Hydraulic Materials Research Articles

Comparison of Selected Properties of Portland Cement Based Materials and Alkali Activated Materials Based on Granulated Blast Furnace Slag

Alkali activated systems are materials formed by alkali-activation of latent hydraulic or pozzolanic materials. The outcome is a polymeric structure with properties comparable to materials based on cement.The principle of the experiment is to compare selected properties of alkali-activated materials based on blast furnace slag and using various types of activator (sodium water glass, potassium water glass, DESIL AL and sodium metasilicate) to binders based on white and Portland cements of the highest quality. The samples were left for one year in environments simulating the conditions in the interior and exterior. Selected physical-mechanical properties were evaluated and compared.

A Numerical Study of Micro Hydro Deep Drawing of SUS304 Sheets

Micro forming is a promising technology and has drawn global attentions due to the urgent requirements on miniaturised products. Micro hydro deep drawing (MHDD) is a typical micro forming method and its products are widely applied in various fields, such as micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), medical and aerospace areas. However, tiny sizes of both products and tools are obstacles to investigate this novel technology. Therefore, finite element method (FEM) is adopted and modified to study the influence of processing parameters on micro drawing process and produced products. In this study, a normal hydro deep drawing model was developed, and then a voronoi blank model was generated to consider the size effects of materials. Additionally, a surface layer model was created based on the voronoi blank model. Therefore, the open and closed lubricant theory can be fulfilled and friction behaviour in MHDD can be considered. Subsequently, different processing parameters, such as hydraulic pressure and material inhomogeneity, were investigated. Simulation results indicate that a proper hydraulic pressure improves drawability and shape accuracy of the drawn cups. Moreover, material inhomogeneity affects the quality of drawn cups.

Dynamic compressive behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V alloy processed by electron beam melting under high strain rate loading

This paper documents an investigation into the compressive deformation behaviour of electron beam melting (EBM) processing titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) parts under high strain loading conditions. The dynamic compression tests were carried out at a high strain rate of over 1×103/s using the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test system and for comparison the quasi-static tests were performed at a low strain rate of 1×10−3/s using a numerically controlled hydraulic materials test system (MTS) testing machine at an ambient temperature. Furthermore, microstructure analysis was carried out to study the failure mechanisms on the deformed samples. The Vickers micro-hardness values of the samples were measured before and after the compression tests. The microstructures of the compressed samples were also characterized using optical microscopy. The particle size distribution and chemical composition of powder material, which might affect the mechanical properties of the specimens, were investigated. In addition, the numerical simulation using commercial explicit finite element software was employed to verify the experimental results from SHPB test system.

Characterization and Provenance of Building Materials from the Roman Pier at San Cataldo (Lecce, Southern Apulia, Italy): a Lithostratigraphical and Micropaleonthological Approach

This study deals with the characterization of building materials used in a monumental pier of Roman age, located at San Cataldo, the main coastal harbour of the Roman town of Lupiae, modern Lecce (Southern Italy). In the manufacture of the outer curtains three different lithologies have been recognized, all comprised in Pietra Leccese Formation, which crops out in a broad geographical area of Salento Peninsula. Microfossils recovered from limestone blocks are used to suggest a provenance for the source-rock. Microfossils include planktonic foraminifera characteristic of the upper Miocene (Tortonian-Messinian) foraminiferal MMi11 (Neogloboquadrina acostaensis Biozone) and MMi13 (Globorotalia miotumida Biozone) biozones. The analysed lithic materials show biostratigraphical characteristics very similar to some samples from Acaya-Struda zone (some 10 km South-West from the ancient harbour): comparative analysis has been performed, supporting a clear identification of the geological origin of limestone blocks. In hydraulic concrete different lithic materials have been used and mixed with a strong mortar. Macroscopic field observation clearly define that limestone clasts, variable in size, derive from the Pliocene Uggiano la Chiesa Formation, that widely crops out locally at San Cataldo; granular fractions of mortar probably derive from beaches and/or sandy dunes, available in the surrounding area, as well.

