Core Interface Research Articles

Research on Phase Stabilization Algorithm of Femtosecond Timing System

This paper presents the design, implementation, and validation of a femtosecond timing system aimed at achieving precise time control and phase synchronization for large particle accelerators. A prototype system utilizing a continuous wave laser was developed, focusing on minimizing timing jitter and long-term phase drift. Key components include an optical delay line for coarse adjustments and a fiber stretcher for fine-tuning, achieving an adjustment precision of 1 femtosecond. The system incorporates a phase detection module with a non-In-phase/Quadrature downconversion approach, enabling high-accuracy phase measurements. A collaborative algorithm was designed to optimize the interplay between the optical delay line and the fiber stretcher, utilizing a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm to enhance adjustment precision. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) served as the core interface converter, facilitating data communication and real-time phase information acquisition. Experimental results demonstrated significant improvements in phase stability, with average phase deviation reduced from 1374.104 fs to 15.782 fs, showcasing the effectiveness of the proposed system in achieving high precision and stability in phase control. This research provides a solid foundation for future advancements in timing systems for high-frequency reference signals.

Push-Pull Fluorescent Dyes with Trifluoroacetyl Acceptor for High-Fidelity Sensing of Polarity and Heterogeneity of Lipid Droplets.

Imaging and sensing of lipid droplets (LDs) attracted significant attention due to growing evidence for their important role in cell life. Solvatochromic dyes are promising tools to probe LDs' local polarity, but this analysis is biased by their non-negligible emission from intracellular membranes and capacity to emit from both the apolar core and polar interface of LDs. Here, we developed two push-pull solvatochromic dyes based on naphthalene and fluorene cores bearing an exceptionally strong electron acceptor, the trifluoroacetyl group. The latter was found to boost the optical properties of the dyes by shifting their absorption and emission to red and increasing their extinction coefficient, photostability, and sensitivity to solvent polarity (solvatochromism). In contrast to classical solvatochromic dyes, such as parent aldehydes and reference Nile Red, the new dyes exhibited strong fluorescence quenching by millimolar water concentrations in organic solvents. In live cells, the trifluoroacetyl dyes exhibited high specificity to LDs, whereas the parent aldehydes and Nile Red showed a detectable backgrounds from intracellular membranes. Experiments in model lipid membranes and nanoemulsion droplets confirmed the high selectivity of new probes to LDs in contrast to classical solvatochromic dyes. Moreover, the new probes were found to be selective to the LDs oil core, where they can sense lipid unsaturation and chain length. Their ratiometric imaging in cells revealed strong heterogeneity in polarity within LDs, which covered the range of polarities of unsaturated triglyceride oils, whereas Nile Red failed to properly estimate the local polarity of LDs. Finally, the probes revealed that LDs core polarity can be altered by fatty acid diets, which correlates with their chain length and unsaturation.

Numerical Modeling of Steel Fiber Reinforced Recycled Concrete Filled Steel Tube Column Under Cyclic Loading

A finite element model (FEM) was created with the aim of analyzing the behavior of steel fiber reinforced recycled concrete (SFRRC)-filled steel tube columns under combined cyclic loading and monotonic axial load. The FEM considered the effect of steel tube confinement on the inner concrete behavior under cyclic loading. The numerical model was described in detail, with a focus on modeling the materials involved (normal concrete, SFRRC, and steel) under cyclic loading. A constitutive concrete model - with and without considering confinement - was based on utilizing a concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model. The steel tube - concrete core interface was modeled by a surface-to-surface contact. A stress-strain constitutive concrete model, confined by circular steel tubes, was implemented, and validated using experimental results from the literature. The developed FEM considered various parameters: steel tube thickness, volume ratios of steel fibers, besides strengths of both concrete core and the steel tube. The FEM results showed great similarity to the under- cyclic- loading tested columns. The results indicated that the concrete confining pressure must be considered in CDP model. A good correlation between numerical and experimental findings was obvious, including failure modes, and hysteretic curves of load-displacement.

