Equivalent Force Research Articles

New insights into icephobic material assessment: Introducing the human motion–inspired automated apparatus (HMA)

The impact of winter on exposed structures and transportation poses significant dangers and costs to various industries, particularly the transportation sector. Icephobic surfaces are currently being developed to reduce winter-related impacts. Creating such surfaces requires considering various factors, including reducing and preventing ice accumulation, significantly decreasing ice adhesion, and/or delaying water solidification. Although established methods such as centrifugal force and push-off tests exist for measuring ice adhesion, the results may not always correlate or offer the needed information for specific applications. To better assess icephobic properties, we have developed a novel device called the human motion–inspired automated apparatus (HMA) that mimics manual de-icing performed by humans in a scraping mode. The primary objective of the HMA is to emulate human removal of ice-covered surfaces, providing a more realistic evaluation of icephobic properties according to the ease of ice removal. This apparatus aims to revolutionize icephobic material assessment by offering improved accuracy, repeatability, and versatility in testing. We developed a unique procedure using low icing conditions, which are challenging to evaluate using conventional methods, and assessed four surfaces: aluminum as a reference, an epoxy-based hydrophilic coating, a hydrophobic silicone elastomer coating, and a hydrophobic epoxy–silicone coating. Our HMA characterizes surfaces according to several crucial parameters, including the normal force required to initiate ice scraping removal, the maximum force achieved, the angle of attack, and the equivalent force, all consistent with validation tests conducted by humans. Among the evaluated surfaces, the silicone coating required the lowest normal force, and the epoxy–silicone coating had the lowest maximum and equivalent forces. Our HMA results align well with validation tests conducted by humans. The HMA enables evaluating various critical icing conditions and promises a broad range of applications in research and development.

A short-circuit protection scheme for active distribution networks based on improved adaptive current reliability coefficient

Abstract Addressing the issue of misoperation in traditional three-zone current protection caused by the assisted, drawdown, or reverse current due to the large-scale integration of distributed generation (DG) into distribution networks (DNs), an adaptive current short-circuit protection scheme based on local information is proposed for active DNs (ADNs). Firstly, the adaptive current protection reliability coefficients are improved for the setting of protection zones I and II of the lines in the ANDs. On the DG side, an improved reliability coefficient is constructed using an e-exponential function. Subsequently, the distance between the fault point and the busbar is calculated by analyzing the relation between the positive-sequence voltage and positive-sequence current at the measuring point when faults occur at various locations. Based on this distance parameter, the reliability coefficient is adjusted in real time. Finally, the modified adjustable reliability coefficient, along with the online-calculated equivalent impedance and equivalent electromotive force, is used to coordinate the setting of short-circuit protection zones I and II of the lines in the ADNs. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared with traditional adaptive current protection schemes, this proposed scheme is independent of the location of short-circuit fault points, the grid-connected capacity, or the number of DGs, exhibiting better selectivity and reliability.

An experimental and numerical investigation into the influence of wind effects on wind turbines with tubular towers

This study delves into investigating the profound impact of wind loads on the structural integrity of wind turbines. To comprehensively assess the influence of wind loads, a two-pronged approach was adopted: first, a meticulously crafted 1/100 scale model was employed within a wind tunnel, and second, advanced numerical simulations based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were conducted. Moreover, the study takes into account the intricate factor of turbine proximity in the wind tunnel setup. The design of the tower structure takes into consideration an array of loads, including lateral and gravitational forces. Notably, a substantial load arises from the rotational force generated by blade motion, which exerts its effects on the structure. Calculations of this force were executed using ABAQUS software. This multifaceted analysis involves the application of angular velocity to the blades, subsequently enabling the computation of time-dependent support reactions via dynamic numerical analysis employing the Newmark method. Furthermore, the study encompasses the determination of static equivalent forces. It is noteworthy that the maximum displacement experienced by the structure coincides with the initial phase of blade movement.

