enhance the intrinsic electronic conductivity. Moreover, dislocations help convert the surface tensile stress arising from Li+ intercalation into compressive stress, effectively improving the structural integrity during cycling. Notably, this approach can also be applied to synthesize LiFePO4 cathode materials under ambient conditions, eliminating the requirement for inert atmospheres. Consequently, the CTS‐synthesized Nb14W3O44||LiFePO4 battery demonstrates reversible structural evolution validated by in situ XRD and exceptional cycling ability (e.g., 0.0065% capacity decay per cycle at 4 A g−1 over 3000 cycles). Importantly, the Nb14W3O44||LiFePO4 configuration also shows enhanced thermal stability in the Ah‐level pouch cell nail penetration test, confirming its feasibility.

Durability properties of lightweight concrete with ceramic mould casting waste

As economies and industrialisation have grown, the foundry industry has produced a significant amount of ceramic mould casting waste (CMCW). To promote resource utilisation, this study investigates recycling CMCW as a partial replacement for lightweight aggregates in lightweight concrete. The durability of lightweight concrete mixes with varying CMCW content was studied using surface electrical tests, ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements, non-steady-state accelerated chloride penetration tests and carbonation resistance experiments. The results indicate that a lightweight concrete containing 80% CMCW exhibited greater density and uniformity, greater resistance to chloride ion penetration and better resistance to carbonation. These findings suggest that CMCW can be an effective and sustainable replacement for lightweight aggregate in lightweight concrete, improving durability and environmental performance. This research contributes to the development of sustainable construction materials and provides insights for the use of CMCW in the foundry industry.

Investigation on One-Component Waterborne Epoxy Emulsified Asphalt (OWEEA) Used as Bonding Material

Due to the issue of weakened adhesion between ultra-thin surface overlays, higher demands have been placed on bonding layer materials in practical engineering. This study proposed a method for preparing a one-component waterborne epoxy resin-modified emulsified asphalt (OWEEA) and explored the impact of different ratios on its performance. The basic physical and mechanical properties of the OWEEA, as well as its rheological characteristics, were investigated through penetration tests, softening point tests, ductility tests, tensile tests, and dynamic shear rheological tests. Pull-out tests and shear tests considering different substrates were used to evaluate the interfacial bonding performance of the OWEEA as a bonding layer material, and comparative analysis was conducted with conventional waterborne epoxy resin-modified emulsified asphalt. Based on microscopic testing and analysis, the laws of physical and chemical changes and secondary curing characteristics of the one-component waterborne epoxy emulsion (OWE) during the modification of emulsified asphalt were elucidated. The results indicated that the OWE prepared in this study significantly enhanced the tensile strength and bonding properties of emulsified asphalt. The results showed that the tensile strength, bonding strength, and shear strength of the OWEEA increased from 0.15 MPa, 0.36 MPa, and 0.35 MPa to 0.55 MPa, 1.29 MPa, and 2.01 MPa, respectively. The modification effect of the OWEEA surpassed that of conventional waterborne epoxy emulsion, albeit with a certain reduction in elongation at break, reduced from 1551% to 98%. Furthermore, the OWEEA showed a distinct secondary curing phenomenon. The results of the SEM tests showed that high temperatures accelerated the formation of the crosslinked network structure of OWE, promoting its integration with emulsified asphalt and resulting in a more uniform and dense structure, significantly enhancing bonding strength in a short period. In the actual road construction process, laying hot-mix asphalt mixtures on the bonding layer can further enhance its curing effect and improve its bonding performance.

Identification of geotechnical units in soil exploration through principal component analysis and clustering

AbstractObtaining accurate information on soil characteristics is essential for large‐scale construction projects. Geotechnical exploration methods are commonly used to obtain information on soil characteristics. However, integrating the characteristics obtained through different exploration methods can be challenging. To address this problem, this study proposes the use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to combine geotechnical variables obtained from cone penetration tests (CPT), standard penetration tests (SPT) with soil sampling, and Suspension PS Logging tests. PCA and clustering analysis were applied to the data collected from a study area, and the results were highly effective in identifying the stratigraphy and soil type, leading to the definition of geotechnical units. This approach provides valuable information for geotechnical engineering projects, enhancing the accuracy of stratigraphic investigations and improving our understanding of soil characteristics and their influence on construction projects. Moreover, the proposed technique can be applied in other areas and different types of soils, making it a valuable tool for evaluating soil characteristics.