Properties of observable mixed inertial and gravito-inertial modes in gamma Doradus stars

The space missions Kepler and TESS provided a large number of highly detailed time series for main-sequence stars, including gamma Doradus stars. Additionally, numerous gamma Doradus stars are to be observed in the near future thanks to the upcoming PLATO mission. In gamma Doradus stars, gravito-inertial modes in the radiative zone and inertial modes in the convective core can interact resonantly, which translates into the appearance of dip structures in the period spacing of modes. Those dips are information-rich, as they are related to the star core characteristics. Our aim is to characterise these dips according to stellar properties and thus to develop new seismic diagnostic tools to constrain the internal structure of gamma Doradus stars, especially their cores. We used the two-dimensional oscillation code TOP to compute sectoral prograde and axisymmetric dipolar modes in gamma Doradus stars at different rotation rates and evolutionary stages. We then characterised the dips we obtained by their width and location on the period spacing diagram. We found that the width and the location of the dips depend quasi-linearly on the ratio of the rotation rate and the Brunt-Väisälä frequency at the core interface. This allowed us to determine empirical relations between the width and location of dips as well as the resonant inertial mode frequency in the core and the Brunt-Väisälä frequency at the interface between the convective core and the radiative zone. We propose an approximate theoretical model to support and discuss these empirical relations. The empirical relations we established could be applied to dips observed in data, which would allow for the estimation of frequencies of resonant inertial modes in the core and of the Brunt-Väisälä jump at the interface between the core and the radiative zone. As those two parameters are both related to the evolutionary stage of the star, their determination could lead to more accurate estimations of stellar ages.

A Concrete Core Void Imaging Approach and Parameter Analysis of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Members Using Travel Time Tomography: Multi-Physics Simulations and Experimental Studies.

Concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) members have been widely used in civil engineering due to their advanced mechanical properties. However, internal defects such as the concrete core voids and interface debonding in CFST structures are likely to weaken their load-carrying capacity and stiffness, which affects the safety and serviceability. Visualizing the inner defects of the concrete cores in CFST members is a critical requirement and a challenging task due to the obvious difference in the material mechanical parameters of the concrete core and steel tube in CFST members. In this study, a curved ray theory-based travel time tomography (TTT) with a least square iterative linear inversion algorithm is first introduced to quantitatively identify and visualize the sizes and positions of the concrete core voids in CFST members. Secondly, a numerical investigation of the influence of different parameters on the inversion algorithm for the defect imaging of CFST members, including the effects of the model weighting matrix, weighting factor and grid size on the void's imaging quality and accuracy, is carried out. Finally, an experimental study on six CFST specimens with mimicked concrete core void defects is performed in a laboratory and the mimicked defects are visualized. The results demonstrate that TTT can identify the sizes and positions of the concrete core void defects in CFST members efficiently with the use of optimal parameters.

Sequence Alignment-Based Prediction of Myosin 7A: Structural Implications and Protein Interactions.

Myosin, a superfamily of motor proteins, obtain the energy they require for movement from ATP hydrolysis to perform various functions by binding to actin filaments. Extensive studies have clarified the diverse functions performed by the different isoforms of myosin. However, the unavailability of resolved structures has made it difficult to understand the way in which their mechanochemical cycle and structural diversity give rise to distinct functional properties. With this study, we seek to further our understanding of the structural organization of the myosin 7A motor domain by modeling the tertiary structure of myosin 7A based on its primary sequence. Multiple sequence alignment and a comparison of the models of different myosin isoforms and myosin 7A not only enabled us to identify highly conserved nucleotide binding sites but also to predict actin binding sites. In addition, the actomyosin-7A complex was predicted from the protein-protein interaction model, from which the core interface sites of actin and the myosin 7A motor domain were defined. Finally, sequence alignment and the comparison of models were used to suggest the possibility of a pliant region existing between the converter domain and lever arm of myosin 7A. The results of this study provide insights into the structure of myosin 7A that could serve as a framework for higher resolution studies in future.

