Lateral Expansion Research Articles

The propagation characteristics of a detonation wave in uniformly premixed gases within a semi-confined channel

Based on the OpenFOAM platform, a numerical study was conducted to investigate the propagation characteristics of a detonation wave in uniformly premixed gases within a semi-confined channel, specifically examining the changes in wave's structure and analyzing the detonation reinitiation-extinguishment process. The results indicate that, due to the weak confinement, the detonation wave experiences lateral expansion, with transverse waves on the detonation wave front penetrating into the inert gas and forming segmented protrusions on the oblique shock wave. During the propagation process, the number of transverse waves decreases gradually, and the reflected waves formed by the interaction between transverse waves and the inert gas are weak, collectively leading to a gradual decay in the strength of the detonation wave and a reduction in the frequency of pressure oscillation on the detonation wave front. Furthermore, when transverse waves interact with the inert gas and undergo Mach reflection, the reflected waves would detach the inert gas and form new transverse waves promoted by upward-moving old transverse waves and disturbances on the flame front, thereby extending the duration distance of the detonation wave. Subsequently, after the detonation wave decouples, a transverse wave reflected from the inert gas interface interacts with the lower wall, triggering local detonation reinitiation, which generates a higher-intensity longitudinal wave that couples with the leading shock wave, temporarily restoring the detonation wave and forming lateral detonation in the decoupled region. However, the detonation wave will ultimately extinguish due to the attenuation of transverse waves' intensity and decreasing number of these waves.

Novel ellipsoid-like granules exhibit enhanced anammox performance compared to sphere-like granules

Anammox granular sludge (AnGS) serves as an important platform for cost-effective nitrogen removal from wastewater. Different to the traditionally sphere-like granules, a novel type of AnGS in a unique ellipsoid-like shape was obtained through enhancing shear force. The ellipsoid-like AnGS significantly exhibited a smaller aspect ratio (-25.1 %) and granular size (-11.8 %), compared to traditional sphere-like AnGS (p < 0.01). Comprehensive comparisons showed that ellipsoid-like AnGS possessed a significantly higher extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content and strength, as well as an enhanced mass transfer and a higher viable bacteria proportion due to the larger substrate permeable zone (p < 0.01). Additionally, the anammox bacterial abundance (Candidatus Kuenenia) was 12.2 % higher in ellipsoid-like AnGS than in sphere-like AnGS. All these characteristics of ellipsoid-like AnGS jointly increased the specific anammox activity by 29.0 % and nitrogen removal capacity by 22.6 %, compared to sphere-like AnGS. Further fluid field simulation suggested the enhanced flow shear on the side surface of AnGS likely drove the formation of ellipsoid-like AnGS. The higher shear force on the side surface led to an increase of EPS content (especially hydrophobic protein) and elastic modulus, thus constraining lateral expansion. This study sheds light on impacts of granular shape, an overlooked morphological factor, on anammox performance. The ellipsoid-like AnGS presented herein also offers a unique and promising aggregate to enhance anammox performance.

Assessment of the impact behavior of CLF-1 steel with Charpy V-notch testing and miniature Charpy V-notch testing

China Low-activation Ferrite steel (CLF-1), as one of the structural materials developed in China for fusion reactors, is a Reduced activation Ferritic/Martensitic (RAFM) steel modeled after the traditional T91 steel (9Cr-1Mo-0.2V-0.08Nb). For fusion reactor materials, the Charpy impact testing is an important method to assess their notch sensitivity. In this study, Charpy impact tests were conducted on CLF-1 steel using Charpy V-notch specimens (CVN) and Miniature Charpy V-notch specimens (Kleinstprobe, KLST) to assess the impact behavior of CLF-1 steel, and data normalization was performed on the KLST specimen. The results show that as the specimen size of CLF-1 steel decreased, the curves of impact absorbed energy, lateral expansion, and shear fracture appearance shifted towards lower temperatures, and the impact absorbed energy significantly decreased. Both the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the specimens obtained from the experiments indicated that KLST specimens could achieve the same fracture characteristics as CVN specimens. Additionally, at the same experimental temperature, KLST specimens exhibited a higher proportion of ductile fracture regions.