Effect of nano-TiO2 on physical and rheological properties of asphalt cement

Abstract In recent years, nano-modified asphalt has gained significant attraction from researchers in the design of asphalt pavement fields. The recently discovered Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) are among the most exciting and promising nanomaterials. This study examines the effect of 1, 3, 5, and 7% of nano-TiO2 by weight of asphalt on some of its rheological and hardened properties. The experimental study included physical and rheological properties. The asphalt penetration, softening point, ductility, and rotational viscometer tests indicate that 5% nano-TiO2 is the ideal amount to be added to bitumen as a modifier. The study of the rotating viscosity test showed that the addition of nano-TiO2 helped to increase viscosity and lessen bituminous sensitivity. Rutting factor in terms of G*/sin δ indicated the addition of 3 to 7% of nano-TiO2 increased the rutting resistance of asphalt against higher temperatures and promoted performance grade by about one grade at 3% and two grades at a range of 5–7% this suggests that nano-TiO2 increased the stiffness of the asphalt and leading to enhance the rutting performance of asphalt. While fatigue parameter, G*.sin δ shows that as nanocontent increases, higher stiffness at 5 and 7% of TiO2 content leads to an increase in complex modulus and a decrease in fatigue parameter. Higher creep stiffness and higher m-values were noted at low temperatures as nano increases in asphalt binder, increasing stiffness and decreasing the m-value at −6 and 12°C. As a result, using 5% nano-TiO2 will improve asphalt’s physical properties and enhance asphalt anit-rutting and fatigue resistance.

Industrial Application of AI-Based Assistive Magnetic Particle Inspection

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) is one of the most used methods in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), allowing precise and robust defect detection on industrial-grade manufactured parts. However, human controllers perform this task in full black environments under UV-A lighting only (with safety glasses) and use chemical products in a confined environment. Those constraints tends to lower control performance and increase stress and fatigue. As a solution, we propose an AI-based assistive machine (called “PARADES”) inside the hazardous environment, remotely manipulated by a human operator, outside of the confined area, in cleaner and safer conditions. This paper focuses on the development of a complete industrial-grade AI machine, both in terms of hardware and software. The result is a standalone assistive AI-based vision system, plug-and-play and controller-friendly, which only needs the usual power supply 230 V plug that detects defects and measures defect length. In conclusion, the PARADES machines address for the first time the problem of occupational health in MPI with an industrial standalone machine which can work on several parts and be integrated into current production lines. Providing cleaner and healthier working conditions for operators will invariably lead to increased quality of detection. These results suggest that it would be beneficial to spread this kind of AI-based assistive technology in NDT, in particular MPI, but also in Fluorescent Penetrant Testing (FPT) or in visual inspection.

A Proposed Framework of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) in Cloud Computing Environments from Penetration Tester Perspective

Penetration testing is a process that focuses on finding security vulnerabilities in a target environment that could let an attacker penetrate the network or computer system or steal information. Due to the COVID-19 endemic, most employees still implement working from home or a hybrid approach, even though the number of new cases of COVID-19 is decreasing. However, working from home depends mainly on cloud computing applications that help employees efficiently accomplish their daily work. This situation also increased the number of data generated from various sources, so they may be exposed to different security risks. This research will propose a framework to conduct vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) in cloud service models such as SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS from the perspective of penetration testers. This proposed framework is developed through the integration and mapping of existing frameworks and guidelines to conduct VAPT on testing components such as web applications, APIs, network testing, etc. In this proposed framework, the method of conducting VAPT for each cloud service model will be discussed in detail, from the planning and reconnaissance stage until the report is delivered to the cloud subscriber or cloud provider. An advantage of this proposed framework for the penetration tester is that there is still a lack of methods or guidelines for conducting VAPT that cover all the cloud service models in one comprehensive document

Navigating the Cyber Kill Chain: A modern approach to pentesting

The Cyber Kill Chain is a strategic model that outlines the stages of a cyberattack, from initial reconnaissance to achieving the final objective. This framework is often mirrored in penetration testing (pentest), a legal and authorized simulated attack on a computer system performed to evaluate its security. By understanding the steps in the Cyber Kill Chain, penetration testers can mimic the strategies of malicious attackers, exploring vulnerabilities at each stage of the chain. This approach allows organizations to evaluate their defensive measures across the full spectrum of an attack, identifying weaknesses and enhancing their security protocols accordingly. In essence, the Cyber Kill Chain provides a roadmap for pen-testers to systematically evaluate an organization's cyber defences. The research method of this article involves a systematic analysis of the Cyber Kill Chain model, examining how penetration testers can employ this strategic framework to emulate the tactics of malicious attackers and identify methodology at each stage of the chain.

“Dirclustering”: a semantic clustering approach to optimize website structure discovery during penetration testing

“Dirclustering”: a semantic clustering approach to optimize website structure discovery during penetration testing

Thermal and mechanical properties of a sustainable bio-flax fibre-based lightweight aggregate concrete

A novel lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) or lightweight concrete (LWC) is developed using expanded perlite powder and lightweight expanded clay aggregate as a replacement for conventional fine and coarse aggregates, respectively. Furthermore, the natural plant-based flax fibre in treated form was added to the LWC mix at three different volume fractions. The mechanical and thermal characterisation of LWC was carried out using the compressive strength test, split tensile test, modulus of rupture, thermal conductivity and thermal resistance test. Moreover, the microstructural and durability properties were obtained using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectrum analysis, rapid chloride penetration test, sorptivity test and water absorption test. Test results reveal that the addition of 2.0% flax fibre resulted in improved mechanical, thermal and durability properties when compared to LWC with no fibres. Moreover, the microstructural analysis using SEM revealed the formation of ettringite which is responsible for the strength development in the LWAC mix.

