High-speed Operation Research Articles

Discrete Element Analysis of the Dynamic Mechanical Characteristics of Ballasted Track on Bridges Under Train Loading

The operation and service performance of ballasted track on bridges face significant challenges due to high-speed railway train operations. To investigate the mechanical characteristics of ballasted track on bridges, field experiments were conducted. A coupling model of ballasted track on a simply-supported girder bridge was established using the coupling method of discrete element and multi-flexible body dynamics and analyzes the changes in ballast bed settlement deformation, stiffness and energy with increasing load cycles. The findings reveal that dynamic loading alters the original contact state of ballast particles, displaying notable anisotropy vertically and longitudinally and isotropy horizontally. The vibration of ballast particles on bridges is more pronounced than on the subgrade, with vibration acceleration under the sleeper at 150[Formula: see text]mm depth on the bridge being 2.89 times that on the subgrade foundation. As the system stabilizes, the interlocking effect among granular ballast particles strengthens, reducing mutual sliding and increasing ballast bed stiffness by approximately 7.8–9.5% compared to the initial state, while total energy and dissipated energy gradually decrease. It is recommended to monitor the quality of ballast particles under the sleeper of ballasted tracks on bridges, implement vibration mitigation measures, or periodically replace ballast particles.

Time-encoded photonic quantum states: Generation, processing, and applications

Encoding and processing quantum information in the time-of-arrival of photons offer significant advantages for quantum information science and technology. These advantages include ease of experimental realization, robustness over photon state transmission, and compatibility with existing telecommunication infrastructure. Additionally, time-of-arrival encoding has the potential for high-rate quantum communication and holds promise for the future development of quantum internet. This review explores the generation, processing, and applications of time-encoded quantum states, focusing on both single-photon states, energy–time entanglement, and time-bin entanglement. We summarize the nonlinear optics platforms and advanced laser and modulation techniques utilized for photon sources that enable quantum information encoding onto the photons' time-of-arrival. We also highlight advanced quantum state processing methods in the time domain, including the Franson interferometry, optical switch-based schemes, and state-of-the-art measurement and detection schemes that allow for high-speed and multi-dimensional quantum operations. Finally, we review the mainstream implementations mainly including the quantum communication demonstrations and outline future directions for developing practical quantum networks leveraging time-encoded photon states.

Enabling Fast Photoresponse in Hybrid Perovskite/MoS2 Photodetectors by Separating Local Photocharge Generation and Recombination.

Interfacing CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) with 2D van der Waals materials in lateral photodetectors can suppress the dark current and driving voltage, while the interlayer charge separation also renders slower charge dynamics. In this work, we show that more than one order of magnitude faster photoresponse time can be achieved in MAPbI3/MoS2 lateral photodetectors by locally separating the photocharge generation and recombination through a parallel channel of single-layer MAPbI3. Photocurrent (Iph) mapping reveals electron diffusion lengths of about 20 μm in single-layer MAPbI3 and 4 μm in the MAPbI3/MoS2 heterostructure. The illumination-power scaling of Iph and time-resolved photoluminescence studies point to the dominant roles of the heterostructure region in photogeneration and single-layer MAPbI3 in charge recombination. Our results shed new light on the material design that can concurrently enhance photoresponsivity, reduce driving voltage, and sustain high operation speed, paving the path for developing high-performance lateral photodetectors based on hybrid perovskites.

Effect of Induced Wheel and Impeller Inlet Diameter on the Hydrodynamic Performance of High-speed Centrifugal Pumps

The high-speed centrifugal pump plays a crucial role in fields such as aerospace and petrochemical industries, owing to its characteristics of elevated rotational speed and high head. During high-speed operation, the centrifugal pump is prone to cavitation, which alters the fluid flow state within the pump, leading to vibrations, noise, and a sudden decrease in pump head and efficiency. Simultaneously, the collapse of cavitation bubbles generates impact pressure that can damage the pump's internal flow components, significantly reducing its operational lifespan and causing severe consequences. Moreover, under constant-flow conditions, the absolute and relative velocities of the fluid at the impeller inlet are functions of the suction pipe diameter. Therefore, there exists an optimal value for the impeller inlet diameter to enhance the centrifugal pump's resistance to cavitation. Similarly, the different geometric and structural parameters of the inducer also influence the hydraulic performance of the centrifugal pump. The focus of this study is on the external characteristics and internal flow patterns of an optimized high-speed centrifugal pump. In this paper, the entire flow field of the model pump is numerically simulated using ANSYS CFX software. The performance and overall flow field state of the high-speed centrifugal pump under different impeller configurations and inlet diameters are explored. The influence of blade wrap angle and inlet diameter on the high-speed centrifugal pump is revealed, providing a theoretical basis for subsequent optimal design.