Mechanics of inner core debonding of composite sandwich beam with CFRP hexagonal honeycomb

The inner core debonding of composite sandwich beams with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) hexagonal honeycomb core is investigated theoretically and experimentally. Based on the principle of minimum potential energy, a theoretical model is established to reveal the core debonding mechanism with Timoshenko’s beam theory and Extended High-Order Sandwich Panel Theory (EHSAPT) for composite face sheets and CFRP hexagonal honeycomb core, respectively. The theoretical approach of core debonding simulation is based on the framework of the cohesive zone model (CZM). By constructing the constitutive relation of the core interface as the discontinuous stress and displacement boundary conditions, the vertical core debonding can be simulated overcoming the singularity of equilibrium equations. The crack propagation process is decomposed into three stages with the consideration of the double crack propagation mechanism. In experiments, the regular and reinforced hexagonal honeycomb sandwich beams are designed and fabricated, and the quantification of the defect degree of the core bonding interface is achieved by equivalent energy release rate obtained from the homogenized hexagonal honeycomb. The double cantilever beam (DCB) experiments are performed to determine the equivalent energy release rate and reveal the core debonding mechanism of CFRP hexagonal honeycomb sandwich beams. Comparing the load–displacement curves and debonding deformation patterns indicates that the established theoretical model can effectively predict the core debonding mechanical response. Finally, parametric analysis is carried out to discuss the impact of structural dimension parameters, defect location and defect degree on the debonding modes of CFRP hexagonal honeycomb sandwich beams.

Double-layered anisotropic stellar model of embedding class I with gaseous envelope

The current paper presents a double-layered neutral anisotropic stellar model in general relativistic setting. The model is developed by using Einstein field equations and class I embedding condition. We consider the core with quark matter obeying linear equation of state and envelope layer with gaseous matter admitting Chaplygin gas equation of state. The interior and exterior metric coefficients match smoothly at the interface of core and envelope layers and at the stellar surface. The profiles for matter variables, stability and energy conditions show acceptable trend for physical stellar models. In this model, stellar masses and radii consistent with compact stars HerX-1, 4U1538-52, SAXJ1808.4-3658, CenX-3 and SMCX-1 are generated. We note that studies of multi-layered stars with gaseous envelope and embedding class I condition are missing in investigations conducted in the past.

Deciphering a crucial dimeric interface governing Norrin dimerization and the pathogenesis of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a hereditary eye disease that could cause blindness. It has been established that Norrin forms dimers to activate β-catenin signaling, yet the core interface for Norrin dimerization and the precise mechanism by which Norrin dimerization contributes to the pathogenesis of FEVR remain elusive. Here, we report an NDP variant, c.265T>C (p.Phe89Leu), that interrupted β-catenin signaling by disrupting Norrin dimerization. Structural and functional analysis revealed that the Phe-89 of one Norrin monomer interacts with Pro-98, Ser-101, Arg-121, and Ile-123 of another, forming two core symmetrical dimerization interfaces that are pivotal for the formation of a "hand-by-arm" dimer. Intriguingly, we proved that one of the two core symmetrical interfaces is sufficient for dimerization and activation of β-catenin signaling, with a substantial contribution from the Phe-89/Pro-98 interaction. Further functional analysis revealed that the disruption of both dimeric interfaces eliminates potential binding sites for LRP5, which could be partially restored by over-expression of TSPAN12. In conclusion, our findings unveil a core dimerization interface that regulates Norrin/LRP5 interaction, highlighting the essential role of Norrin dimerization on β-catenin signaling and providing potential therapeutic avenues for the treatment of FEVR.

