High Temperature Loading Research Articles

High temperature in-situ 3D monitor of microstructure evolution and heat transfer performance of metal foam

Metal foams with excellent mechanical properties and low effective thermal conductivity (ETC) are widely used in high-temperature components. The 3D microstructure evolution under high-temperature loading is complex. The deformation mode and ETC at high temperature of metal foams are determined by the microstructure at different stress and the parent material properties. In this paper, high-temperature in-situ micro X-ray computed tomography (μ-CT) compressive test was performed to monitor the 3D microstructure evolution and failure mechanism of closed-cell Al foams at 300 ℃. High-fidelity material twin models were then generated from the in-situ μ-CT scans under various high-temperature loadings to calculate the corresponding ETC of the foams. The effects of the applied strain and corresponding 3D microstructure on the ETC were discussed based on experimental and simulation results. The results reveal that the 3D porosity and ETC evolution of foam compressed at 300 °C are bilinear. A compressive strain of 30 % was identified as a critical strain, beyond which both porosity and ETC change dramatically with increasing strain. Finally, a theoretical model based on the Kelvin tetrakaidecahedron was developed to reveal the effect of microstructure evolution caused by compressive strain on the ETC of foams.

Analysis of the features of the operating conditions of modern gas turbine blades and review of methods for determining their high-temperature strength parameters

The subject of the study is modern methods and materials for the manufacture of gas turbine blades, as well as approaches and methods for assessing their dynamic and static strength under high-temperature loading. The first purpose of the article is to describe the main methods of manufacturing turbine blades, provide examples of the materials used and the features of their crystal structure. The second purpose of the article is to review approaches to ensuring the dynamic and static strength parameters of single-crystal turbine blades, in particular, to avoid dangerous resonance modes, to study the parameters of anisotropic creep, high-temperature fatigue life, and long-term strength. The goal of the article is to highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of existing methods, approaches and techniques for assessing and ensuring high-temperature strength parameters of turbine blades under static and dynamic loading, in order to select the objectives of further research. Methods used to create the publication: methods of analysis and comparison, which were used to search and compare open literature sources of information in accordance with the purpose of the article, as well as the method of deduction, which was used to identify the main shortcomings of existing methods for assessing the high-temperature strength of gas turbine blades under static and dynamic loading to outline the goals of further research. The following results have been obtained. Literature sources related to the methods of manufacturing turbine blades, namely, directional crystallization and single-crystal casting, were analyzed. The advantages of single-crystal alloys for the manufacture of turbine blades, namely increased heat strength, heat resistance, fatigue strength, durability and crack resistance, are emphasized. The main modern methods for assessing the high-temperature strength of gas turbine blades with regard to the anisotropic characteristics of single-crystal alloys are analyzed and described. Conclusions. This publication presents information about gas turbine blades, in particular, provides meaningful information about the methods of their manufacture, as well as the materials used to produce them. The study analyses and identifies the main damaging effects on gas turbine blades during their operation. The material describes the achievements of scientists who have developed numerical and experimental methods for assessing the impact of the anisotropic characteristics of single-crystal nickel heat-resistant alloys on the fatigue strength, durability and creep of turbine blades.

Чисельно-експериментальне дослідження високотемпературної багатоциклової втомної міцності монокристалічних лопаток газових турбін