Heat flow and strength properties of perspective hydraulic binder material

In this work, the results of preparing a novel hydraulic binder material on α-C2SH basis using both chemically pure and natural raw materials are presented, as well as hydration and strength properties of such binders are described. α-C2SH was hydrothermally synthesized at 200 °C for 8 h from reagents (CaO, SiO2·H2O) and for 4 h from natural rocks (decalcinated chalk marl, opoka). DSC and XRD analysis showed that remaining portlandite and part of α-C2SH decompose during 5 min of intensive tribochemical activation of the synthesis products and quartz mixture. Unfortunately, according to TG data, water released from these compounds remains in the sample. Applying different types of mills as well as the adding water adsorbents (CaO, CaCl2 and BaO) has no effect on the hydraulic activity of the binder: The results of microcalorimetric analysis indicate that heat flow values of the main hydration reactions decreased in all cases. Most suitable way of removing water from the samples is low-temperature thermal treatment at 450 °C. Milled α-C2SH–quartz mixture exhibited good binding properties after burning mixtures at this temperature. The mortar with the highest compressive and bending strength values (20.43 and 5.17 MPa after 28 days of hydration) was obtained using mixture which consisted of 25 % (by mass) synthesis product (obtained from hydrothermal synthesis of opoka and chalk marl), 25 % together with α-C2SH-milled quartz sand (during the tribochemical activation) and 50 % standard sand.

Mud conversion well cementing technology: comparative study of the use of electric arc furnace slag and blast furnace slag

The mud-to-cement conversion or 'slag-mix' technology displays several advantages when compared to conventional well cementing operations. This alternative method means to combine drilling fluids, accelerators, and finely granulated slag as the hydraulic material. This work compares the use of two slag-mix systems containing an amorphous electric arc furnace slag and a vitrified blast furnace slag, respectively, during well cementing operations in the Amana field near Maracaibo. It can be concluded that low iron electric arc furnace slag may be suitable to be used in the application of the mentioned-above technology, although providing lower values of early compressive strength than the blast furnace slag. Nevertheless, slag-mud slurries containing electric arc furnace slag are more advantageous for well cementing when a low fracture gradient is predicted. [Received: December 2, 2014; Accepted: May 2, 2015]

Building Integrated Solar Thermal (BIST) Technologies and Their Applications: A Review of Structural Design and Architectural Integration

Solar energy has enormous potential to meet the majority of present world energy demand by effective integration with local building components. One of the most promising technologies is building integrated solar thermal (BIST) technology. This paper presents a review of the available literature covering various types of BIST technologies and their applications in terms of structural design and architectural integration. The review covers detailed description of BIST systems using air, hydraulic (water/heat pipe/refrigerant) and phase changing materials (PCM) as the working medium. The fundamental structure of BIST and the various specific structures of available BIST in the literature are described. Design criteria and practical operation conditions of BIST systems are illustrated. The state of pilot projects is also fully depicted. Current barriers and future development opportunities are therefore concluded. Based on the thorough review, it is clear that BIST is very promising devices with considerable energy saving prospective and building integration feasibility. This review shall facilitate the development of solar driven service for buildings and help the corresponding saving in fossil fuel consumption and the reduction in carbon emission.

Experimental facility for development of high-temperature reactor technology: instrumentation needs and challenges

A high-temperature, multi-fluid, multi-loop test facility is under development at the Idaho National Laboratory for support of thermal hydraulic materials, and system integration research for high-temperature reactors. The experimental facility includes a high-temperature helium loop, a liquid salt loop, and a hot water/steam loop. The three loops will be thermally coupled through an intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) and a secondary heat exchanger (SHX). Research topics to be addressed include the characterization and performance evaluation of candidate compact heat exchangers such as printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs) at prototypical operating conditions. Each loop will also include an interchangeable high-temperature test section that can be customized to address specific research issues associated with each working fluid. This paper also discusses needs and challenges associated with advanced instrumentation for the multi-loop facility, which could be further applied to advanced high-temperature reactors. Based on its relevance to advanced reactor systems, the new facility has been named the Advanced Reactor Technology Integral System Test (ARTIST) facility. A preliminary design configuration of the ARTIST facility will be presented with the required design and operating characteristics of the various components. The initial configuration will include a high-temperature (750 °C), high-pressure (7 MPa) helium loop thermally integrated with a molten fluoride salt (KF-ZrF4 ) flow loop operating at low pressure (0.2 MPa), at a temperature of ∼450 °C. The salt loop will be thermally integrated with the steam/water loop operating at PWR conditions. Experiment design challenges include identifying suitable materials and components that will withstand the required loop operating conditions. The instrumentation needs to be highly accurate (negligible drift) in measuring operational data for extended periods of times, as data collected will be used for code and model verification and validation, one of the key purposes for the loop. The experimental facility will provide a much-needed database for successful development of advanced reactors and provide insight into the needs and challenges in instrumentation for advanced high-temperature reactors.

