Influence Of Surface Characteristics Research Articles

An Evaluation of the Dust Emission Characteristics of Typical Underlying Surfaces in an Aeolian Region in the Middle Reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Some of the most severe aeolian damage occurs along the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet. Dust emission amounts (DEAs) are often used to assess aeolian damage; however, the research on DEAs in this area is currently almost blank. This article uses field-measured wind speed data from 2021 to 2022 in the Shannan wide valley area, combined with the Gillette dust emission estimation model to quantitatively determine the contributions of three surface types (riverbank quicksand area, foothill sand dunes, and the river floodplain vegetation area) to DEAs in the research area. The influence of surface characteristics on DEAs is analyzed and discussed. The results show the following: (1) The threshold friction velocity (u*t) in the riverbank quicksand area, foothill sand dunes, and the river floodplain vegetation area is 30.6 cm/s, 71.2 cm/s, and 85.6 cm/s, respectively, the threshold velocity (ut) is 6.1 m/s, 7.0 m/s, and 7.5 m/s, respectively, and the vegetation area is 2.8 times and 1.3 times that of the quicksand area, respectively. (2) The DEAs were in the following order: the riverbank quicksand area (652.9 t/km2) > foothill sand dunes (326.5 t/km2) > the river floodplain vegetation area (107.8 t/km2), the riverbank quicksand area is about 6.1 times that of the river floodplain vegetation area, and DEAs are a significant seasonal distribution: winter (44.7%) > spring (28.3%) > autumn (15.7%) > summer (11.3%). (3) The DEAs from the dusty weather were in the following order: blowing sand (60.2%) > sandstorms (28.6%) > gusty winds (11.2%). (4) The DEAs increase with the increase in the average wind speed greater than 6.1 m/s, but the increase rate is obviously different, which showed that Changguo and Azha are greater than Sangyesi, Duopazhang, Sangri, and Senburi. At approximately the same average wind speed greater than 6.1 m/s, the DEAs in the quicksand area are much greater than in the vegetation area.

Probing the roles of surface characteristic of suspended nanoparticle in shear thickening suspensions

The surface characteristic of suspended nanoparticle is an extremely important property for the non-Newtonian behavior of shear thickening suspensions. Easy access to distinct surface characteristics and a deep understanding of the role of friction and adhesion forces remains challenging yet critical to study the suspension performance. In this work, by synthesizing mesoporous silica with different surface roughness and groups, the influence of surface characteristics on the non-Newtonian behavior of suspension is comprehensively explored. The results show that the suspensions containing particles with rough surface and hydroxyl groups on the surface have higher shear thickening power, lower critical shear rate, lower discontinuous shear thickening transition fraction and lower jamming fraction. Furthermore, the test of the first normal stress difference N1 shows that the interparticle friction and adhesion both reduce the critical volume fraction of the transition from fluid lubrication dominance to frictional contact dominance in the suspension. This finding deepens the understanding of phase transformation mechanism, and open an approach to accelerate the advanced shear thickening suspensions design for next-generation intelligent materials.

Anodized SLM Ti6Al4V surfaces: influence of surface characteristics on NTs growth and resulted surfaces properties.

TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) obtained via electrochemical anodization (EA) on conventionally machined titanium surfaces are reported to be promising for achieving mucointegration in dental implant therapy. Dental abutments, manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM), combined with thermal post-treatment, present a promising alternative to conventionally machined titanium. Based on an original protocol, this study aims to investigate how the characteristic microstructure of the α + β phases in post-heated SLM Ti6Al4V can influence the growth of NTs and the resulting physical and chemical surface properties. Ti6Al4V-SLM discs were fabricated, heat post-treated and mechanically polished. The samples were then subjected to EA under different voltage conditions (10, 20 and 30 V). The specimens' surfaces were characterized at the same location, before NTs formation by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and after by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, roughness and wettability were studied to determine how EA affects surface properties compared to conventionally machined and polished titanium surfaces without NTs (reference). Surface reactivity was evaluated through chemical analysis and collagen binding capacities. The self-organized TiO2 layer was developed on the α phase only and the β phase was preferentially dissolved. The characteristic dimensions of the nanotubes (diameter, length and wall thickness), measured by SEM image analysis, increased proportionally with the rise in voltage but were not affected by the crystallographic orientation of the underlying α grain. Micro-roughness was the same for nanotubular and reference surfaces. Wettability was improved, as was surface reactivity towards collagen, which may contribute to improved bioactivity of titanium surfaces in dentistry.