3D Coaxial Printing of Small‐Diameter Artificial Arteries

As a treatment for the widely spread cardiovascular diseases (CVD), bypass vascular grafts have room for improvement in terms of mechanical property match with native arteries. A 3D‐printed nozzle is presented, featuring unique internal structures, to extrude artificial vascular grafts with a flower‐mimicking geometry. The multilayer‐structured graft wall allows the inner and outer layers to interfere sequentially during lateral expansion, replicating the nonlinear elasticity of native vessels. Both experiment and simulation results verify the necessity and benefit of the flower‐mimicking structure in obtaining the self‐toughening behavior. The gelation study of natural polymers and the utilization of sacrificial phase enables the smooth extrusion of the multiphase conduit, where computer‐assisted image analysis is employed to quantify manufacturing fidelity. The cell viability tests demonstrate the cytocompatibility of the gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/sodium alginate grafts, suggesting potential for further clinical research with further developments. This study presents a feasible approach for fabricating bypass vascular grafts and inspires future treatments for CVD.

Investigating Light and Water Optimization for Early Seedling Establishment in Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth

Seedling growth, development, and establishment are vulnerable stages for trees, greatly influenced by two important environmental factors: light availability and soil moisture regime. This study investigated the interactive effects of light intensity and water availability on key early vegetative growth parameters of collar diameter, height, and the number of leaves in seedlings of the tropical legume tree Albizia lebbeck. The experiment utilized a 4×3 factorial design with four light intensity levels (L1 (75%), L2 (50%), L3 (25%), and L4 (100% as control)) and three watering frequencies (daily (W1), every three days (W2), weekly (W3)) in a nursery greenhouse. Measurements were recorded biweekly for ten weeks. The results showed that moderate light intensity of 50% coupled with adequate moisture supply by daily watering (L2W1) led to optimal seedling growth. This treatment combination resulted in the greatest mean collar diameter (3.62 mm), plant height (41.88 cm), and number of leaves (11). Growth was restricted under full light (L4) and insufficient light (L3). Limited water availability by watering weekly (W3) also suppressed growth metrics. However, there was no significant difference between daily watering (W1) and moderate watering frequency (W2). Strong intrinsic synchronization was observed between the collar diameter and plant height growth trajectories over time, reflecting coordinated lateral and vertical stem expansion regulated by developmental processes. Leaf proliferation showed partially decoupled dynamics from stem growth, indicating specialized control over leaf traits. Collar diameter, height, and the number of leaves were inherently intercorrelated, highlighting their co-dependence in generating resources and signals needed to sustain growth and development. The findings suggest that 50% light intensity and adequate moisture by watering every 1-3 days are optimal for nursery establishment of A. lebbeck seedlings to maximize early vegetative growth.

Compressive Mechanical Properties and Energy Absorption of Cubic Spherical Hollow Cellular Material Based on the Rod and Curved Surface Structure

Cellular materials, such as lattices and honeycombs, were widely used for structural protection owing to their excellent mechanical properties. By combining the excellent characteristics of lattice and honeycomb curved surface structures, this study designed a cell called Cubic Spherical Hollow (CSH), which had the advantages of orthogonal isotropy and better spatial connectivity. Inspired by the micro-structural arrangement of bamboo fiber and conch shell, we designed the new CSH cellular materials through the interlayer offset strategy. Then, the effects of interlayer offset on the mechanical properties and compression deformation behavior were explored experimentally and simulatively. Compared with other cellular materials, CSH cellular materials exhibited excellent mechanical properties with higher specific strength and specific modulus. The arrangement offsets of the CSH cells between different layers led to a change in the deformation mechanism from a rod’s compressive mode to a combination of a rod’s compressive mode and curved surface’s bending mode. The initial peak stress and plateau stress decreased with the increased arrangement offsets of the CSH since the extruded protrusions of the structure filled the holes and reduced the lateral expansion behavior of the material in the pressurized environment. This phenomenon also reduced the transverse expansion and prevented the sudden change in stress in the constrained space, indicating that the structural deformation was stable and had excellent cushioning and energy absorption properties. In this study, the cellular material design strategy opens a new avenue for energy absorption.