The subject of the research is anisotropic single-crystal turbine blades of aircraft gas turbine engines (AGTE), as well as their multi-cycle fatigue strength characteristics at high temperatures. The goal of this study was to determine the endurance limit of single-crystal high-pressure turbine blades of an AGTE at high temperatures of 820°C. The objective of the study is to develop a method for calculating and experimentally investigating the characteristics of high-temperature multi-cycle fatigue strength of gas turbine blades made of single-crystal nickel heat-resistant alloys. The research methods used are: method of computer modelling, which was used to create a 3D model of a cooled high-pressure turbine blade; finite element method, which was used to determine the stress-strain state of the blade according to the selected form of resonant vibrations; strain and resonance methods, which were used to determine the fatigue strength characteristics of single-crystal turbine blades under high-temperature loading. The following results were obtained. Literary sources describing theoretical and experimental methods for determining the strength characteristics of blades under combined dynamic and high-temperature loading were analyzed. The developed special installation for testing turbine blades under conditions of temperature and dynamic (resonant) loading was described. A combined method for assessing the multi-cycle fatigue strength at high temperatures is proposed, which includes studies on full-scale turbine blades and finite element calculations. The dynamic and temperature characterization of single-crystal turbine blades selected for the study was carried out and described. Fatigue tests were performed to determine the endurance limit of the blades at a high temperature equal to T = 820 °C. Conclusions. The scientific novelty of the obtained results is as follows. A specialized experimental setup was developed to study the endurance limit of single-crystal AGTE blades under high-temperature loading. A method for combining numerical (ANSYS) and experimental (field tests) study of high-temperature multi-cycle fatigue strength of turbine blades made of single-crystal heat-resistant alloys was developed. The direction of further research is presented.

Investigation of mechanical and tribological properties of NiCrAlY/ZrO2-Y2O3 coatings obtained by detonation spraying

In this study, multilayer gradient NiCrAlY/ZrO2-Y2O3 coatings obtained by detonation spraying in 1D (spot sputtering) and 2D (full-surface scanning sputtering) modes were investigated. The structure of coatings was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersion analysis, mechanical properties (hard- ness, modulus of elasticity) were determined using various techniques. The tribological characteristics of the coatings including abrasion resistance and coefficient of friction were also studied. It was determined that the coatings consist of alternating layers of NiCrAlY and ZrO2-Y2O3, creating a multilayer gradient structure. It was found that the NiCrAlY layers act as a bonding element, providing interlayer adhesion, and the ceramic ZrO2-Y2O3 layer serves as a thermal barrier protecting the substrate from high temperature loads. It was found that the coatings in 2D mode have high microhardness compared to coatings in 1D mode. It was deter- mined that the hardness of coatings smoothly increases from the substrate to the surface layers due to the gra- dient increase in the content of ceramic materials. It was found that coatings obtained in 2D mode have better wear resistance and lower coefficient of friction compared to coatings in 1D mode, indicating the greater effi- ciency of coatings in dry friction conditions and their ability to prevent wear of the substrate material.

Exergy analysis of hybrid air-conditioning systems with different evaporative-cooling condensers under hot-humid climates

Evaporative cooling (EC) technology can effectively improve the energy efficiency of the mechanical vapor compression (MVC) system by enhancing the heat exchange capacity of its condenser. However, the current evaporative-cooling condenser system is usually only equipped with a single-stage evaporative cooler as the precooling unit, and these designs are mainly suitable for hot-dry conditions. In this study, three hybrid air-conditioning systems with different two-stage evaporative-cooling condenser configurations were proposed, one is single-condenser type and the other two are dual-condenser type, which are used to improve the exergy performance and adaptability of the evaporative condenser system under hot-humid climates. Then, the all systems were modeled via the distributed parametric method and analyzed comparatively based on the exergy method. A suitable exergy reference temperature at air saturation was discussed. Finally, the effect of four key parameters (ambient temperature and relative humidity, outdoor airflow rate and room heat load) was studied. The results showed that under the high temperature, relative humidity or room heat load conditions, the hybrid systems have a low exergy efficiency ratio (EXR) and high exergy efficiency (ηx,OEC). Among them, the newly countercurrent dual-condenser configuration (MVC-TSEC(C)) exhibits the best exergy performance under most hot-humid conditions. Compared to the conventional MVC system, the EXR and ηx,OEC of MVC-TSEC(C) increased by at most 35.0 % and 78.2 %, respectively. Moreover, its components like compressor, condenser and expansion valve have the maximum reduction rates of exergy destruction of 43.5 %, 17.2 % and 55.3 %, respectively.