Preventive lateral ligament tester (PLLT): a novel method to evaluate mechanical properties of lateral ankle joint ligaments in the intact ankle.

To construct and evaluate an ankle arthrometer that registers inversion joint deflection at standardized inversion loads and that, moreover, allows conclusions about the mechanical strain of intact ankle joint ligaments at these loads. Twelve healthy ankles and 12 lower limb cadaver specimens were tested in a self-developed measuring device monitoring passive ankle inversion movement (Inv-ROM) at standardized application of inversion loads of 5, 10 and 15 N. To adjust in vivo and in vitro conditions, the muscular inactivity of the evertor muscles was assured by EMG in vivo. Preliminary, test-retest and trial-to-trial reliabilities were tested in vivo. To detect lateral ligament strain, the cadaveric calcaneofibular ligament was instrumented with a buckle transducer. After post-test harvesting of the ligament with its bony attachments, previously obtained resistance strain gauge results were then transferred to tensile loads, mounting the specimens with their buckle transducers into a hydraulic material testing machine. ICC reliability considering the Inv-ROM and torsional stiffness varied between 0.80 and 0.90. Inv-ROM ranged from 15.3° (±7.3°) at 5 N to 28.3° (±7.6) at 15 N. The different tests revealed a CFL tensile load of 31.9 (±14.0) N at 5 N, 51.0 (±15.8) at 10 N and 75.4 (±21.3) N at 15 N inversion load. A highly reliable arthrometer was constructed allowing not only the accurate detection of passive joint deflections at standardized inversion loads but also reveals some objective conclusions of the intact CFL properties in correlation with the individual inversion deflections. The detection of individual joint deflections at predefined loads in correlation with the knowledge of tensile ligament loads in the future could enable more individual preventive measures, e.g., in high-level athletes.

Carbonation and hydration behavior of EAF and BOF steel slag binders

In this study, the carbonation and hydration behavior of electrical arc furnace (EAF) slag and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag were examined. Steel slag is a latent hydraulic material. Its early strength can be activated by carbonation reaction. The carbonated steel slag can be used as a binder to replace Portland cement in the fabrication of building products. It was found that steel slag could develop a compressive strength of 20 MPa in EAF slag and 36 MPa in EAF–BOF hybrid slag after a combination of carbonation and hydration. Higher calcium silicate content and longer carbonation time could result in a higher compressive strength. The activated steel slag binders were composed of calcium carbonates intermingled with calcium silicate hydrates, forming a particle reinforced composite material. It was the calcium silicate content in raw slag, rather than the CaO content, that determined the extent of carbonation activation. Replacing Portland cement with steel slag could help preserve natural resources, reduce the embodied energy and promote carbon utilization in building products.

The Laboratory Study of Drinking Water Biofilms

Due to the existence of some kinds of minim organic matters in drinking water distribution systems, biofilms are commonly found on the inner walls of pipe networks, and it can contribute to the deterioration to water quality and influence water supply security. The current situations of the study of the biofilm are summarized. Two typical kinds of reactors often used in laboratories are stated. And numerous environmental factors influencing biofilm formation, including hydraulic condition, water temperature, pipe material, water temperature, disinfectant residuals and nutrient element, are reviewed. Furthermore, some key aspects for future research to control the development of biofilms are proposed. Keywords: drinking water distribution system; biofilm; simulation system; disinfectant residual

Thermoanalytical Study of Binders Containing Pozzolanic and Latent Hydraulic Materials

The course of hydration and the resulting structure in binders containing pozzolan and latent hydraulic materials is still widely investigated area. In this work we studied the course of hydration by calorimetry of cement with several types of different reactive admixtures. After determining the results of hydration the DTA / TG analysis of the resulting material was carried out. Qualitative comparisons of resulting products are primarily implemented.