Selective utilization of glucose metabolism guides mammalian gastrulation

The prevailing dogma for morphological patterning in developing organisms argues that the combined inputs of transcription factor networks and signalling morphogens alone generate spatially and temporally distinct expression patterns. However, metabolism has also emerged as a critical developmental regulator1–10, independent of its functions in energy production and growth. The mechanistic role of nutrient utilization in instructing cellular programmes to shape the in vivo developing mammalian embryo remains unknown. Here we reveal two spatially resolved, cell-type- and stage-specific waves of glucose metabolism during mammalian gastrulation by using single-cell-resolution quantitative imaging of developing mouse embryos, stem cell models and embryo-derived tissue explants. We identify that the first spatiotemporal wave of glucose metabolism occurs through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway to drive fate acquisition in the epiblast, and the second wave uses glycolysis to guide mesoderm migration and lateral expansion. Furthermore, we demonstrate that glucose exerts its influence on these developmental processes through cellular signalling pathways, with distinct mechanisms connecting glucose with the ERK activity in each wave. Our findings underscore that—in synergy with genetic mechanisms and morphogenic gradients—compartmentalized cellular metabolism is integral in guiding cell fate and specialized functions during development. This study challenges the view of the generic and housekeeping nature of cellular metabolism, offering valuable insights into its roles in various developmental contexts.

Vertical multilayer structure of MoS2 flakes prepared by thermal evaporative deposition

In this investigation, we explore the synthesis of MoS2 through thermal evaporative deposition, seeking to uncover the growth dynamics and structural evolution of MoS2 under varied experimental conditions. By adjusting the temperature and the carrier gas, this study targets the fabrication of vertical multilayer MoS2 and its growth mode. Our analysis demonstrates that thermal conditions markedly influence flake morphology and dimensions, leading to a notable shift from AA to AB stacking configurations as temperatures rise in the vacuum. Additionally, the application of carrier distinctly modifies growth behaviors, enhancing the uniformity of nucleation sites and the propensity for lateral flake expansion. The insights gained from this research highlight the adaptability and effectiveness of thermal evaporative deposition in producing MoS2, thereby enriching our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms guiding MoS2 synthesis.

Maximum Lateral Expansion of Wetting Bulbs from Buried and Surface Point Sources: Implications for Drip Irrigation Design

Maximum Lateral Expansion of Wetting Bulbs from Buried and Surface Point Sources: Implications for Drip Irrigation Design

Understanding sediment and carbon accumulation in macrotidal minerogenic saltmarshes for climate resilience

Coastal saltmarshes play an essential role in providing services such as sediment and carbon storage, coastal protection and support for biodiversity. Despite their importance, understanding the factors controlling sediment and carbon accumulation in these minerogenic saltmarshes remains challenging due to their diversity and site-specific characteristics. Understanding the respective role of these drivers is essential for effective coastal management, particularly for mitigating the impacts of climate change. This study evaluates the control of forcing factors on the lateral and vertical morphological evolution and carbon burial rates of three minerogenic saltmarshes located on the French Atlantic coast (Pertuis Charentais region). By focusing on these sites, the study isolates specific factors such as wind and wave exposure, inundation frequency, and sediment availability, while minimizing confounding influences like climate and tidal range. Results reveal significant lateral expansion of saltmarsh boundaries towards the sea across all sites, with the highest rates of progradation observed in the protected areas influenced by geomorphological features such as sand spits and sheltered bay heads. Sediment and mass accumulation rates (SAR; MAR), derived from 210Pb and 137Cs profiles of sediment cores (n = 14), range from 0.48 to 2.22 cm yr−1, among the highest reported globally, with notable variability within and between sites. Inundation frequency and accommodation space explain SAR variability within sites, while sediment availability predominantly determines spatial differences in vertical accumulation rates between sites. Organic carbon burial rates range from 75 to 345 gC m−2 yr−1, and show a strong correlation with SAR (r = 0.9, p < 0.001, n = 13) but no dependence on carbon content or density (r = 0.2, p > 0.05, n = 13). This highlights the role of sediment input in the accumulation and sequestration of carbon by minerogenic saltmarshes. Furthermore, isotopic analysis indicates a marine source dominance in organic carbon sediment. This research provides insights into how different environmental conditions affect saltmarsh morphological evolution and carbon sequestration rates, informing targeted coastal management strategies focused on enhancing ecosystem resilience and climate resilience.