Fatigue Assessment of Pier Structures Under Dynamic Forces

Pier structures in port and fishing harbor facilities require dynamic analyses during the design phase to account for external dynamic forces because of their high flexibility. Dynamic forces are frequently approximated as equivalent static forces for design purposes in practical engineering applications, but the fluctuational effects induced by these dynamic forces can be neglected. As the frequency range of wave forces acting on pier structures (0.05–1.0 Hz) significantly overlaps with the typical natural frequency range of pier structures (0.25–4.0 Hz), the response of a pier structure can be amplified because of the dynamic effects of the waves. In this study, we conducted a dynamic analysis by applying wave forces—a representative dynamic load—to a pier structure. The results were compared with those from a static analysis. A fatigue life assessment, which is often overlooked in static analyses, was also performed. The findings indicated that the concrete at the connection between the upper pier and steel piles exhibited a fatigue life of 27.3 years. The steel piles exhibited fatigue lives of 27.1 and 8.3 years depending on the weld details, falling short of the expected structural durability. Based on these results, recommendations for pier structures are proposed.

Equivalent spring-like system for two nonlinear springs in series: application in metastructure units design

AbstractThe paper deals with the problem of design of unit in auxetic metastructure. The unit is modeled as a two-part spring-like system where each part is with individual stiffness. To overcome the problem of analyzing of each of parts separately, the equivalent spring is suggested to be introduced. In the paper, a method for obtaining the equivalent elastic force of the unit is developed. The method is the generalization of the procedure suggested for substitution of a hard and a soft spring in series with an equivalent one. The nonlinearity of original springs is of quadratic order. As a results, it is obtained that the equivalent elastic force for two equal springs remains of the same type as of the original springs (soft or hard). For two opposite type springs in series with equal coefficients, the equivalent force is soft. The method is applicable for any hard and soft nonlinear springs or spring-like systems. Thus the hexagonal auxetic unit which contains a soft and a hard part in series is analyzed. In the paper, a new analytic method for determination of the frequency of vibration for the unit under action of a constant compression force acting along the unit axis is introduced. The method is applied for units which contain two parts: hard–hard, soft–soft, hard–linear, soft–linear and opposite. The obtained approximate vibration results are compared with numerically obtained ones and show good agreement. The advantage of the method is its simplicity as it does not require the nonlinear equation of motion to be solved.

Stationary scattering for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with point-like obstacles: exact solutions

AbstractWe solve the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation (NLSE) in 1D in presence of one, two and several Dirac delta potentials. With the help of an equivalent central force problem we obtain the analytical solutions in terms of a biparametric family containing the Jacobi functions. Elliptic Jacobi functions are already reported in the literature but they have not been used in the context of a scattering problem under causal boundary conditions. In the simplest examples of one or two Dirac deltas we analyze how the nonlinear term of the equation affects the modulus and phase profiles of the wave function. We also study the transmission curves under the nonlinear modification of the tunneling behavior for the first time. For a Fabri-Perot configuration made of two deltas, we obtain the effect of nonlinear coupling in the positions of the local maxima (resonances). We lay the foundations for nonlinear Anderson localization of 1D BECs in a speckle field. Upon redefinition of parameters these novel results describe the dynamics of a stationary Higgs field in 1D. Finally, we discuss the conditions for soliton formation under the influence of a Dirac comb potential, giving rise to fully correlated locations and intensities of the defects.

Coupled thermo-electric-elastic piezoelectric vibration energy harvester with axial movement: Modeling, verification, and analysis