Biomechanical evaluation of combined short segment fixation and augmentation of incomplete osteoporotic burst fractures

BackgroundTreating traumatic fractures in osteoporosis is challenging. Multiple clinical treatment options are found in literature. Augmentation techniques are promising to reduce treatment-related morbidity. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of reports about extended indication for augmentation techniques. However, biomechanical evaluations of these techniques are limited.MethodsNine thoracolumbar osteoporotic spinal samples (4 FSU) were harvested from postmortem donors and immediately frozen. Biomechanical testing was performed by a robotic-based spine tester. Standardized incomplete burst fractures were created by a combination of osteotomy-like weakening and high velocity compression using a hydraulic material testing apparatus. Biomechanical measurements were performed on specimens in the following conditions: 1) intact, 2) fractured, 3) bisegmental instrumented, 4) bisegmental instrumented with vertebroplasty (hybrid augmentation, HA) and 5) stand-alone vertebroplasty (VP). The range of motion (RoM), neutral zone (NZ), elastic zone (EZ) and stiffness parameters were determined. Statistical evaluation was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples (p = 0.05).ResultsSignificant increases in RoM and in the NZ and EZ (p < 0.005) were observed after fracture production. The RoM was decreased significantly by applying the dorsal bisegmental instrumentation to the fractured specimens (p < 0.005). VP reduced fractured RoM in flexion but was still increased significantly (p < 0.05) above intact kinematic values. NZ stiffness (p < 0.05) and EZ stiffness (p < 0.01) was increased by VP but remained lower than prefracture values. The combination of short segment instrumentation and vertebroplasty (HA) showed no significant changes in RoM and stiffness in NZ in comparison to the instrumented group, except for significant increase of EZ stiffness in flexion (p < 0.05).ConclusionsStand-alone vertebroplasty (VP) showed some degree of support of the anterior column but was accompanied by persistent traumatic instability. Therefore, we would advocate against using VP as a stand-alone procedure in traumatic fractures.HA did not increase primary stability of short segment instrumentation. Some additional support of anterior column and changes of kinematic values of the EZ may lead one to suppose that additive augmentation may reduce the load of dorsal implants and possibly reduce the risk of implant failure.

VALORISATION OF STAINLESS STEEL SLAGS AS A HYDRAULIC BINDER

This work is focused on exploring various cold and hot stage treatment paths of stainless steel slag as a tool to improve its hydraulic properties. At a cold stage, mechanical and chemical activation was applied on industrial stainless steel slag; and it was found that both activation methods effectively improve the reactivity of the studied slag. In addition, the detailed investigation of hydration on two major phases, γ – C2S and merwinite, revealed that their hydration resulted in the formation of C – S – H gel, typically formed during the hydration of OPC. Regarding the hot stage treatment, the combination of the chemistry modification with the addition of fly ash at 30 wt. % and fast cooling by means of water quenching resulted in a complete amorphisation of the material. Ultimately, the produced material possessing similar properties to granulated blast furnace slag could be used as a latent hydraulic material in blended cements.

Experimental Study of the Seepage Deformation of Cement-Soil

Cement-soil is a kind of hydraulic composite building materials which is made by a certain percentage of cement soil particles and water. In order to make a deep research of seepage deformation and the variation law of cement-soil, laboratory test methods were adopted, carrying on deformation tests of indoor penetration on dry density, cement content and age etc, the factors owning outstanding effect on the seepage deformation and failure of cement-soil. The results shows that the seepage deformation and failure appear to change in certain laws with dry density, cement content and age. The gradient of seepage deformation and failure can reach one thousand under the condition that cement percentage is 5%, compaction maximum dry density is standard, and the age is 7 days. And numerical value will be enhanced significantly with the increase of cement content, dry density and the prolong of age. The seepage deformation and failure of cement-soil is not ordinary piping effect or soil-flow failure, but the form of shearing failure. The conclusion has not only a positive exploration significance of the academic research of the seepage deformation and failure of cement-soil, but also a certain practical significance on the geotechnical construction applying cement soil as impermeability.