Practice and validation of inversion of seismic source localisation based on genetic algorithm

As the mining depth of coal resources increases, resulting in frequent mine earthquakes during mining. In this study, the rolling window ratio method is firstly chosen as the seismic phase recognition method to read the mine earthquake data received by the microseismic sensor. Secondly, the improved genetic algorithm is used as the optimization algorithm of the objective function to build the algorithmic framework of accurate inverse localization of mine earthquake. Finally, the accuracy of the algorithm for seismic source localization is verified based on actual engineering cases. Results show that the first arrival time extraction by the rolling window ratio method has the advantages of high accuracy and fast algorithm operation speed. The Fast Fourier Transform-Butterworth joint noise reduction method has a good noise reduction effect, which successfully suppresses the noise outside the mine earthquake signal and effectively improves the problem of much noise in the mine earthquake signal. Compared with the microseismic monitoring date, the mine earthquake localization error is within 5%.

Analysis of tooth root three-dimensional fatigue crack initiation, propagation, and fatigue life for spur gear transmission

The gears in aviation gear systems are susceptible to fatigue fracture due to high-speed, heavy-load, and load alternation operating conditions. Therefore, a numerical calculation model with multiple mesh positions loading form has been proposed in this paper to analyze the fatigue crack initiation and propagation behavior, and to estimate the fatigue life of these gears. The fatigue life of the gear is determined by separately calculating the fatigue crack initiation life and the fatigue crack propagation life. The tooth root fatigue stress and the fatigue initiation life are calculated by the multi-axial fatigue life prediction method with the Smith-Watson-Topper criterion and the critical plane method. Afterwards, the tooth root stress–strain field is calculated in Finite element (FE) software and the stress intensity factors of the crack tip are calculated in three-dimensional (3D) crack analysis software. Then, the tooth root fatigue crack propagation trajectory and the fatigue crack propagation life are obtained separately. Finally, the influence mechanism of the loading conditions, the geometry parameters of gears, and the initial crack positions on the tooth root fatigue crack initiation life, propagation life, and fatigue crack propagation trajectory are analyzed, and a tooth fatigue test bench is built for verifying the crack propagation trajectory.

A Study on Ways to Expand the Speed Operation Range of Dental Laboratory Handpiece Motors Using Low-Cost Hall Sensors

In the dental prosthetics field, BLDC micro-motors are primarily used for implant procedures. As dental materials become increasingly harder, there is a growing demand for higher performance motors to precisely process these materials. However, difficulties in motor development arise due to price competitiveness. Dental motors require capabilities such as low-speed, high-torque for drilling operations and high-speed rotation for precise machining of high-strength dental materials. Additionally, there is a requirement to address thermal issues to prevent user burns due to motor-generated heat. Typically, motors requiring precision control utilize high-resolution position sensors like encoders or resolvers to acquire and control the rotor’s position. However, the high cost of these sensors and constraints such as increased device size pose challenges in maintaining price competitiveness. In this paper, we propose a control algorithm that satisfies the requirements for low-speed, high-torque and high-speed operation requirements for precision machining without hardware modifications using a BLDC micro-motor equipped with an inexpensive Hall sensor commonly used in the dental field. Furthermore, the algorithm is designed to ensure stable operation even in the event of Hall sensor failure or malfunction, and its effectiveness is validated through experiments.