Optimizing Nickel Orbital Occupancy via Co‐Modulation of Core and Shell Structures to Accelerate Alkaline Hydrogen Electro‐Oxidation Reaction

AbstractNickel‐based catalysts are recognized as a promising alternative to platinum‐based catalysts for the alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) yet suffer from poor stability and relatively low activity. Herein, a nitrogen ligand‐assisted approach is reported to encapsulate nickel‐copper nanoparticles within few carbon layers, and by modulating the core and shell components/structure, the charge distribution in the nanostructures can be finely regulated. The optimized Ni93Cu7@NC catalyst exhibits outstanding HOR activity with an intrinsic activity of 61.0 µA cm−2 and excellent stability, which is among the most advanced Ni‐based HOR catalysts. Notably, an alkaline exchange membrane fuel cell utilizing this catalyst achieves a peak power density of 381 mW cm−2 and maintains stability at 100 mA cm−2 for over 24 h. Experimental and theoretical investigations unveil that the electron re‐distribution at the interface of NiCu core and nitrogen‐doped carbon reduces the electron occupancy in Ni 4s‐H 1s bonding orbitals and Ni 3dz2/yz‐O 2p antibonding orbitals, leading to a weakened hydrogen binding energy and enhance hydroxide binding energy. Consequently, the limiting energy for the HOR is reduced following a bifunctional mechanism on the Ni93Cu7@NC. This work provides a core‐shell co‐modulation strategy to accurately regulate the electronic structure of transition metals to design robust catalysts.

Enhancing High-Speed Data Transfer in Fpga-Based Systems: An Innovative Usb 3.0 Communication Interface Design

This study introduces an innovative design for a USB 3.0 communication interface, specifically tailored for Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Given the escalating requirements for rapid data transmission in contemporary computer applications, USB 3.0 provides substantial enhancements over its antecedents. Nonetheless, extant USB communication interfaces inadequately cater to FPGA development, leading to diminished productivity for developers. To reconcile this discrepancy, this paper advocate for an Intellectual Property (IP) core interface that capitalizes on the concurrent data transmission proficiency of FPGAs, in conjunction with the superior speed transfer of USB 3.0. This design employs the CYUSB3014 chip, amalgamating the Physical Layer (PHY), Serial Interface Engine (SIE), and driver software into a singular entity. Herein, the FPGA serves as the nexus of control, streamlining data interchange and interface coordination among diverse modules within the system. The design put forth not only enables expeditious data communication in FPGA-centric systems, thereby surmounting the constraints of conventional USB interfaces, but also promotes accelerated data conveyance and augmented development efficiency. Consequently, this design harbors extensive applicability across spheres of digital system design and communications.

Thermomechanical Analysis of Thermoplastic Mono-Material Sandwich Structures with Honeycomb Core

The application of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic mono-material sandwich panels has many advantages, such as recyclability, reduction in processing cycle times, integration of additional elements by means of welding, and a great potential for in-line production. The most efficient way to produce a curved thermoplastic sandwich panel is thermoforming, which has several challenges. One of them is to achieve a higher thermal gradient in the panel. On the one hand, the temperature at the skin–core interface must exceed the softening point of the polymer to reach a sufficient bonding degree. On the other hand, the core should not be overheated and overloaded to avoid its collapse. Furthermore, several fiber distortions, such as wrinkles or buckles, can be developed during thermoforming. All these flaws have a negative impact on the mechanical performance of the sandwich structure. The objective of this study is the development of a simulation tool for the thermoforming process, which can replace the time-consuming trial-and-error-based method. Therefore, a coupled thermomechanical model was developed for a novel thermoplastic sandwich structure, which is able to predict the temperature distribution and its influence on the mechanical properties of the panel. Experimental trials were conducted to validate the thermomechanical forming model, which demonstrated a good agreement with numerical results.