Experimental study on bond behavior of corroded reinforced concrete under coupling effect of fatigue load and elevated temperature

The bond properties of corroded reinforcing bars in concrete are mainly determined by the failure time and ultimate capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. In this study, 98 cube specimens were used to study the corrosion effect on the bond failure mechanism of RC structures under transient high temperature. Firstly, an electrification accelerated corrosion test was carried out to fabricate the corroded specimen with various corrosion degrees (0 %, 5 %, 10 %, and 15 %). Secondly, the undamaged specimen was conducted by pull-out test at ambient temperature to obtain the initial bond strength, and then a transient temperature test under sustained load was also performed to analyze the effects of different load ratios, concrete strength, and corrosion degrees on the bond behavior. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) was conducted to verify the damage level by comparing the interfacial transition zone. Test results indicate that the coupling effect of corrosion, fatigue load, and high temperature increases the carbonization level of the specimens and reduces the concrete compressive strength after bonding damage. The ultrasonic pulse velocity decreases with increasing corrosion degree and sustained load level and decreases with increasing concrete strength grade. Under the coupling effect of corrosion, high temperature, and sustained load, the bonding failure time is significantly affected by the sustained load ratio, and the failure slip is determined by corrosion and temperature. Finally, an empirical slip-location constitutive model was proposed, incorporating the sustained load ratio, corrosion degree, and temperature. The accuracy of the predicted model agrees with the error requirement, and the constitutive model provides a theoretical basis for the collapse warning of corroded structures under fire.

Study on damage of CRTS II slab tracks in coated-uncoated transition zones subjected to temperature and train loads

The CRTS II ballastless track is sensitive to temperature due to its longitudinal continuity. The application of reflective insulation coating can efficiently lower the temperature of the track slab, thereby decelerating track deterioration. Given the considerable length of high-speed railway lines, the application of reflective insulation coatings leads to numerous transitions between coated and uncoated sections. This study investigates the influence of reflective insulation coatings on the structural damage of coated-uncoated transition zones in railways. To this end, a CRTS II slab track model involving the bilinear cohesive zone model and the concrete plastic damage model is established. The model examines the combined impact of high temperature and train loading, aiming to investigate the damage patterns within the coated-uncoated transition zone of the track. The results indicate: (1) During high temperature loading, the center of the track slab layer is predisposed to warping compared to the sides. (2) If the cohesion parameter falls below 0.04 MPa, augmenting the cohesion model parameter effectively alleviates track slab arching. (3) In instances where the track slab lacks complete coverage of reflective insulation coatings, train loading may shift the location of the maximum vertical displacement and interface failure mode.

Stress relaxation assessment of high-temperature bolts under combined biaxial loads: Theory and simulation

Estimating bolt stress within high-temperature bolted connection systems is crucial for determining bolt preload and assessing bolt assembly integrity. This work proposes a theoretical model for estimating high-temperature bolt load under combined tension, bending, torque, and shear loads, considering the characteristics of bolt stress distribution and relaxation. To assess the model's accuracy, finite element analysis was employed to examine the impact of various creep parameters and load combinations on bolt stress relaxation. The results indicate that the introduction of bending moments, torque, and shear loads accelerates axial stress relaxation in bolts. Under a high-temperature load for 300,000 h, the stress relaxation predicted by the theoretical model aligns well with the results from finite element analysis.

On thermo-mechanical buckling of porous bi-directional functionally graded plates using isogeometric analysis

The combined thermal and mechanical loads usually lead to buckling failure of key structures in various engineering fields. It is found that porous functionally graded structures can be used to reduce and evenly prevent potential impact on the stability of structures from extremely high temperature loads. In this paper, we employ the isogeometric analysis (IGA) method to investigate the thermo-mechanical coupling buckling behaviors of porous bi-directional functionally graded (PB-FGM) plates with porosity. The material properties such as Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and thermal expansion coefficient are assumed to be linearly dependent on the x-axial and z-axial coordinates. Such a gradient property can be easily realized by changing the porosity distribution. Based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), the thermo-mechanical buckling behaviors of PB-FGM rectangular and circular plates under combined thermal and mechanical loads are numerically studied. This paper elucidates the mechanical mechanism through which gradient indexes, aspect ratios, loading types, and boundary conditions influence the critical thermo-mechanical coupling-induced buckling temperature.