Interface Capturing Flow Boiling Simulations in a Compact Heat Exchanger

Abstract High-fidelity flow boiling simulations are conducted in a vertical mini channel with offset strip fins (OSF) using R113 as a working fluid. Finite-element code PHASTA coupled with level set method for interface capturing is employed to model multiple sequential bubble nucleation using transient three-dimensional approach. The code performance is validated against experiments for a single nucleation site in a vertical rectangular channel. To assess code performance, a study on the bubble departure from the wall in a mini channel with OSF is carried out first. Contributions from the microlayer are not considered due to low heat flux values applied to the channel (1 kW/m2). The influence of surface characteristics, such as contact angle and liquid superheat on bubble dynamics, is also analyzed as well as the local two-phase heat transfer coefficient. For higher void fractions, two conical nucleation cavities are introduced in the same channel with OSF. Observed bubble characteristics (departure diameter, bubble departure frequency) are evaluated and bubble trajectories are presented and analyzed. The local heat transfer coefficient is then evaluated for each simulation. The results show approximately a 2.5 time increase in the local heat transfer coefficient when the individual bubbles approach the wall. With smaller bubble nucleation diameters, the heat transfer coefficient can increase by up to a factor of two. Thus, the current work demonstrates the flow modeling capability of the boiling phenomena in complex geometry with OSF.

Comparative study on the influence of surface characteristics on de-icing evaluation

A comparative study of de-icing evaluation methods was conducted in this work, and their variations in response to surface characteristics were investigated. The mechanical de-icing measurements include centrifugal, push, and tensile methods. The centrifugal and the horizontal push (shear) methods suggested a linear relationship of ice adhesion strength with surface roughness, whereas the tensile (normal) method indicated an inverse curvilinear relationship with contact angle hysteresis. A partial correlation of contact angle hysteresis on the shear-based methods was also indicated over a specified range of surface roughness. Further attempts were also made on 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane-coated surfaces, and the ice adhesion indicated a clear reduction in the normal de-icing method, whereas the shear-based methods did not show a considerable change in ice adhesion, highlighting their mechanical forces-centric response. Lastly, a further evaluation using a hybrid de-icing method was conducted, to verify the influence of surface characteristics on ice removal involving heating, which demonstrated a partial correlation of energy consumption with the ice adhesion strength over a specified range of surface roughness. The results obtained in this study provide crucial information on the influence of surface characteristics on ice adhesion and offer material-dependent correlations of the popular de-icing evaluation methods. The conclusions could be applied to define an appropriate testing method for the evaluation of icephobic surfaces and coatings.Graphical abstract

Influence of Surface Characteristics of Medical Needle on Puncture Process

Influence of Surface Characteristics of Medical Needle on Puncture Process

The effect of surface morphology on the rate of phase change of micron and sub-micron sized 2-D droplets