In search of gravity mode signatures in main sequence solar-type stars observed by Kepler

Gravity modes (g modes), mixed gravito-acoustic modes (mixed modes), and gravito-inertial modes (gi modes) possess unmatched properties as probes for stars with radiative interiors. The structural and dynamical constraints that they are able to provide cannot be accessed by other means. While they provide precious insights into the internal dynamics of evolved stars as well as massive and intermediate-mass stars, their non-detection in main sequence (MS) solar-type stars make them a crucial missing piece in our understanding of angular momentum transport in radiative zones and stellar rotational evolution. In this work, we aim to apply certain analysis tools originally developed for helioseismology in order to look for g-mode signatures in MS solar-type stars. We select a sample of the 34 most promising MS solar-type stars with Kepler four-year long photometric time series. All these stars are well-characterised late F-type stars with thin convective envelopes, fast convective flows, and stochastically excited acoustic modes (p modes). For each star, we compute the background noise level of the Fourier power spectrum to identify significant peaks at low frequency. After successfully detecting individual peaks in 12 targets, we further analyse four of them and observe distinct patterns of surrounding peaks with a low probability of being noise artifacts. Comparisons with the predictions from reference models suggest that these patterns are compatible with the presence of non-asymptotic low-order pure g modes, pure p modes, and mixed modes. Given their sensitivity to both the convective core interface stratification and the coupling between p- and g-mode resonant cavities, such modes are able to provide strong constraints on the structure and evolutionary states of the related targets. Considering the granulation and activity background of the stars in our sample, we subsequently compute the corresponding mode velocity necessary to trigger a detectable luminosity fluctuation. We use it to estimate the surface velocity, ⟨vr⟩, of the candidate modes we have detected. In this case, we find ⟨vr⟩∼10 cm s−1. These results could be extremely useful for characterising the deep interior of MS solar-type stars, as the upcoming PLATO mission will considerably expand the size of the available working sample.

The Characterization of the Sandwich Composite Consisted of Coconut Fibre-Polyester Resin and its Variations of Wood Core

The traditional fishing vessels in Indonesia are usually made of wood material. The weakness of this vessel material is that it is easily weathered when exposed to seawater. For this reason, it is necessary to have vessel material engineering from composite sandwiches. This study aimed to prepare and investigate the flexural test, impact test, optical microscopy (OM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of sandwich composites based on coconut fibre-polyester resin and wood core. The fabrication uses a hand lay-up method with a constant volume fraction (20% coconut coir fibre) and wood core variations type. The primary wood variations used are albizia chinensis, mahogany, shorea, and camphor. The Surface modification of fibre and wood core was conditioned without treatment and with treatment with about 5% NaOH solution for 2 hours. The study showed that the highest bending and impact strength was sandwich composite with camphor wood cores with alkali treatment for 39.75 MPa and 37.22 J/cm2, respectively. The OM observations showed that the core and skin interface area failed to delaminate after flexural and impact tests. SEM observations also showed thatthe bond alkalization treatment between the matrix and the fibres was quite good. In the composite skin fracture area, there is a lot of fibre brake, and a little thread pulls out. The skin matrix also shows the presence of voids. Generally, this sandwich composite is feasible for application as a material for traditional fishing vessels.

Core shell heterojunction interface in green synthesized Sm3+ ions doped ZnO nano-particles to promote the charge separation for efficient photocatalytic applications

In this work, we report core-shell heterojunction of Sm3+ ions doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) by green synthesis technique and their photocatalytic activity for rapid degradation of methyl green dye molecules under UV light irradiation. High-resolution X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscope characterization techniques were employed to investigate structural and morphological studies. It is found that, the crystallite size of NPs is decreased with increasing Sm3+ ions concentration in NPs since Sm3+ ions are inhibiting the further growth of NPs. In addition, Sm3+: ZnO NPs catalyst shows irregular core shell heterojunction ensuing in the augmentation of a charge partition. Following that, the elemental compositional studies of Sm3+: ZnO NPs were estimated by energy dispersive spectroscopy. XPS imaging is also done in this work to get chemical mapping and the results suggested that the peaks are related to the Sm3+ ions in the ZnO lattice, which confirms the appropriate incorporation of Sm3+ into the ZnO. The optical energy band gap of NPs was estimated using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Excitation spectrum of Sm3+: ZnO NPs tinted the typical f-f transitions of Sm3+ ions. Photoluminescence emission shows the e− /h+ pair recombination rate reduced with increasing wt% of dopant Sm3+ ions in NPs. 10 wt% Sm3+: ZnO NPs showed the optimum photodegradation efficiency towards methyl green dye under the irradiation of UV light for 50 min. The dye degradation rate of Sm3+: ZnO NPs was 91% which is 26% higher than that of pristine ZnO NPs. Furthermore, the catalyst retains its original efficiency after fifth cycle.