Post-Buckling Behavior of Sandwich Composite Beams Made of FGM Faces and FGP Core Under High-Temperature Loads

Post-Buckling Behavior of Sandwich Composite Beams Made of FGM Faces and FGP Core Under High-Temperature Loads

Thermal shock protection with scalable heat-absorbing aerogels

Improving thermal insulation is vital for addressing thermal protection and energy efficiency challenges. Though silica aerogel has a record-low thermal conductivity at ambient pressure, its high production cost, due to its nanoscale porous structure, has hindered its widespread use. In this study, we introduce a cost-effective and mild method that enhances insulation by incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into a micron-porous framework. With a thermal conductivity at 0.041 W m−1K−1 on par with conventional insulation materials, this PCMs aerogel presents additional advantages for thermal protection from transient high-temperature loads by effectively delaying heat propagation through heat absorption. Moreover, the PCMs aerogel remains stable under cyclic deformation and heating up to 300 °C and is self-extinguishing in the presence of fire. Our approach offers a promising alternative for affordable insulation materials with potential wide applications in thermal protection and energy conservation areas.

Non-uniform variation characteristics of temperature field and corresponding thermal effect of longitudinal continuous slab ballastless track structure

The longitudinal continuous slab ballastless track structure (LCSBTS) easily suffers from interface and joint damage when subjected to extremely high-temperature loads, significantly affecting the running smoothness and safety of high-speed trains. This paper establishes a numerical model of the LCSBTS using the heat transfer principle and real-time shadow technology to replicate the time-varying evolution and spatial distribution of the temperature field. The corresponding thermal effect is obtained based on the sequential thermal-mechanical coupling method. The results show that the temperature variation and the corresponding thermal effect exhibit strong temporal-spatial non-uniformity on the horizontal and vertical planes of the LCSBTS. Solar radiation and heat convection are the dominant factors for the temperature field of the LCSBTS in the daytime and night, respectively, resulting in a higher temperature and greater thermal deformation on the sunny side than on the shady one. The temperature and vertical thermal deformation along the longitudinal direction vary periodically with a specific wavelength between the two adjacent rail support concrete blocks. The thermal deformation increments under the studied non-uniform temperature loads cause an interface damage increment. Finally, the consideration of a non-uniform temperature load produces remarkably different thermal effects from those given by the design temperature load.

Thermal conductivity loss in WC-Co hard metal due to high-temperature cyclic loading damage as a function of microstructure and temperature

Many structures made of WC-Co hard metal are subject to thermo-mechanical loading and have to conduct heat in order to function properly in industrial application. The current work provides results on a significant drop in thermal conductivity of WC-Co hard metals as a function of material volume damage that accumulates during cyclic high-temperature loading of the materials depending on material microstructure. Average WC grain size and Co binder metal content of the investigated grades ranged from submicron to medium and from 10 to 12 wt%, respectively. The hard metals were subjected to uniaxial cyclic loading in a vacuum for different numbers of load cycles at 700 °C and 800 °C. Damage features accumulated in the material volume were documented by means of scanning electron microscopy. Thermal conductivity properties of virgin and damaged materials were determined via laser flash analysis. The results indicated a significant decrease depending on the materials' microstructure, i.e. the defects' predominant location within the microstructure. The damage features that occurred mainly between WC grains in the coarser-grained grade led to larger drops in thermal conductivity with rising temperature compared to damage features that occurred within the Co binder metal in the finer-grained grade. The presented results are of high relevance to the thermo-mechanical load situation of e.g. milling tools since the heat conduction away from their cutting edges is hindered by the documented effect and deemed to lead to a self-acceleration of the damage accumulation.