ABSTRACT Heat transfer via phase change is a major contributor to heat removal in numerous engineering applications. Thin films of liquid result in increased heat transfer due to a reduction of conduction resistance, in addition the pressure jump at the liquid-vapor interface also affects the rate and direction of the rate of phase change. Because of these effects the morphology of the substrate surface is expected to affect the film shape, hence heat transfer, especially in thin films. In this study, the influence of surface characteristics on the rate of phase change from micron- and submicron-sized 2D droplets – i.e. films extending to infinity – forming on a substrate are modeled. Surface film profiles are generated on both flat and nonflat surfaces, triangular or wavy in nature, and a kinetic model for quasi-equilibrium phase change is applied. In the case of wavy surfaces, the surface is assumed to be a harmonic wave with an amplitude equal to the surface roughness and a wavelength corresponding to values commonly encountered in applications. Due to the presence of intermolecular forces at the contact line, which renders the solution of the augmented Young-Laplace equation stiff, an implicit scheme is employed for the numerical integration. To verify the method, the predictions of a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of a nano-sized droplet present on a V-grooved surface are compared to the continuum model. The augmented Young-Laplace equation is solved numerically along with a phase change model originating from kinetic theory to calculate the shape of the two-phase interface forming the droplet and study the effect of various parameters on the rate of phase change. Results are obtained for droplets with liquid pressures higher and lower than that of vapor, resulting in opposite contribution to phase change due to the pressure jump at the interface. The results show that the heat-transfer rate can be substantially altered due primarily to the combined effects of surface morphology and disjoining pressure. It is also concluded that wavy surfaces with short amplitudes are preferable to ones with longer amplitudes for enhancing the rate of evaporation or condensation.

Curcumin-loaded nanocapsules: Influence of surface characteristics on technological parameters and potential antimalarial activity.

The present study aimed to develop nanocapsules (NCs) loaded with curcumin (CCM) using different coatings, comparing the effect of these coatings on physicochemical properties of NCs. NCs were prepared by interfacial deposition of performed polymer, using different polymers as coatings (P80, PEG, Chitosan and Eudragit RS100®) and then, characterized in detail by different techniques (AFM, FTIR, DSC, XRD, among others). In vitro studies were performed, evaluating the release profile, cytotoxicity and antimalarial activity of CCM-loaded NCs. Overall, all CCM-loaded NCs samples exhibited typical characteristics as nanometric size, coating-dependent zeta potential, acidic pH value, span values below 2, homogeneous morphology and CCM-distribution in pseudophases of type VI (for all of coatings). Experimental results showed that CCM remains stable in lipid-core of NCs, maintaining its physicochemical and biological properties after nanoencapsulation process. In vitro release assays showed that nanoencapsulation was an efficient strategy to controlled release of CCM and P80-coated NCs presented slowest CCM-release considering all nanoformulations tested. Still, CCM-loaded NCs presented no cytotoxic effect. Also, all CCM-loaded NCs showed a perceptible antimalarial activity independently of their coatings (anionic and cationic), with more expressive results for CS-coated NCs. In conclusion, findings for CCM-loaded NCs and their different coatings seem to be a promising strategy to improve your biological activity.

Human Dermal Fibroblast Viability and Adhesion on Cellulose Nanomaterial Coatings: Influence of Surface Characteristics.

Biodegradable and renewable materials, such as cellulose nanomaterials, have been studied as a replacement material for traditional plastics in the biomedical field. Furthermore, in chronic wound care, modern wound dressings, hydrogels, and active synthetic extracellular matrices promoting tissue regeneration are developed to guide cell growth and differentiation. Cells are guided not only by chemical cues but also through their interaction with the surrounding substrate and its physicochemical properties. Hence, the current work investigated plant-based cellulose nanomaterials and their surface characteristic effects on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) behavior. Four thin cellulose nanomaterial-based coatings produced from microfibrillar cellulose (MFC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and two TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNF) with different total surface charge were characterized, and HDF viability and adhesion were evaluated. The highest viability and most stable adhesion were on the anionic CNF coating with a surface charge of 1.14 mmol/g. On MFC and CNC coated surfaces, HDFs sedimented but were unable to anchor to the substrate, leading to low viability.

Influence of surface characteristics on the penetration rate of electrolytes into model cells for lithium ion batteries