Abstract In the field of rail transport and aerospace field, vibration energy harvesting is inevitably subjected to coupled excitations, including train wheel-track interaction induced friction heat and forced vibration, periodic thermal radiation, and vibration excitation. This paper investigates a coupled thermo-electric-elastic piezoelectric vibration energy harvester with axial movement under external heat flux and mechanical force load. The coupled forced vibration equation, coupled electric equation, and coupled thermoelastic heat conduction equation are derived and solved by Green's function theory. To analyze the effect of excitations on the response characteristics, the decoupled method is utilized to solve the coupled multi-field equations and obtain the displacement, electric, and temperature distribution closed-form solutions. The displacement coupling effect induced temperature distribution and the thermo-electric coupling effect triggered displacement are respectively decoupled and analyzed. The obtained closed-form temperature distribution and displacement solutions are verified by the finite element method. To further verify the obtained solutions, a numerical method is conducted by decoupling the coupled multi-field equations and comparing them with prior solutions. Additionally, the different height-to-length ratios, axially moving speeds, and external force load are analyzed in detail. The results indicate that the displacement, temperature distribution, and output voltage vary with external conditions due to the coupled multi-field effect. Overall, this work investigates the thermo-electric-elastic coupling effect on the axially moving piezoelectric energy harvesting, which is beneficial to promote theoretical investigations of the coupled multi-field energy harvesting system and accelerate the practical applications in the aerospace field.

Analysis and Simulation of Spur Gear System Considering Geometric Eccentricity

Geometric eccentricity errors inevitably occur in gear systems, resulting in the center of mass and center of rotation not coinciding. During the gear meshing process, the gear center distance and gear tooth meshing condition will change with time. In this paper, a model considering geometric eccentricity is proposed and a finite element model of the gear pair is developed. Finally, the dynamic response under different eccentricity and initial eccentricity angle is discussed. Based on Ansys, the simulation calculation of the gear pair is carried out, and the equivalent force maps of the dangerous areas of the gear tooth flanks are obtained.

Drifts of the substellar points of the TRAPPIST-1 planets

Accurate modeling of tidal interactions is crucial for interpreting recent JWST observations of the thermal emissions of TRAPPIST-1 b and c and for characterizing the surface conditions and potential habitability of the other planets in the system. Indeed, the rotation state of the planets, driven by tidal forces, significantly influences the heat redistribution regime. Due to their proximity to their host star and the estimated age of the system, the TRAPPIST-1 planets are commonly assumed to be in a synchronization state. In this work, we present the recent implementation of the co-planar tidal torque and forces equations within the formalism of Kaula in the N-body code Posidonius. This enables us to explore the hypothesis of synchronization using a tidal model well suited to rocky planets. We studied the rotational state of each planet by taking into account their multi-layer internal structure computed with the code Burnman. Our simulations show that the TRAPPIST-1 planets are not perfectly synchronized but oscillate around the synchronization state. Planet-planet interactions lead to strong variations on the mean motion and tides fail to keep the spin synchronized with respect to the mean motion. As a result, the substellar point of each planet experiences short oscillations and long-timescale drifts that lead the planets to achieve a synodic day with periods varying from $55$ years to $290$ years depending on the planet.

Three-Dimensional Site Response Analysis of Clay Soil Considering the Effects of Soil Behavior and Type

To understand changes in bedrock motion at the ground surface, frequency effects, and spatial distribution within the soil, it is important to look at how a site responds to earthquakes. This is important for soil–structure interaction in structural and geotechnical earthquake engineering. This study deals with the effect of classifying clays according to shear wave velocity (stiff/medium/soft) and nonlinearity in behavior (linear/nonlinear) on the analysis of the site response. A 3D soil model with a combination of free fields and quiet boundaries and advanced constitutive models for soil to obtain accurate results was used to conduct this study. A strong TABAS earthquake was used to excite the compliant base of the model after converting the velocity record of TABAS to an equivalent surface traction force using a horizontal force–time history proportional to the velocity–time history. This study reveals that the site response analysis is affected by the type of clay soil and the soil material behavior, with soft clay soil causing higher PGV and PGV values in the linear case and lower values in the nonlinear case due to soil yielding, which causes soil response attenuation. This results in extremely conservative and expensive building designs when linear soil behavior is adopted. On the other hand, the applied earthquake exhibits greater attenuation at longer frequencies and greater amplification at mid and short frequencies. However, at frequencies near the applied earthquake frequency, neither attenuation nor amplification occurs. Furthermore, nonlinear soil behavior is crucial for soil evaluation and foundation design due to higher octahedral shear strain and settlement values, especially in softer soils, resulting from extensive plastic deformation.