Experimental and numerical studies on shear behavior of lattice-web reinforced PET foam sandwich panels

To solve the problem that traditional lightweight core sandwich structure is prone to core brittle failure and interface debonding, innovative sandwich panels with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) as facings and lattice-webs, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) structural foam as the core were designed. Five composite sandwich panels with different thicknesses of cores and facings were fabricated by vacuum infusion molding process. Three-point bending test was carried out to survey the shear properties of panels, such as failure modes and load–deflection variation laws, which disclosed that the ultimate shear loads of the sandwich panels could be increased by 96.1% and 25.5% by heightening the thickness of the foam core from 40 mm to 80 mm and adding (0,90°)/(±45o) layers. Theoretical formulas were then put forward to calculate the ultimate loads, and the error between theoretical and test values was within 10%. Finally, the shear mechanical characteristics of the sandwich panels under the three-point bending test were simulated with the finite element software ANSYS, and the change rules of the bearing capacity and deformation of the sandwich panels under various test parameters were obtained. Parametric analysis proved that increasing the lattice-webs thickness by one factor can heighten the ultimate shear value of sandwich panels by 95.9%, and longitudinal lattice-webs spacing greatly influenced the ductility performance of panels.

Modulation of Hot Electrons via Interface Engineering of Au@ZnIn2S4/MXene for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Seawater Splitting under Visible Light

Interface engineering in hybrid plasmonic metal/semiconductor heterostructures is an efficient approach to enhance the catalytic performance of photocatalysts and photoelectrochemical cells in harvesting and converting sunlight, especially in the range of visible light. Plasmon-induced hot electron injection plays a crucial role in the transfer of plasmonic energy from a plasmonic metal to semiconductor in a plasmonic metal/semiconductor system. Herein, the efficient injection and utilization of hot electrons are achieved by fabrication of a Au@ZnIn2S4/Ti3C2 (Au@ZIS/Ti3C2) system, in which the core–shell Au@ZIS nanoparticles with well-defined interfaces are anchored on the 2D Ti3C2 surface. The core–shell Au@ZIS nanostructure is first constructed by a cation exchange reaction method. The well-defined interface of the Au core and ZIS shell optimizes the electron transfer pathway and greatly promotes the extraction of hot electrons from Au to ZIS. Furthermore, the electrons concentrated on ZIS can be further transferred to Ti3C2 owing to its excellent electron mobility and conductivity, leading to highly efficient separation and transfer of electrons through a two-step transfer process. The activities of photoelectrochemical (PEC) seawater splitting demonstrate that the integration of Au and ZIS into an optimized core–shell structure and its further modification by Ti3C2 results in a drastic improvement in PEC activity. Therefore, Au@ZIS/Ti3C2 shows the highest photocurrent density and smallest charge transfer resistance among various samples, accompanied by 6.5 and 10.8 orders of enhancement in PEC H2 evolution compared to reference samples of ZIS/Ti3C2 and Au/Ti3C2. Elaborate design and construction of core–shell plasmonic metal@semiconductor nanostructure with a well-defined interface and 2D MXene support would provide a feasible and promising method to enhance the performance of PEC seawater splitting.