Filling of cells with liquid electrolytes is the time-determining step in the production of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The influencing factors are not completely understood and need further research. The adhesion of the solid components, i.e. anode, cathode and separators, to the electrolyte and the respective interfaces play an important role. In this study, the penetration of liquid electrolytes is monitored by a combination of tensiometry and chronoamperometry. A setup including all battery components is proposed as model for battery cells. Diethyl carbonate is employed as model for the electrolyte. The penetration rates of the liquid into a stepwise extended model setup (separator; anode; cathode; separator/anode; separator/cathode; and anode/separator/cathode) in confined geometry between glass plates are determined with reproducible results. A modified Washburn equation combining surface tensions of liquid and solids forming the interface, and complex geometries of separators and electrodes is used to develop the penetration model. Comparative measurements in a glove box yield comparable results with the real electrolyte solution. The penetration of the model electrolyte into ceramic-coated separators is significantly faster than into polyolefin separators due to higher surface roughness and higher polarity of ceramic-coated separators. The wetting times obtained by chronoamperometric measurements correlate with the tensiometric penetration rates. The higher the tensiometric penetration rate, the lower is the chronoamperometric wetting time. The results of the study contribute to a deeper understanding of the interactions between electrolyte and solid components in LIBs and provide a new method to pre-evaluate battery components.

Influence of surface characteristics on carbon disulfide catalytic hydrolysis over modified lake sediment biochar and research on deactivated mechanism

A series of lake sediment biochar (LSB) catalysts modified by metal oxides and basic functional groups were utilized for removal of carbon disulfide (CS2) in yellow phosphorus tail gas. The influences of preparation and modification conditions for surface characteristics of Fe‐KOH/LSB on removal of CS2 were investigated. Surface area and pore structure analyses indicated that preparation processes were aimed to increase the micropore structure of LSB. Diffuse reflection using transform of Fourier infrared radiation results showed that Fe had high hydrolysis activity for CS2 and low oxidation activity for H2S. Thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis results indicated that low calcination temperature was not conducive to the generation of Fe2O3 and high calcination temperature led to the oxidation of LSB. CO2 temperature programmed desorption results stated that high alkalinity site strength could improve the catalytic hydrolysis performance. High KOH content could enhance alkalinity site strength but led to the block of pore. These modification factors mainly controlled the catalytic hydrolysis ability of Fe‐KOH/LSB. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results claimed that the deactivation of Fe‐KOH/LSB was attributed to the generation of S and sulfate, and the consumption of active component. In the deactivation process, S and sulfate generated and covered the activity sites, and Fe2O3 was converted into FeSO4 or Fe2(SO4)3, which led to the deactivation.

Influences of Surface Characteristics and Modified Asphalt Binders on Interface Shear Strength

Weak bonding between layers of pavement leads to damages on the composite pavement. Bonding plays an important role in the durability and maintenance of composite pavement layers. The present study evaluates the factors effective in bond strength of the interface between concrete and asphalt pavements. The factors considered for this purpose include steel slag percentage in the concrete pavement, different types of modified bitumen, and rates of tack-coat. To measure the bond properties, direct shear and shear fatigue tests were carried out. In addition, texture depth and abrasion resistance were used in accordance with EN 1338 standard to measure the roughness properties of concrete pavement. The test results showed that 50% replacement of steel slag with aggregate resulted in an increase in physical properties and texture depth of concrete pavement. Moreover, the results of the shear strength test of composite pavement revealed that the optimal rate of using tack-coat varies between 0.6 and 0.9 l/m2 and depends on the type of tack-coat. Finally, a higher shear strength was obtained for crumb rubber bitumen containing hydrated lime compared to crumb rubber modified bitumen and control bitumen.

Influence of surface characteristics on germination and early growth of Botryosphaeriaceae species

This study investigated the effect of surface wettability, hardness and surface contact on the germination and subsequent development of Botryosphaeriaceae species conidia. Mean percent germination for isolates Neofusicoccum luteum MM558, N. luteum CC445, N. parvum G652 and Botryosphaeria dothidea 007 was highest on cellulose which was the most hydrophilic surface (72.2%, 76.9%, 52.4% and 74.9%, respectively), but did not differ between the other surfaces tested (glass, polystyrene and Parafilm M™). Germ tube growth for all isolates was least on cellulose and similar on the other surfaces. Cellulose agar assays indicated that mycelia could be utilising the cellulose as a food source. Germination assays on surfaces of different hardness showed no discernible patterns of germination or growth related to hardness. Further, there was no effect on germination of surface contact versus continuous shaking of conidial suspensions for isolate N. luteum MM558. These assays demonstrated that conidia of the Botryosphaeriaceae were able to germinate on a variety of surfaces with this flexibility indicative of their reported pathogenicity of different host tissues.