On peridynamic acoustics

We consider a nonlocal (peridynamic) version of the classical forced wave equation. This scalar three-dimensional equation contains a weight function (the “micromodulus”) and a length parameter (the “horizon”) that have to be selected. We investigate various properties (the locality limit as the horizon shrinks, plane waves and group velocity), paying attention to how these properties depend on the choice of the micromodulus. We solve the forced peridynamic equation in the static case (avoiding divergent integrals) and in the time-harmonic case (with a radiation condition, when needed).

Numerical analysis on performance evaluation of photovoltaic thermal systems using ternary hybrid nanofluids and forced convection around copper cylinders

This study evaluates the performance of a photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) system using forced convection and ternary hybrid nanofluids, comprising water with cobalt, zinc, and silver. The PV/T system includes a glass absorber, polycrystalline silicon, and a flow channel with eight copper cylinders, positioned at 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, and 80 % along the channel, both above and below the flow path for optimal thermal conductivity. The working fluid is modeled under turbulent, steady-state conditions using the κ−ε turbulence model.Numerical simulations via COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 evaluate the system's thermal and fluid dynamics, focusing on local Nusselt numbers and photovoltaic cell thermal efficiency compared to a baseline. The investigation spans Reynolds numbers from 10,000 to 100,000, nanoparticle volume fractions of 1 %–20 %, and aspect ratios of 0.1–0.3. The aspect ratio in this study is defined as the ratio of the height of a square obstacle within the flow channel to the total height of the flow channel. A supervised machine learning framework develops predictive regression models for system analysis. Results show fluid force at the outlet increases by about 1200 % and 1300 % for aspect ratios of 0.1 and 0.3 as the Reynolds number rises. The Nusselt number enhances by 420 % and 466 % at a 20 % nanoparticle volume fraction for aspect ratios of 0.1 and 0.3, respectively, with a 9 % improvement in photovoltaic cell efficiency. This work uniquely applies machine learning to derive regression equations for fluid force, Nusselt number, and electrical efficiency, an approach not previously explored in laminar flow studies.

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of tungsten alloy prepared by laser directed energy deposition

Tungsten heavy alloys (WHAs) are widely applied across military, medical, and other advanced industries. Laser-directed energy deposition (LDED) is an innovative approach to fabricate WHAs with intricate microstructures. This study explored the manufacturing processes and forming characteristics of three distinct tungsten alloy compositions to elucidate the microstructural formation mechanisms and performance evolution of WHAs prepared by LDED. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis revealed the occurrence of heterogeneous nucleation and dendritic precipitation in supersaturated solid phases across different alloy compositions. By applying the drag force equation derived from the two-phase flow theory, the Gaussian energy distribution inherent to the LDED process, and the low flowability of WHAs, this study reveals the microstructural layering mechanisms within LDED-produced samples. Through process optimization, 90W samples that exhibited an ultimate tensile strength of 1093MPa and elongation of 16.8% were obtained. In situ mechanical testing revealed that the reduced elongation of the WHAs produced by LDED is due to their unique fracture mechanism driven by the interconnection of cracks between fractured tungsten particles. However, by incorporating smaller W particles and optimizing the gap ratio, the stress concentration can be effectively mitigated and crack propagation can be curtailed, thereby significantly enhancing elongation.

Experimental and theoretical examination and development of methods to calculate required pull force in wire drawing

Wire drawing is one of the oldest and most common cold metal forming processes. Wire is drawn through a single die or a set of conical dies to make it longer and stronger. In the drawing die there are three geometrical parameters that affect the drawing force: die diameter, die angle and bearing length. The force required to pull the wire through the drawing die has been investigated numerous times over the years and new drawing force equations have been developed. However, some of today’s most widely used equations do not include the influence of the bearing length. In this paper the most common methods to calculate the drawing force are evaluated by means of wire drawing experiments and finite element studies. From the results, a novel equation for calculating the drawing force is proposed. The proposed equation is dependent on the bearing length and was compared with experiments and validated using finite element simulations with promising results.