Impacts of phosphite treatment on Phytophthora community assemblages and inoculum abundances in Phytophthora-infected forest soil

Phytophthora are causing declines in forest tree species worldwide and the chemical control treatment, phosphite, is the only treatment consistently shown to provide some protection to natural ecosystems from Phytophthora diseases. Phosphite inhibits Phytophthora growth and sporulation whilst boosting defence responses in the plant host. It is unclear, however, the extent of the impact of phosphite on Phytophthora species assemblages and inoculum abundances in soil around trees following treatment within natural ecosystems. In New Zealand, kauri (Agathis australis), an endemic and threatened foundation species, suffers from a dieback disease primarily caused by Phytophthora agathidicida. Phosphite is applied by trunk injection to kauri and has been shown to improve resin ‘bleed’ symptoms from basal trunk lesions and to promote recovery of thinned canopies. Phytophthora community and inoculum abundance were investigated in response to phosphite treatments at two field sites (Huia and Waitoki) in infected kauri stands in Auckland, New Zealand. At Huia, soil sampling and tree health surveying were conducted in November 2023 on trees treated with phosphite in 2012 as part of an earlier study. At Waitoki, the response to phosphite treatment was monitored 6 and 18 months following treatment. Phytophthora species were detected using soil baiting and metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA) from soil and quantified with qPCR of root and soil DNA. Three species were detected with soil baiting (P. agathidicida, P. cinnamomi, and P. multivora) and two additional species with metabarcoding (P. pseudocryptogea, and an unknown clade 7 species similar to P. europaea). Phytophthora cinnamomi was the most abundant species, followed by P. agathidicida. Both species were more likely to occur together than by chance alone and were associated with declining tree health. The P. europaea-like species was in approximately 50% of the samples and was less likely to occur in roots with poorer health, or in association with P. agathidicida. The abundance of P. agathidicida inoculum was lower in the soil around the phosphite-treated trees than around the untreated control trees 1.5 years after treatment at Waitoki. Phosphite halted the lateral expansion of basal resin bleeds, and resin viscosity was reduced. Not only did phosphite treatments improve kauri dieback symptoms, but the phosphite treatments potentially had a direct impact on the epidemiology of the disease by reducing inoculum load around treated trees, with direct implications for disease management as an effective way to protect uninfected areas and minimise the spread of inoculum from infested zones.

Evaluating mechanical benefit of wedge osteotomies in endoscopic surgery for sagittal synostosis using patient-specific 3D-printed models.

Endoscopically assisted sagittal strip craniotomy with subsequent cranial orthosis is a frequently used surgical approach for non-syndromic sagittal synostosis. Originally, this technique involved a wide sagittal strip craniectomy with bilateral wedge osteotomies. More recent studies suggest omitting wedge osteotomies, achieving similar outcomes. The controversy surrounding wedge osteotomies and our efforts to refine our technique led us to create models and evaluate the mechanical impact of wedge osteotomies. We conducted a 3D-print study involving preoperative CT scans of non-syndromic scaphocephaly patients undergoing minimally invasive-assisted remodelation (MEAR) surgery. The sagittal strip collected during surgery underwent thickness measurement, along with a 3-point bending test. These results were used to determine printing parameters for accurately replicating the skull model. Model testing simulated gravitational forces during the postoperative course and assessed lateral expansion under various wedge osteotomy conditions. The median sagittal strip thickness was 2.00mm (range 1.35-3.46mm) and significantly positively correlated (p = 0.037) with the median force (21.05 N) of the 3-point bending test. Model testing involving 40 models demonstrated that biparietal wedge osteotomies significantly reduced the force required for lateral bone shift, with a trend up to 5-cm-long cuts (p = 0.007). Additional cuts beyond this length or adding the occipital cut did not provide further significant advantage (p = 0.1643; p = 9.6381). Biparietal wedge osteotomies reduce the force needed for lateral expansion, provide circumstances for accelerated head shape correction, and potentially reduce the duration of cranial orthosis therapy.