Research on safety control technology of high-speed railway combined test based on threatening event analysis

PurposeSafety management is a key point and poses a challenge in joint testing. To detect and address potential accidents' hidden dangers early, this paper conducts research on the safety control technology for high-speed railway joint tests by incorporating the concept of hazardous events.Design/methodology/approachAiming at ensuring the safety of high-speed railway combined inspections and trials, this paper starts from the dual prevention mechanism. It introduces the concept of threatening events, defines them and analyzes the differences between threatening events and railway accidents. The paper also proposes a cause model for threatening events in high-speed railway combined inspections and trials, based on three types of hazard sources. Furthermore, it conducts research on the control strategies for these threatening events.FindingsThe research on safety control technology for high-speed railway combined operation and testing, based on the analysis of threatened events, offers a new perspective for safety management in these operations. It also provides theoretical and practical support for the transition from passive prevention to active risk pre-control, which holds significant theoretical and practical value.Originality/valueThe innovation mainly includes the following three aspects: (1) Building on the traditional dual prevention mechanism, which includes risk hierarchical management and control as well as hidden danger investigation and management, a triple prevention mechanism is proposed. This new mechanism adds the management of threatening events as the third line of defense. The aim is to more comprehensively identify and address potential security risks, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of security management. (2) In this paper, the definition of a railway threatening event is clarified, and the causative model of a high-speed railway threatening event based on three kinds of danger sources is proposed. (3) This paper puts forward the control strategy of the high-speed railway combined operation and trial, which includes five key links: identification, reporting, analysis, rectification and feedback, which provides a new perspective for the safety management of the high-speed railway combined operation and trial and has important theoretical and application value.

RGB-Single-Chip OLEDs for High-Speed Visible-Light Communication by Wavelength-Division Multiplexing.

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been developed for high-speed transmitters of visible-light communication (VLC) but so far the possibility of direct fabrication of multiple colors on a single substrate has not been exploited for multi-Gbps data transmission. Very fast red-, green-, and blue (RGB)-emitting OLEDs are developed on a single substrate to realize high data transmission speed by wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). -6dB electrical bandwidth of over 100MHz is achieved for all colors by selecting fluorescent materials with nanosecond emission lifetimes and little overlap between their emission spectra and incorporating them into OLEDs designed for high-speed operation. Optical microcavities in top-emitting OLED structures are used to minimize spectral overlap. A record data transmission rate for an OLED transmitter system of 3.2Gbps is demonstrated, by transmitting data with the 3 colors simultaneously and separating each data by dichroic mirrors. The results show that WDM with integrated RGB pixels is a useful way to increase the data transmission rate of a VLC system based on OLED transmitters, which has the potential to enable multi-gigabit transmission by displays. The availability of high-speed multiple-color devices as developed here also expands applications of OLEDs for spectroscopy, sensing, and ranging.

Thermal-gas-elastic coupling modeling and performance analysis of foil cylindrical gas film seal considering speed slip, temperature jump and shaft misalignment

Abstract The Compliant foil cylindrical gas film seal is an advanced sealing technology designed for high-speed and high-temperature conditions in a jet engine. Its design involves using a compliant foil to create a cylindrical sealing surface, achieving adaptive sealing in environments with high pressure differences and rotational speeds. For high-speed and high-temperature operation, a speed slip flow model was established by considering film slip flow, wall temperature jump, foil deformation, and gas viscosity-temperature thermal effects. The variations in the lubrication performance of the foil cylindrical gas film seal with changes in shaft misalignment directions, misalignment angles, and operating parameters were investigated. The speed slip leads to a decrease in gas film lift and an increase in leakage. The wall temperature jump phenomenon caused by speed slip leads to a 2.56% decrease in film temperature. The shaft misalignment angles on the high-pressure and low-pressure sides have different impacts on the flow field, with film pressure and temperature differing by 66.78% and 11.19%, respectively.

Study on the Effect of Cracks in Diaphragm Couplings on the Dynamic Characteristics of Shaft System

Diaphragm couplings are prone to developing diaphragm cracks under prolonged high-speed operating conditions, which can lead to degradation in the performance of the transmission system and affect the dynamics of the shafting system. To investigate the effects of diaphragm cracks on the dynamics of couplings and the shafting system, a finite element model of a diaphragm coupling with a crack failure is established using ANSYS finite element software to analyze the time-varying characteristics of the diaphragm coupling’s angular and radial stiffness. A shaft dynamics model of the diaphragm coupling with a crack is developed using Timoshenko beam elements to analyze the impact of different crack lengths and locations on the dynamics of the shafting system. The validity of the dynamic model for a diaphragm coupling with a crack is verified through a constant speed experiment conducted on a rotor test bench. The results indicate that diaphragm crack failure causes a change in the periodicity of the time-varying stiffness of the diaphragm coupling, leading to a distinct 2× component appearing in the frequency domain of the transmission shaft system.