On the analytical soliton approximations to damping forced Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation arising in dissipative nonthermal magnetized plasma

Abstract This paper aims to analyse the nonlinear characteristics of ion-acoustic solitary waves (IASWs) in a plasma system that is collisional and homogeneous in nature. The system under consideration comprises positive ions, negative ions, and nonthermal electrons and is influenced by an ambient magnetic field. To analyse the system, we utilize the reductive perturbation technique (RPT) and obtain the damped forced Zakharov-Kuznetsov (DFZK) equation. The DFZK equation provides a solitary wave solution when an external periodic force is present. Through numerical analysis of DFZK, we have observed that different parameters, e.g., the nonthermal parameters (r,q), the direction cosine, the temperature ratio of a positive ion to an electron, the temperature ratio of a negative ion to an electron, the density ratio of a negative ion to a positive ion source strength, and the source frequency, affect the phase velocity and the structures of IASWs significantly. This finding could help clarify the plasmas observed in the D- and F-regions of Earth's ionosphere, as well as in laboratory experiments where pair ions and nonthermal electrons are key characteristics.

A Comparison of Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials via Audiometric and Nonaudiometric Bone Vibrators.

There is limited evidence demonstrating the ability of audiometric bone vibrators to elicit ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs). The RadioEar B71 bone vibrator has insufficient power output to reliably evoke oVEMPs, which has previously left nonaudiometric and nonmedically approved devices such as the Brüel & Kjær Mini-shaker 4810 as the only feasible alternative. The newer RadioEar B81 model has a higher power output than its predecessor, but evidence for its suitability for eliciting oVEMPs has so far been mixed. This variability may be due to factors other than simply the power output, such as whether sufficient static force is applied to hold the transducer in place and transfer vibratory energy into the bone. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that bone-conducted oVEMPs can be obtained with the B81 that are equivalent to those from the Mini-shaker, the de facto gold-standard transducer for this response, when the outputs of the two transducers are matched and they are coupled with sufficient static force. oVEMPs elicited by both transducers were recorded in a counterbalanced within-groups design. Sixteen healthy adults (12 female; 22-47 years) with no history of hearing, balance, or neurological disorders were included in the study. One-cycle alternating tone-burst stimuli at 500 Hz were delivered to the mastoid from each transducer. The vibratory force levels were matched at 127 dB peak-to-peak equivalent force levels, and both were held in place with a static force around 10 N. oVEMP waveforms were gathered from the contralateral eye using the belly-tendon montage and were assessed for statistical equivalence. There was an absence of any statistically significant difference in N10 and N10-P15 amplitudes in oVEMPs from each transducer. Our results indicate that B81 can elicit oVEMPs with no meaningful differences to those from the Mini-shaker, provided effective stimulus levels are matched and static force is sufficient. Although further work is necessary to investigate equivalence at other stimulus frequencies and stimulation sites, the results support the use of the B81 to elicit 500Hz oVEMPs at the mastoid in a clinical setting.

Thermal performance of nanofluid natural convection magneto-hydrodynamics within a chamber equipped with a hot block

In this study, flow and free convection thermal performance within a chamber in the presence of a permanent magnetic field are simulated. Boussinesq approximation and the Lorentz force equation are used for the density variation in free convection, and the magnetic field, respectively. The steady-state, two-dimensional, and incompressible governing equations are simulated using the Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equations (SIMPLE). The present study is simulated for different Rayleigh numbers (Ra) corresponding to the situation where the conduction mechanism was predominant (Ra = 100) and the convection heat transfer was predominant (Ra = 105). Also, different intensities of the magnetic field (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 40) and different directions of the magnetic field along with the effects of three different nanoparticles Ag, Cu, and Al2O3 are given. The present study showed that in the case of the dominant convection mechanism, the presence of the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) condition decreases the Nusselt number (Nu). However, if the conduction is predominant, the applied magnetic field improves the average Nu number. The optimum state for the magnetic field strength was found in the low Rayleigh number. The presence of nanoparticles also intensifies the magnetic field effects. In the high Rayleigh number, the heat transfer rate reduces by 13.5% with the increase of the Hartmann number.