Pengumpulan Informasi pada Situs Web Dengan Menyusun Kerangka Kerja Keamanan Siber NIST

In the current era, the rapid development of websites has made them one of the most significant modern information media. Website creation is not only focused on the design and information presented, but also focuses on security aspects. The presence of security on a website is very important, considering the need to protect the data and information contained therein. Information Gathering is one method used to test a website's security. This information gathering is the earliest stage to obtain ownership and other sensitive information. This research aims to conduct security testing of the oase.poltektegal.ac.id website using tools in the form of penetration testing software; then, the testing results are entered into the cybersecurity framework issued by N.I.S.T. The test results obtained and adjusted to N.I.S.T. Cybersecurity are that the oase.poltektegal.ac.id website has vulnerabilities in the form of CVE-2003-1418 (apache webserver vulnerability), CVE-2005-3299 (PHP vulnerability), CVE-2010-4344 ( Buffer Overflow Vulnerability), CVE-2007-6750 (XSS). The solution to this vulnerability is updating the software and closing unused ports. These results will be used as a benchmark in creating or improving similar websites to increase awareness and vigilance in achieving cyber resilience

Research on the Strength Damage and Permeability Characteristics of Cemented Paste Backfill under Chlorine Salt Erosion and Dry–Wet Cycles

Cement paste backfill (CPB) suffers serious damage and deterioration under the dual erosion conditions of the dry–wet cycle caused by the high chloride salt concentration in mine water and the fluctuation of mine water level. In order to discuss the mechanical properties and permeability characteristics of CPB under erosion, this study designs an immersion experiment for CPB under chloride salt and dry–wet cycle conditions. Through a uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) test, the change law for the mechanical parameters of the CPB was investigated, the strength constitutive equation of the CPB was constructed and the deterioration process of the CPB was analyzed. The penetration test was used to investigate the diffusion characteristics of the packing under chloride salt and dry–wet cycle conditions. The results showed that the strength and Young’s modulus of the CPB initially increased and then rapidly decreased, with maximum decrease rates of 32.2% and 38.2%, respectively. The CPB structure exhibits an initial undamaged stage, an initial damaged stage, a damaged development stage, a damaged destruction stage and a residual damaged stage. The chloride ion penetration depth gradually increased with the number of dry–wet cycles, with a maximum diffusion depth of 20.5 mm. The maximum apparent diffusion coefficient of chloride ion was 18.99 × 10−10 m2/s, and the maximum concentration was 0.303 mol/L. Under the double erosion conditions of chloride salt and dry–wet cycle, the CPB structure was severely damaged.

Analytical analysis of spherical cavity expansion considering particle breakage effect of sand and its application for CPT tests

Particle breakage in sand significantly influences the stress and deformation predictions of the spherical cavity expansion theories. However, existing theories often overlook or lack a quantitative description of particle breakage, leading to significant errors in the actual results. Based on the Simple Critical State Sand (SIMSAND) model, considering the particle breakage effect, the traditional Euler’s problem of the drainage spherical cavity expansion is converted into a set of first-order ordinary differential equations described by Lagrangian. Fontainebleau sand is taken as an example, and the influence of the initial stress of the sand on the stress state and void ratio is studied. An analysis of the relative breakage surrounding the cavity reveals that the primary impact zone extends to a distance thrice the expansion radius. An axisymmetric model of the cone penetration test is established, the analytical and numerical solutions of expansion stress and cone tip resistance are analysed and the correctness of the spherical cavity expansion theory is verified. Furthermore, the cone tip resistance results, derived from the theory of spherical cavity expansion, are consistent with the results of numerical calculations. Notably, when the particle breakage effect is not considered, the calculated results of cone tip resistance significantly increase.

Sedimentary and stratigraphic architecture in the geoarchaeological context of Late-Holocene deposits in the eastern coastal plain of Belgium: Zwin region – Hoeke

A sedimentary investigation was carried out into the rise and fall of mediaeval Bruges’ maritime access. Because the mediaeval metropolis had no direct connection with the North Sea, its maritime connectivity during the High- and Late-Middle Ages depended on a tidal channel, known as the ‘Zwin’. In order to reconstruct the mediaeval physical environmental situation correctly, the entire Holocene sedimentary record was studied through undisturbed mechanically-drilled cores and electrical cone penetration tests (CPT-e). A detailed sedimentary analysis was complemented with radiocarbon dating and datable archaeological finds to resolve a timeframe for the sedimentary evolution. Tidal channel systems with diverse morphologic and sedimentologic characteristics prevail and cover a period from at least the Roman period till the Late-Middle Ages. The presence of a single peat layer directly on top of the Pleistocene substrate and the stratigraphic position of the tidal channel deposits relative to this peat layer, proves that no seawater entered this part of the Belgian coastal plain before the Late-Holocene. The tidal channel system that was active during the heydays of Bruges (the Zwin) was the last natural one. It silted up due to a further reduction of the accommodation space as a consequence of new embankments, possibly expedited by storms.