Laser assembly of CeO2 nanobrushes and their resistive switching performance

Memristors in a metal/oxide/metal configuration emerge as an advanced non-volatile information storage technology due to their high operating speed and low power consumption. Understanding the role of the microstructure of the active oxide layer in its resistive switching (RS) performance is scientifically important for revealing the conduction mechanism of oxides, and technically critical for the development of high-performance memristors. Here, self-assembly of vertically aligned CeO2 nanobrushes, a typical RS material, is demonstrated in pulsed laser epitaxy. The growth map of CeO2 is fully explored, and optimized growth conditions for CeO2 nanobrushes are established. Microstructure and crystallinity characterizations reveal the single-crystalline epitaxy nature of CeO2 nanobrushes. A nanobrush memristor exhibits a threshold switching feature with an On/Off ratio of 50, as 16 times high as a thin-film memristor, and excellent endurance of up to 500 cycles and retention time of up to 104 seconds. Theoretical fitting of the I-V curves of the thin-film and nanobrush memristors show interfacial switching in the thin-film memristor and filamentary switching in the nanobrush memristor. The distinct RS mechanisms between thin films and nanobrushes suggest the fundamental role of the structural design of active oxide layers in the RS performance of oxide-based memristors.

Stochastic matrix multiplier using superconductor single-flux-quantum circuit

Abstract A superconducting single-flux-quantum (SFQ) circuit is suitable for stochastic computation that represents information in terms of the probability of “1”s in a finite-bit-length number train, due to its high-speed operation. In this paper, we demonstrate a matrix multiplier based on the SFQ logic circuits and superconductive random number generators (SRNGs). The stochastic multiplier required for the matrix product calculation is implemented using an AND gate. The stochastic adder is implemented by a multiplexer where the random number train generated by the SRNG is utilized as a control signal. We implemented 2 × 2 matrix multiplier targeting a frequency of 50 GHz, using the 10 kA/cm^2 Nb 4-layer superconductor circuit fabrication process.

Cryogenic quantum computer control signal generation using high-electron-mobility transistors

Multiplexed local charge storage, close to quantum processors at cryogenic temperatures could generate a multitude of control signals, for electronics or qubits, in an efficient manner. Such cryogenic electronics require generating quasi-static control signals with small area footprint, low noise, high stability, low power dissipation and, ideally, in a multiplexed fashion to reduce the number of input/outputs. In this work, we integrate capacitors with cryogenic high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) arrays and demonstrate quasi-static bias generation using gate pulses controlled in time and frequency domains. Multi-channel bias generation is also demonstrated. Operation at 4 K exhibits improved bias signal variability and greatly reduced subthreshold swing, reaching values of ~6 mV/decade. Due to the very low threshold voltage of 80 mV at 4 K and the steep subthreshold swing, these circuits can provide an advantage over the silicon-based complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor equivalents by allowing operation at significantly reduced drive bias in the low output voltage regime <1 V. Together with their high-speed operation, this makes HEMTs an attractive platform for future cryogenic signal generation electronics in quantum computers.

Visible-wavelength and monostatic coherent transceiver with independent second harmonic generation on transmitted and local lights using commercially available lithium niobate phase modulator for fundamental wavelength

We propose what we believe to be a new monostatic coherent transceiver at visible wavelength using a commercially available lithium niobate (LiNbO3) phase modulator (LNPM), which is capable of high-speed, wide-bandwidth, and multi-functional operation. The proposed coherent transceiver needs successful heterodyne detection with independent second harmonic generation (SHG) on transmitted and local lights. Experimental proof of the above-mentioned heterodyne detection is shown. The proof of concept for the application to continuous-waves coherent Doppler lidar (CW-CDL) is shown in both free-space and underwater sensing. Preliminary experiment regarding high-speed and wide-bandwidth modulation is additionally shown.