Two-dimensional analysis of electrical behavior in composite semiconductor shell structures with magnetic field tuning

To precisely investigate the electric properties and reveal the intrinsic interaction mechanisms between multiple fields in the composite magneto-electric-semiconductor shell structure, two-dimensional analyses were conducted within the framework of the third-order shear deformation theory and the coupled field theory. The governing equations for the composite piezoelectric semiconductor (PS) shell structures were derived using the principle of virtual work. Field distributions of the composite PS shell structures were obtained by expanding basic field quantities into Fourier series along the width direction and using the differential quadrature method. Prior to analysis, the convergence and correctness of the adopted method were evaluated. Several numerical examples were presented to demonstrate how magnetic manipulation can tune electrical behavior. It was found that inhomogeneous shear strain induced by applied magnetic fields is the key factor affecting potential variation in the composite PS shells. The appearance of potential barriers and wells in the composite PS shell structure with an opposite c axis is explained thoroughly. Additionally, the effect of magnetic field non-uniformity on the composite PS shell structure was investigated using an equivalent body force model, offering valuable insights for designing thin-film devices.

Machine learning-based prediction of statically equivalent seismic forces in pin-supported cylindrical reticulated shells

Reticulated shells exhibit complex vibrations during earthquakes, encompassing components in horizontal and vertical directions, and multiple vibration modes occur. In particular, single-layer reticulated shells with a small depth relative to their span exhibit many vibration modes, and the shapes of these modes can vary depending on the geometry. The method for rapidly setting equivalent static seismic forces remains unexplored. In response to the above background, this study proposes a novel approach for calculating the seismic forces on single-layer reticulated shells using machine learning techniques. The shells in focus are pin-supported cylindrical reticulated shells, typically for the roofs of gymnasiums used as evacuation facilities during severe earthquakes in Japan. Machine learning uses numerical analysis results for approximately 20,000 shells, with varied spans, half-open angles, and aspect ratios. A method for preprocessing the principal vibration modes as image data is proposed, after which the imaged vibration modes are predicted from the shape parameters of the shell using a neural network. The prediction accuracy is analyzed, and a method for rapidly calculating seismic loads based on combining predicted vibration modes is proposed. These seismic loads are compared with the response spectrum method results, and their effectiveness is discussed.

Modeling of nonequilibrium effects in a compressible plasma based on the lattice Boltzmann method

A magnetohydrodynamic lattice Boltzmann method (MHD-LBM) model for a 2D compressible plasma based on the finite volume scheme is established. The double distribution D2Q17 discrete velocities are used to simulate the fluid field. The hyperbolic Maxwell equations, which satisfy the elliptic constraints of Maxwell's equations and the constraint of charge conservation, are used to simulate the electromagnetic field. The flow field and electromagnetic field are coupled to simulate a compressible plasma through the electromagnetic force and magnetic induction equations. Four typical cases, the Taylor vortex flow, strong blast, Orszag–Tang vortex, and one-dimensional Riemann problems, are simulated to validate the MHD-LBM model for a compressible plasma. It is found that shock waves widely exist in a compressible plasma, and strong nonequilibrium effects exist around each shock wave. The quantitative simulation for the Brio–Wu problem demonstrates that this model can easily obtain the physical characteristics of nonequilibrium effects at sharp interfaces (shock waves and detonation waves). The magnetic fields can affect the magnitudes to which the system deviates from its equilibrium state. The viscosity can increase the magnitudes to which the system deviates from its equilibrium state. Compared with existing compressible MHD, these results for nonequilibrium effects can provide mesoscopic physical insights into the flow mechanism of a shock wave in a supersonic plasma.