The Effect of Curing System on Mechanical Properties of Desulphurization Gypsum-Slag Composite Binder

Desulphurization gypsum-slag composite binder is a hydraulic composite binding material made by slag, desulphurization generated by coal-fired power plant flue gas desulphurization, activator and other materials. In order to study the effect of curing system on the composite binder, steam curing, autoclave curing, nature curing, standard curing and water curing were selected. The mechanical properties of desulphurization gypsum-slag composite binder were compared, and the best curing system for strength development was proposed.

ガスタービン燃焼再現雰囲気中での新材料試験システムの開発

A new testing system for high temperature structural materials and components used for gas turbine has been developed. The system consists of a “can” type of combustion system and a servo-electro hydraulic material testing system, and it can apply thermo-mechanical loadings to a test sample in a simulated gas turbine combustion environment. By means of this new apparatus, failure behavior of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) specimen was studied under a condition of cyclic burner heating on which a constant tensile load was superimposed. The present testing system is expected to provide useful understandings on the damage evolution of the TBCs under specific conditions.

Nonlinear numerical simulation of rainwater infiltration through road embankments by FEM

This paper presents the results of nonlinear numerical simulations carried out to analyze rainwater infiltration through a road embankment structure using the finite element method (FEM) technique. The analysis of this paper includes a simplification of a cross-sectional road embankment located in Santander (Northern Spain) and considers different realistic hydraulic material parameters, according to the relevant literature, in order to study their effect on water movement throughout the section over time. The model solved the nonlinear Richards’ equation using the constitutive relationships of van Genuchten–Mualem. Finally, the analysis of the numerical results reveals four main conclusions: (1) models based on FEM are suitable for analyzing rainwater infiltration in road structures, (2) the hard-shoulder area of the highway represents an important infiltration point for rainwater in road structures, (3) the embankment material can greatly affect the soil’s water content in this part of the road, and (4) the analysis of the soil water retention curve of the embankment material provides relevant information about its hydraulic behavior under unsaturated conditions.

Material Stress Analysis of Hydraulic Support in Deeply Inclined Top Coal Caving Face Based on Virtual Prototyping Technology

Modeling hydraulic support used in deeply inclined top coal caving face by using virtual prototyping technology and analyzing support structural parts using COSMOS/Works, which is inner set in the Solidworks software. The result mainly reflects hydraulic support material stress characteristics, and therefore provides direction and reference for design improvement.

Upcoming Special Issues and Special Sections

A number of special issues and sections are on the horizon for the Journal of Aerospace Engineering. We are pleased to announce that we have invited a number of respected researchers to contribute papers for inclusion in upcoming issues and sections. “In Situ Resource Utilization” (ISRU) will feature papers that provide overviews of ISRU and papers in the following areas: beneficiation; drilling, excavation, and mining; structures, site preparation, and construction; and analogues and stimulants for extraplanetary soils. This special issue is being edited by Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University and Philip Metzger and Tony Muscatello, both from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center. “Intelligent Unmanned Systems”will be dedicated to research in the design, development, testing, and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles, with a focus on the following areas: actuators/smart sensors and their applications, including smart microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)/nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) sensors and vision sensors; and control theories and their applications, including various control theories, distributed or decentralized control methods, distributed and embedded systems, precision motion control, and swarm operation. The guest editors for this special section are Agus Budiyono of Konkuk University, Korea; Bambang Riyanto of Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia; and Hoon Cheol Park of Konkuk University. “Hydraulic and Earth Structures” will focus on issues facing engineers involved in construction and operations in challenging environments as they seek to achieve sustainable development on earth, in space, and on other planetary bodies. In particular, the topics associated with hydraulic structures and materials will be the focus, and they include water flow and sediment transport, GIS for potential disaster detection, seismic capacity of high arch dam, and soilbags for slope treatment. This special section is edited by Pizhong Qiao of Washington State University and Zhongru Wu of Hohai University, China. “Seventy Years of Aerospace Research and Technology Excellence at NASA Glenn Research Center” will celebrate the anniversary of this historic NASA facility located in Cleveland, Ohio. The issue will focus on the research activities over the last seven decades in the following areas: aeropropulsion; power and in-space propulsion; communication, instrumentation, and controls; materials and structures; and microgravity and space environments. The special issue is being edited by Robert Goldberg of NASA Glenn Research Center. We look forward to bringing you these exciting issues in the months to come.