Efficacy of UV-TiO2 photocatalysis technology for inactivation of Escherichia coli K12 on the surface of blueberries and a model agar matrix and the influence of surface characteristics

Surface disinfection of fresh blueberries is an important food safety challenge due to the delicate texture and short shelf life of these small fruits. A newly designed water-assisted photocatalytic reactor was developed for disinfection of fruits with a delicate texture and complex surface characteristics. Efficacy of UV-TiO2 photocatalysis was evaluated in comparison with UV alone for inactivation of Escherichia coli K12 (as a surrogate for Escherichia coli O157:H7) inoculated onto the surface of the blueberry skin, calyx, and an experimentally prepared agar matrix that was used as a model matrix. Influence of surface characteristics such as surface hydrophobicity and surface free energy on bacterial adhesion were also investigated. The initial bacterial population on all surfaces was approximately 7.0 log CFU/g. UV-TiO2 photocatalysis (4.5 mW/cm2) for 30 s achieved comparatively higher bacterial reductions of 5.3 log and 4.6 log CFU/g on blueberry skin and agar matrix surfaces, respectively, than 4.5 log and 3.4 log CFU/g reductions for UV alone (6.0 mW/cm2). Total phenolic and total anthocyanin contents of fruits were significantly increased after both UV-TiO2 and UV treatments, compared with water washed control fruits. UV-TiO2 photocatalysis technology is a non-chemical and residue-free method with reduced water usage for surface disinfection of fresh blueberries.

Automatic identification of gait events during walking on uneven surfaces

The accurate detection of gait events is essential for clinical gait analysis. Aside from speed, surface characteristics like planarity and compliance can affect gait kinematics. Therefore detection of kinematic gait events on uneven surfaces may be inaccurate. To date, no study has investigated the possible influence of surface characteristics on gait event detection. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess and compare the performance of four kinematic-based gait event detection algorithms (horizontal heel-heel displacement, foot velocity, heel/toe-PSIS displacement, peak hip extension) during walking on three surfaces with different degrees of planarity. Kinematic and force plate data were collected on thirteen athletes during two self-selected walking speeds at a normal (1.30±0.03m/s) and fast pace (1.70±0.10m/s). Footstrike and toe-off events were calculated by the algorithms and compared to vertical ground reaction force as a reference. The main findings of the study were: (1) surface configuration had an effect on algorithm accuracy (p<0.010, 0.84<d<2.79); (2) the vertical foot-velocity profile provided the lowest RMSE for footstrike (8.8–14.6ms) during normal walking and toe-off (15.4–24.9ms) during normal and fast walking on all surfaces; (3) horizontal heel-ankle displacement provided the lowest RMSE for footstrike during fast walking on all surfaces (RMSE: 8.9–13.8ms). Overall, the vertical foot-velocity algorithm provided low RMSE for all conditions, is easy to apply and thus recommended for gait event detection.

The influence of gravimetric moisture content on studded shoe\u2013surface interactions in soccer

It is desirable for the studs of a soccer shoe to penetrate the sport surface and provide the player with sufficient traction when accelerating. Mechanical tests are often used to measure the traction of shoe–surface combinations. Mechanical testing offers a repeatable measure of shoe–surface traction, eliminating the inherent uncertainties that exist when human participant testing is employed, and are hence used to directly compare the performance of shoe–surface combinations. However, the influence specific surface characteristics has on traction is often overlooked. Examining the influence of surface characteristics on mechanical test results improves the understanding of the traction mechanisms at the shoe–surface interface. This allows footwear developers to make informed decisions on the design of studded outsoles. The aim of this paper is to understand the effect gravimetric moisture content has on the tribological mechanisms at play during stud–surface interaction. This study investigates the relationships between: the gravimetric moisture content of a natural sand-based soccer surface; surface stiffness measured via a bespoke impact test device; and surface traction measured via a bespoke mechanical test device. Regression analysis revealed that surface stiffness decreases linearly with increased gravimetric moisture content (p = 0.04). Traction was found to initially increase and then decrease with gravimetric moisture content. It was observed that: a surface of low moisture content provides low stud penetration and therefore reduced traction; a surface of high moisture content provides high stud penetration but also reduced traction due to a lubricating effect; and surfaces with moisture content in between the two extremes provide increased traction. In this study a standard commercially available stud was used and other studs may provide slightly different results. The results provide insight into the traction mechanisms at the stud–surface interface which are described in the paper. The variation between traction measurements shows the influence gravimetric moisture content will have on player performance. This highlights the requirement to understand surface conditions prior to making comparative shoe–surface traction studies and the importance of using a studded outsole that is appropriate to the surface condition during play.