Structural performance of steel reinforced concrete L-shaped columns in high temperature

This paper presented structural performance of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) L-shaped columns under high temperature and axial load coupling effects. Considering the influence of the axial load ratio (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8), eccentricity (25, 50, 75 and 100 mm), concrete strength (40, 50, 60 and 70 MPa), calculation length (500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mm), the SRC L-shaped columns were tested and analyzed in high temperature conditions. The results demonstrated that: (1) Concrete surface of all specimens was grayish white with many cracks. With the increasing axial load ratio, the number of cracks decreased and crack width increased. (2) The fire resistance decreased by 1.3–15.1 %, 6.1–14.9 %, and 3.8–7.1 % respectively, with increasing axial load ratio, eccentricity, calculation length; the fire resistance increased by 0.7–5.3 % with increasing concrete strength. (3) Axial displacement trend first increased gradually because of the thermal expansion of concrete, and decreased gradually after reaching the maximum axial expansion deformation. With increasing axial load ratio, the maximum axial expansion deformation decreased by 42.4–60.2 %, the time of displacement to reach the maximum expansion deformation decreased by 29.7–57.0 %, and the time of displacement to reach 0 mm decreased by 272.7–366.2 %. Finally, the calculation method for displacement and maximum bearing capacity in high temperature was proposed according to principle of virtual work, which served as a guide for fire evaluation of SRC L-shaped columns.

Study on the influence of void evolution of porous asphalt concrete on acoustic absorption performance under high-temperature loading

This paper investigated the void evolution in porous asphalt concrete (PAC) under high-temperature loading and the resulting decay in acoustic absorption performance. The specimen of PAC-13 with a void content of 20.2 % was designed and loaded with MMLS3 for 0–100,000 cycles at 60℃. Computed tomography techniques were employed to extract the distribution characteristics and structural parameters of voids. Subsequently, the acoustic absorption coefficients were measured at different loading stages. The results indicate that PAC experienced both rapid and gradual reduction phases in air void content under high-temperature loading. After 100,000 cycles of loading, the air void content decreased by 5.44 %, void connectivity decreased by 4.32 %, and the average number of voids in section reduced by 8.30 %. The distribution range of nearly 90 % of void sizes shifted from below 7 mm to below 6 mm after 100,000 cycles. At different loading stages, the void content, average number and average equivalent diameter of connected voids exhibited a positive correlation and similar trends with the absorption capacity of PAC for small vehicle noise. This study provides novel insights and perspectives into the acoustic performance degradation of PAC due to void evolution under high-temperature loading.

Acoustic emission and fracture characteristics of red sandstone after high-temperature treatment

This paper investigated red sandstone’s acoustic emission (AE) and fracture characteristics under high temperature and cyclic load. The specimen’s behavior throughout the process from stabilization to failure was systematically analyzed in terms of the distribution of AE activities, rupture scale, crack type, crack evolution, and failure mode. A crack classification model based on K-medoids and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms was proposed, and the optimal dividing line for tensile-shear cracks at different temperatures was determined as AF=0.335×RA+76.890. The specimen’s failure precursor information was recognized based on the critical slowing down theory.

The response characteristics and damage effects of large LNG storage tanks subject to the coupled effects of explosion shock waves and fire

As the demand and import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) increase, large LNG receiving stations are being constructed. LNG leakage can lead to fire or explosion accidents. The simultaneous occurrence of explosions and fires, often inevitable, is more damaging than the effect of a single load. This study utilizes finite element analysis software LS-DYNA and the ALE algorithm to examine the response characteristics and damage effects on large LNG storage tanks under the combined impact of explosion shock waves and high-temperature loads (with the explosion preceding the fire). The findings indicate that post-explosion, the concrete outer tank's compressive strength diminishes as temperatures rise. The dome deflection of the storage tank's external tank surpasses the standard limit at 400 °C and fails at 600 °C. This research identifies the critical failure mode of the concrete storage tank's outer tank under the joint impact of explosion shock waves and fire. It provides a foundation for the anti-explosion design of such storage tanks.