Interfacial Cu2O enables the unanticipated boosting activity of arc-converted graphitic chain mail encapsulated Cu nanocatalysts

Encapsulation of Cu nanoparticles by carbon chain mail is a promising approach to extend the service endurance. However, the diffusion of oxygen across the surfaces and interfaces of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) may induce obvious changes to their surface compositions, thereby dramatically altering catalytic properties. Here we reported an unanticipated boosting catalytic activity of graphitic chain mail-encapsulated Cu nanocatalysts (1.3- to 6.8-fold enhancement from initial 1.6–13.4 s−1g−1 to stable 6.6–21.5 s−1g−1) for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol by simply immersing these NPs in water for 10 days without any further treatment. The graphitic shells were arc-converted from sixteen types of biomass residuals and polymeric wastes. The rising catalytic activity was attributed to the temporal formation of Cu2O at the interface of Cu core and graphite shell, which was derived from the diffusion of dissolved oxygen across the defective graphitic chain mail. The increment of catalytic activity was linearly related with the rising content of Cu2O. The monotonous relations of initial and enhanced activities with shell thickness and interfacial composition of NPs were also well established. This work provides a new insight into the interfacial manipulation of core/shell nanocatalysts, and paves a versatile path for the high value-added utilization of carbon wastes.

Research on ADRC controller of bidirectional DC–DC​ converter for MMC-BESS

The flexible interconnection AC/DC hybrid system with modular multilevel converter (MMC) as the core interface can comprehend the centralized get right of entry to of different and decentralized resources, decorate the reliability of strength supply, and enhance new energy consumption. However, the intermittence and fluctuation of distributed generations affect the safety and stability of flexible interconnected AC/DC hybrid systems. MMC based on battery energy storage system (MMC-BESS) can stabilize power fluctuations on the AC and DC sides of the system and improve the stability of the system. In order to improve the rapidity and immunity of MMC-BESS, this paper presents an active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) strategy for the bidirectional DC–DC converter of MMC-BESS. The voltage fluctuations of the interface capacitor in the energy storage and the current fluctuations of the inductor in the bidirectional DC–DC converter are discussed. Moreover, ADRC controller is designed for the bidirectional DC–DC converter of MMC-BESS. At last, simulations under different load mutations on the DC side and unbalanced three-phase grid voltage are carried out for verification of the performance of the ADRC control strategy in MMC-BESS. The results show that MMC-BESS based on ADRC strategy has more favorable rapidity and immunity than PI strategy, and is helpful to practical application in flexible interconnected AC/DC hybrid system in the future.

Experimental Study on the Bearing Performance of Rock-Socketed Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Piles under Horizontal Cyclic Loading

Rock-socketed concrete-filled steel tube piles (RSCFSTs), which have been widely used in harbors, bridges, and offshore wind turbines, were exposed to horizontal cyclic loading during service and suffered fatigue damage. For the RSCFSTs, longitudinal steel bars were welded to the inner wall of the steel tube to enhance the bonding strength of the steel tube and concrete core interface. It is essential to research the bearing performance of RSCFSTs like this, under horizontal cyclic loading. In this paper, cyclic loading tests of RSCFSTs under horizontal loading were carried out. The failure patterns of RSCFSTs during the destabilization process were generalized, and the lateral displacement development law of RSCFSTs was analyzed. The interfacial bonding characteristics between the steel tube and concrete core during the test were also discussed. Results showed that the horizontal bearing capacity of RSCFSTs decreases nonlinearly with the increase in the equal amplitude of load, and the development process of the lateral displacement-cycle number curve was divided into three phases: (I) rapid growth period, (II) fatigue growth period, and (III) sharp growth period. The larger the horizontal load was, the faster the lateral displacement entered the fatigue growth period. The duration of the rapid growth period and fatigue damage period accounts for about 90% of the total life of RSCFSTs. The stiffening form of the longitudinal steel bars welded to the inner wall of the steel tube can realize the synergistic force between the upper steel tube and the concrete core of RSCFSTs, which accounts for about 7/10 of the length of RSCFSTs. The depth of the steel tube, foundation stiffness, and bonding performance between the steel tube and the concrete core were the key factors that affected the horizontal bearing performance of RSCFSTs. Finally, some constructive suggestions are proposed for the design of RSCFSTs, including increasing steel tube embedded depth, adding a sniffer bar between the steel tube and concrete interface, etc.