Investigation of multi-inlet arrangement effect on mesoscale bubble dynamics in the gas–liquid-solid reactor via VOF-DEM

Multi-channel gas–liquid-solid systems have attracted considerable attention across chemical, energy, and biochemical industries due to their potential applications, yet the intricate interplay between different scales of interphase interactions remains complex. This study employs the volume of fluid method coupled with the discrete element method (VOF-DEM) to investigate the multi-scale flow hydrodynamics within gas–liquid-solid systems featuring various inlet arrangements. Following thorough validation of the numerical methodology, the intricate interphase interactions, bubble dynamics, and the influence of multi-channel configurations are examined. The findings elucidate that the presence of a densely packed particle bed fundamentally alters the bubble generation process, inhibiting lateral expansion while promoting vertical growth. Consequently, this phenomenon increases the likelihood of collision and coalescence between adjacent rising bubbles. Additionally, higher Reynolds and Weber numbers facilitate vortex shedding and create open unsteady wakes, thereby enhancing mixing effects within the system. Consequently, it is advisable to adjust both the inlet size and gas flow rate to achieve Reynolds numbers exceeding 3000 and Weber numbers surpassing 10. Moreover, reactor design considerations must include proper channel spacing to mitigate the formation of large merged bubbles, which may enhance local stirring but impede global mixing. Optimizing the spacing between gas inlets enhances lateral bubble extrusion by particles, fosters a meandering ascent for bubbles, and boosts both gas–liquid contact area and gas hold-up. The insights obtained from this study provide valuable contributions to understanding the multi-channel flow behaviors in gas–liquid-solid systems and offer practical guidance for the design and optimization of such reactors.

Spring-reinforced pneumatic actuator and soft robotic applications

Abstract Compared to rigid-structure robots, soft robots possess higher degrees of freedom and stronger environmental adaptability, which has aroused increasing attention in the robotic field. Among them, soft pneumatic robots have excellent performances in various practical applications. However, the nonlinearity and instability of pressure response of soft actuators caused by lateral expansion come to a great challenge. To address this problem, we proposed to embed a spring constraint layer around each single air chamber. Following the design concept, we obtained single-cavity and multi-DoF pneumatic actuators and evaluated their elongation and bending characteristics. Experimental results demonstrated that our proposed actuators have more linear pressure response as well as higher consistency. Eventually, through robotic applications, including soft robotic hand and gripper our proposed actuators could facilitate flexible manipulation and elaborate performance.

Advancements in light-gauge steel rectangular CFST columns: A comprehensive experimental study

This research examines the structural performance of rectangular Concrete-Filled Steel Tube (CFST) columns produced from light-gauge steel tubes. The study aimed at improving their strength, stiffness, and ductility via a combination of external confinement, internal stiffeners, and hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HFRC) infill. An axial compression test was carried out on a total of 18 samples, comprising of unconfined hollow steel tubes, bracing-confined tubes, ring-confined tubes, unconfined CFST, bracing-confined CFST, and ring-confined CFST columns. To restrict lateral expansion, external restraints including bracing and ring-type steel rods, were spot-welded to the outer steel tube. To optimize the column’s load carrying capacity and mitigate buckling effects, the spacing of the confinements were systematically designed. HFRC infill and alterations in the inner profile with and without vertical strips and studs, were also taken into consideration. The experimental results plus the failu re modes, axial load-deflections and load-deflection curves were analyzed to understand the behavior of the CFST columns. Performance indicators such as strength and stiffness ratios, and confinement effect ratio, were assessed for the various sample types. This research accentuates the efficiency of external confinement techniques in improving strength and ductility. Existing design codes were adopted for the theoretical estimations of the axial compression capacity, highlighting variations in predictions. This study significantly contributed beneficial understandings of the structural performance of rectangular CFST columns, stressing the importance of both internal and external confinements and HFRC infill.