Superconducting cable with energy storage function and its potential for next-generation power system compatible with large-scale renewable energy installation

Abstract The mass introduction of renewable energy is essential to realize a sustainable society. On the other hand, when photovoltaic (PV) and wind power generation are used as main power sources in a power system, it is indispensable to compensate for their severe output fluctuations up to the rating of the power system; however, this is difficult to achieve with conventional energy storage devices alone. To solve this problem, we have proposed a superconducting cable with energy storage function and its use in a DC power system. This cable provides large inertia to the power system without the need for additional energy storage equipment; as a result, the power system itself become capable of high-speed and high-power compensating operations for output fluctuations from renewable energy sources. This paper summarizes our recent works on this research topic: an overview of the proposal, conceptual design of the cable, experimental verification of the principle, and positive effects on the energy use efficiency of renewable energy. For example, an experiment with the use of a small model cable showed the capability of high-speed charge–discharge operations at a high power up to the rating of the microgrid. It was also showed that such a function was indispensable for real-time use of electric power from PV power generation resulting in significant enhancement of energy use efficiency of renewable energy. These results suggest that this concept hold the key to next-generation power systems enabling massive use of renewable energy in the future society.

Design of SRAM cell using an optimized D-latch in quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) technology

A newer nanoscale technology called quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) has been used by researchers to design digital circuits in place of the more traditional complementary metal–oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This recent development in the technology change is due to the problems faced by CMOS technology in terms of power consumption and physical limitations. The advantages of QCA technology over CMOS technology are high density, low power consumption, high-speed operation, and less footprint area. This research provides a novel circuit for D-latch and static random access memory (SRAM) cells based on QCA technology. Initially, a D-latch circuit is proposed with a layout area of 0.01 μm2, a 0.5 clock cycle delay (latency), and a cell count of 18 QCA cells. Furthermore, an SRAM cell is proposed using the same D-latch circuit, which uses cell counts of 26 QCA cells and contributes to a layout area of 0.02 μm2 with a 0.75 clock cycle delay (latency). It is observed that our proposed circuits have a smaller layout area, fewer QCA cell counts, and a lower clock cycle delay (latency) than existing circuits.

Time-delay feedback control on vertical vibration of maglev train under unsteady aerodynamic force

The stability and safety of maglev trains are significantly affected by unsteady aerodynamic forces during high-speed operation. In this paper, we employ a time-delay feedback control strategy to suppress the nonlinear vertical vibrations of maglev train under periodic unsteady aerodynamic force. Firstly, the amplitude-frequency response equation of the maglev vehicle is derived using the multiple scales method, and the stability of the steady-state solutions is determined. Then, the influences of velocity feedback gain coefficient and velocity time delay on the nonlinear vibrations of the maglev vehicle are investigated. The optimal value range of the time delay is identified. The results demonstrate that the time delay feedback control can effectively suppress the nonlinear vibration of maglev vehicles and enhance their operational stability under the premise of reasonable selection of time delay parameters. The theoretical research presented in this paper can serve as a theoretical reference for the design, improvement, and optimization of control systems for high-speed maglev trains.

Numerical study on flow field of high-speed train passing through a new type of station

With the growing demand for efficient travel, tunnels are being lengthened and train speeds are being increased. High-speed subway brings new challenges to the flow environment of tunnel. Additionally, the emergence of express trains passing through stations without stopping has an enormous impact on the tunnel's and the station's flow field. This study focuses on a new type of station (NS) with overtaking and avoidance lines, allowing slow trains to stop for passengers to get on and off, while express trains pass through without stopping. The study analyzes pressure variation and wind speed when express trains pass through the NS without stopping. Different train speeds are taken into account. Based on this, the enhancement of station ventilation by utilizing the piston winds generated by express trains passing through NS is investigated. The air exchange effect and energy savings of the NS are explored. The results indicate that enhancing station air exchanges by fully utilizing piston wind saves about 190.68 kWh/day in mechanical ventilation energy consumption. This study contributes to the improvement of subway station construction and the advancement of subway train development. It can offer data assistance and theoretical direction for high-speed train operations.

Prediction and analysis of interior sound quality of high-speed trains based on XGBoost

This paper primarily investigates the objective quantification of subjective perceptions of sound quality in high-speed trains. The study measures and analyzes the sound quality in high-speed trains under high-speed operating conditions and calculates psychoacoustic parameters. A subjective evaluation of the interior sound quality is conducted using the grading scale method. An Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm is utilized to construct a predictive model for sound quality in high-speed trains and get high predictive accuracy for sound quality evaluation. Employing AI-based evaluation models to evaluate the sound quality in high-speed trains offers a more effective method for studying the interior sound quality of high-speed trains.