Conceptions of Tornado Wind Speed and Land Surface Interactions Among Undergraduate Students in Nebraska

ABSTRACTTo ascertain novice conceptions of tornado wind speed and the influence of surface characteristics on tornado occurrence, 613 undergraduate students enrolled in introductory science courses at a large state university in Nebraska were surveyed. Our findings show that students lack understanding of the fundamental concepts that (1) tornadoes are primarily atmospheric phenomena, and (2) they are only weakly influenced by the underlying land surface. A common alternate conception was that land surface features offer protection from tornadoes. For example, many students thought that (1) tornadoes generally cannot occur over snow cover or in mountainous terrain, (2) locally lower areas and hills provide protection from tornadoes, and (3) cities are not as susceptible to tornadoes as surrounding areas. Students also lacked an accurate conception of the wind speed in strong tornadoes.

The influence of surface characteristics, topography and continentality on mountain permafrost in British Columbia

Abstract. Thermal and surface offsets describe mean annual ground temperature relative to mean annual air temperature, and for permafrost modelling they are often predicted as a function of surface characteristics and topography. As macroclimatic conditions influence the effectiveness of the underlying processes, knowledge of surface- and topography-specific offsets is not easily transferable between regions, limiting the applicability of empirical permafrost distribution models over areas with strong macroclimatic gradients. In this paper we describe surface and thermal offsets derived from distributed measurements at seven field sites in British Columbia. Key findings are (i) a surprisingly small variation of the surface offsets between different surface types; (ii) small thermal offsets at all sites (excluding wetlands and peat); (iii) a clear influence of the micro-topography at wind exposed sites (snow-cover erosion); (iv) a north–south difference of the surface offset of 4 °C in vertical bedrock and of 1.5–3 °C on open (no canopy) gentle slopes; (v) only small macroclimatic differences possibly caused by the inverse influence of snow cover and annual air temperature amplitude. These findings suggest that topoclimatic factors strongly influence the mountain permafrost distribution in British Columbia.

Influence of surface characteristics of modified glass beads as model carriers in dry powder inhalers (DPIs) on the aerosolization performance

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of surface characteristics (surface roughness and specific surface area) of surface-modified glass beads as model carriers in dry powder inhalers (DPIs) on the aerosolization, and thus, the in vitro respirable fraction often referred to as fine particle fraction (FPF). By processing glass beads in a ball mill with different grinding materials (quartz and tungsten carbide) and varying grinding time (4 h and 8 h), and by plasma etching for 1 min, glass beads with different shades of surface roughness and increased surface area were prepared. Compared with untreated glass beads, the surface-modified rough glass beads show increased FPFs. The drug detachment from the modified glass beads is also more reproducible than from untreated glass beads indicated by lower standard deviations for the FPFs of the modified glass beads. Moreover, the FPF of the modified glass beads correlates with their surface characteristics. The higher the surface roughness and the higher the specific surface area of the glass beads the higher is the FPF. Thus, surface-modified glass beads make an ideal carrier for tailoring the performance of DPIs in the therapy of asthma and chronically obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Chemical Modification of Poly(vinyl chloride) by Thiourea: Influence of Surface Characteristics

Chemical Modification of Poly(vinyl chloride) by Thiourea: Influence of Surface Characteristics