Effects of Ribbed Crossflow Channel in a Turbine Blade on Film Cooling Performance of Diffusion Slot Holes with Various Cross Section Orientations

Abstract This paper investigates the influence of ribbed crossflow on the film cooling performance of a turbine rotor blade. A pressure-sensitive paint measurement technique was employed to measure the effectiveness of film cooling. The discharge coefficients were also measured to determine the flow resistance. A row of film holes was positioned at the pressure surface or suction surface with a spanwise hole spacing of 7.5D, which is half of the rib spacing. The experiments were carried out at a mainstream Reynolds number of 520,000, a turbulence intensity of 3.6%, and a density ratio of 0.97. The crossflow inlet velocity was 45% of the cascade inlet velocity. A fan-shaped hole with a 14 deg expansion angle (Fans-14), a horizontally oriented slot cross section diffusion hole with a 14 deg expansion angle (H1.7-14), and two vertically oriented slot cross section diffusion holes with 14 deg (V1.7-14) and 20 deg (V1.7-20) expansion angles were tested with/without crossflow. The results indicated that the slot cross-sectional orientation significantly changes the flow patterns inside the holes. H1.7-14 has stronger lateral expansion and better surface adhesion, while V1.7-14 and V1.7-20 yield more uniform lateral velocity distributions. Regardless of crossflow, H1.7-14 produces the highest film effectiveness and discharge coefficient on the pressure surface, while it changes to V1.7-20 on the suction surface. The ribbed crossflow increases the film effectiveness on both the pressure surface and suction surface, except for V1.7-20, as it is almost unaffected by the crossflow.

A comprehensive comparison of film cooling characteristics of shaped holes on the leading edge of rotating blade

This study numerically investigates the cooling characteristics and flow features of various hole geometries on the rotating blade leading edge. A comprehensive comparison of cooling effectiveness, heat transfer coefficients, net heat flux reduction, and discharge coefficients is conducted among laidback fan-shaped, fan-shaped, laidback, cone holes, and cylindrical holes with two different diameters. Detailed flow and thermal field analysis reveals the impact of geometry on cooling performance. The blade rotational speed is 600 rpm, with a Reynolds number of 12.4 × 104, blowing ratios from 0.5 to 2.0, and fixed injection and spanwise angles at 90° and 30°. Shaped holes share a uniform hole exit-to-inlet area ratio, and cylindrical holes match their inlet or exit areas. The RANS equations were closed using the SST k-ω turbulence model coupled with the Gamma Theta transition model, and an unstructured grid of 13.0 million cells was employed to attain relatively accurate predictive results. Results show that the lateral expansion on the leading edge significantly enhances cooling performance, with fan-shaped holes outperforming others, especially at high blowing ratios. Additionally, cooling effectiveness and discharge coefficient on the leading edge correlate strongly with hole geometric parameters. Shaped holes with equal area ratios show similar discharge coefficients. Cooling effectiveness at high blowing ratios is proportional to the effective exit width, provided that the coolant flows smoothly without severe lift-off.