Integrating phase-change thermal storage into the indirect dry-cooling system of a thermal power unit and optimal operation strategy

Extreme conditions (high ambient temperature and crosswind speed) reduce the cooling efficiency of dry cooling towers, consequently impairing the thermal performance of thermal power units (TPUs). Phase-change material thermal storage equipment (PCMTSE) is integrated into an indirect dry-cooling system of the TPU to realize a partial cooling load of the cooling tower, thereby stabilizing and improving the thermal performance of the TPU. A model of the TPU and numerical model of the hybrid indirect dry-cooling system are established and coupled, with the inlet cooling water temperature of the condenser serving as the iterative criterion. Two integration schemes are proposed, one with the PCMTSE downstream (Scheme A) and the other with it upstream (Scheme B) of the dry cooling tower. The results show that Scheme A is recommended owing to its superior efficiency in terms of coal savings. The effects of the unit power load on the coal-savings efficiency of the PCMTSE during its charging and discharging processes have been revealed. Operating the PCMTSE at higher power loads aids in improving the thermal efficiency of the TPU during the PCMTSE charging and discharging processes. The charging process should be started at the “three high” working conditions: a high ambient temperature, crosswind speed, and unit power load. The working conditions that allow only one cooling water pump to operate should first be considered for the discharging process, and the “three high” working conditions should then be selected. The TPU equipped with the PCMTSE can save 11.42 tons and 12.74 tons of coal in two typical extreme daily conditions with the implementation of the proposed operating strategy.

Research on dynamic sealing performance of sealer structure under the influence of temperature

Affected by the extreme environment of high temperature and high pressure downhole, the mechanical behavior of the sealer rubber sleeve undergoes significant changes during service, leading to a sharp decline in the mechanical properties of the rubber material within the high-temperature environment. To address the issue of seal failure in the sealer rubber barrel under high-temperature loads, experimental investigations were conducted to analyze the compression properties of rubber materials at various temperatures. The constitutive parameters of the rubber were then fitted using the Reduce-Polynomial model. Subsequently, a finite element model was employed to study the sealing performance and mechanical response of the three-compartment rubber-tube structure sealer at different temperatures. The findings demonstrate that temperature fluctuations have a substantial impact on the sealing performance and bearing strength of the sealer. Consequently, this research holds crucial guiding significance for the structural design of the sealer rubber cylinder under high-temperature conditions.

Core-rim structured MXene@SiO2 composites as oil-based additives for enhanced tribological properties

Herein, we have prepared SiO2 particles uploaded MXene nanosheets via in-situ hydrolysis of tetraetholothosilicate. Due to the large number of groups at the edges of MXene, SiO2 grows at the edges first, forming MXene@SiO2 composites with a unique core-rim structure. The tribological properties of MXene@SiO2 as lubricating additive in 500 SN are evaluated by SRV-5. The results show that MXene@SiO2 can reduce the friction coefficient of 500 SN from 0.572 to 0.108, the wear volume is reduced by 73.7%, and the load capacity is increased to 800 N. The superior lubricity of MXene@SiO2 is attributed to the synergistic effect of MXene and SiO2. The rolling friction caused by SiO2 not only improves the bearing capacity but also increases the interlayer distance of MXene, avoiding accumulation and making it more prone to interlayer slip. MXene@SiO2 is adsorbed on the friction interface to form a physical adsorption film and isolate the friction pair. In addition, the high temperature and high load induce the tribochemical reaction and form a chemical protection film during in the friction process. Ultimately, the presence of these protective films results in MXene@SiO2 having good lubricating properties.