Rapid repair of RC columns with post-tensioned external clamps

A recent technique for repair of damaged reinforced concrete (RC) columns is reviewed. The technique involves the application of external post-tensioned clamps. The clamps are composed of steel angles and high-strength steel rods. The pairs of angles are placed on the corners of the cross-section, and they are connected with steel rods to each other. To evaluate the effectiveness of the repair technique, four large-scale RC columns with insufficient transverse reinforcement were subjected to lateral displacement reversals and constant axial load. The tests were conducted in two phases: initial testing of columns with none to light transverse reinforcement, followed by the application of clamps on the damaged columns and further testing. The study focused on the efficacy of the clamps to a) restore the lateral-carrying capacity of damaged RC columns, and b) increase drift capacity. Variations in lateral expansion of the column core and their plausible correlations with damage and ‘repairability’ are examined. Within the conditions investigated, two key requirements are proposed for safe column repair: 1) the concrete in damaged columns with cross-sectional expansion exceeding 1% should be replaced or repaired before clamps are applied as a repair measure, and 2) clamps should be proportioned to resist 100% of the maximum plausible shear demand even though perceptible contributions to shear resistance attributable to the concrete were observed in columns repaired before excessive expansion occurred. In columns with crisscrossing inclined cracks leading to lateral cross-sectional expansion of up to 1%, clamps were observed to provide effective shear resistance comparable to what conventional transverse reinforcement can provide.

Coexistence and Interplay of Two Ferroelectric Mechanisms in Zn1-xMgxO.

Ferroelectric materials promise exceptional attributes including low power dissipation, fast operational speeds, enhanced endurance, and superior retention to revolutionize information technology. However, the practical application of ferroelectric-semiconductor memory devices has been significantly challenged by the incompatibility of traditional perovskite oxide ferroelectrics with metal-oxide-semiconductor technology. Recent discoveries of ferroelectricity in binary oxides such as Zn1-xMgxO and Hf1-xZrxO have been a focal point of research in ferroelectric information technology. This work investigates the ferroelectric properties of Zn1-xMgxO utilizing automated band excitation piezoresponse force microscopy. This findings reveal the coexistence of two ferroelectric subsystems within Zn1-xMgxO. A "fringing-ridge mechanism" of polarization switching is proposed that is characterized by initial lateral expansion of nucleation without significant propagation in depth, contradicting the conventional domain growth process observed in ferroelectrics. This unique polarization dynamics in Zn1-xMgxO suggests a new understanding of ferroelectric behavior, contributing to both the fundamental science of ferroelectrics and their application in information technology.

Experiments on Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage with Coinjection of Noncondensable Gases during the Middle and Later Stages of Its Development in Super-Heavy Oil Reservoirs

Summary The problems of oil/steam ratio (OSR) and oil production decline are prominent during the middle/later stages of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) in superheavy oil reservoirs. Using noncondensable gas (NCG) by SAGD can reduce heat loss to the overburden and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, to date, laboratory experiments have mainly been conducted to simulate NCG coinjection with steam in the early stage of SAGD. There has been limited research on the NCG coinjection into the mature SAGD steam chamber. For this study, five sets of 2D physical simulation experiments are introduced and designed based on NCG coinjection with steam into the sand-packed model. The influencing factors of steam-assisted and gas push (SAGP) are analyzed through experiments, including different NCGs [methane (CH4), CO2, and nitrogen (N2)] and coinjection of NCG at different times (i.e., during the lateral expansion and descending stages of the steam chamber). The results indicate that the mechanism of SAGP includes reducing the steam consumption, maintaining the pressure balance of the steam chamber, reducing the partial pressure of the steam, maintaining the quality of the steam, and improving the displacement efficiency of the steam during the lateral expansion of the steam chamber. In addition, the top gravity displacement is the primary mechanism during the later stage of pure gas injection, which manifests that the residual oil at the bottom of the steam chamber is further recovered by using the residual heat of the the steam chamber. Compared with SAGD, the recovery of CO2-assisted SAGD (CA-SAGD), CH4-assisted SAGD (MA-SAGD), and N2-assisted SAGD (NA-SAGD) increased 6.8%, 5.4%, and 4.4%, respectively. The NCG coinjection effect was better during the descending stage of steam chamber, and the oil recovery was 4.7% higher than that during the lateral expansion stage. The selection of NCG and coinjection timing plays a crucial role in improving the ultimate oil recovery and OSR during the middle and later stages of SAGD in superheavy oil reservoirs.