Material Parameters Research Articles

Three-Dimensional Axisymmetric Analysis of Annular One-Dimensional Hexagonal Piezoelectric Quasicrystal Actuator/Sensor with Different Configurations

The presented article is about the axisymmetric deformation of an annular one-dimensional hexagonal piezoelectric quasicrystal actuator/sensor with different configurations, analyzed by the three-dimensional theory of piezoelectricity coupled with phonon and phason fields. The state space method is utilized to recast the basic equations of one-dimensional hexagonal piezoelectric quasicrystals into the transfer matrix form, and the state space equations of a laminated annular piezoelectric quasicrystal actuator/sensor are obtained. By virtue of the finite Hankel transform, the ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients for an annular quasicrystal actuator/sensor with a generalized elastic simple support boundary condition are derived. Subsequently, the propagator matrix method and inverse Hankel transform are used together to achieve the exact axisymmetric solution for the annular one-dimensional hexagonal piezoelectric quasicrystal actuator/sensor. Numerical illustrations are presented to investigate the influences of the thickness-to-span ratio on a single-layer annular piezoelectric quasicrystal actuator/sensor subjected to different top surface loads, and the effect of material parameters is also presented. Afterward, the present model is applied to compare the performance of different piezoelectric quasicrystal actuator/sensor configurations: the quasicrystal multilayer, quasicrystal unimorph, and quasicrystal bimorph.

Calendering of non-isothermal viscoelastic sheets of finite thickness: A theoretical study

Abstract In this article, the sheeting of pseudoplastic material under non-isothermal conditions has been studied. It is an excellent forecasting instrument for sheeting, where the thickness of the sheet is relatively thin in relation to the roll size, according to theoretical study based on the lubrication theory. At the calendering process, the detachment point is determined by taking the material parameter’s impact into account. The governing equations are derived for the constitutive equation of the Carreau fluid with momentum and energy equations. Suitable non-dimensional parameters are used to develop the non-linear partial differential expressions into ordinary differential systems. The maximum pressure, roll separating force, normal stress effect, and power delivered to the fluid by rolls are among the engineering-relevant quantities that are determined. Moreover, a graphic analysis is conducted to examine the impact of different material parameters on the temperature profile, pressure gradient, velocity profile, and pressure distribution. The results specific mechanism is explained in depth.

Field-driven conversion of two-dimensional solitonic magnetic textures

Magnetic skyrmions and bimerons, characterized by their topological properties and low current-induced motion, are promising magnetic textures for spintronic (skyrmionic) applications. In this work, through atomistic simulations and micromagnetic analysis, we investigate the field-driven manipulation and conversion of skyrmions into bimerons. By applying an in-plane magnetic field, we observe a smooth transition from skyrmions to bimerons, evidencing the persistence of the soliton topology over a wide range of external magnetic fields. Additionally, we obtain a state diagram elucidating the dependence of nucleated topological textures on material parameters and in-plane magnetic field strength.

Analysis of Vibration Characteristics for Rotating Braided Fiber-Reinforced Composite Annular Plates with Perforations

In the current study, a comprehensive numerical model for analyzing the vibrational characteristics of braided fiber-reinforced composite (BFRC) rotating annular plate with perforations under diverse boundary constraints was introduced. This model employs the differential quadrature finite element method (DQFEM), which was developed based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and coordinate transformation approach. The BFRC material, specifically a two-dimensional biaxial orthogonal fabric, was utilized to fabricate the annular plate with two distinct types of holes: circular and sector-shaped. The model’s convergence, accuracy, numerical stability, and reliability were confirmed through comparative assessments utilizing data from the literature, from ABAQUS software, and from experimental findings. The analysis focuses on studying the influences of structural properties, material parameters, and boundary restraints on the frequencies of vibration for BFRC rotating annular plates with holes. This theoretical model helps provide scientific basis and technical guidance for the stability and lightweight design of rotating annular plates, such as rotor structures in aircraft engines.

Material Characteristics of Compressed Dry Masonry Made of Medium-Size Elements with Perlite Aggregate

Dry masonry is a type of construction that is nowadays used to a limited extent in the construction sector, including the housing sector. A lack of codified computational methods enabling engineers to design consciously is one of the factors limiting the development of dry walls. This article presents results from testing an innovative solution for dry masonry made of medium-size elements with expanded perlite aggregate. Material with this type of aggregate has a low bulk density (390 ± 10% kg/m3), which allows the production of large blocks and significantly reduces the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient λ = 0.084 ± 0.003 W/m·K. The results obtained were used to determine material parameters for designing a structure mainly exposed to vertical load. The important practical significance of the presented research results from the lack of provisions, specifications or standards allowing for the design, calculation and construction of dry masonry; it is not possible to analyse the behaviour of this type of structure and to design it consciously and safely. The presented research is therefore an important source of information on mechanical parameters essential for the design of structures and provides tools for this. As a result of the tests of nine panels, the mean compressive strength was determined (1.085 N/mm2), and then the procedure of “design assisted by testing” implemented into Eurocode was used to determine characteristic (0.873 N/mm2) and design compressive strength (0.565 N/mm2). Using the relationships σ-ε, an attempt was made to identify material models for the linear and non-linear analysis of the structure and for designing cross-sections. The material models were made considering increased non-linear deformations of a structure under low stresses (the compression toe) which are true and typical for dry masonry. A specific deformability of dry masonry, slightly different to that in masonry structures joined together with mortar, also affects the reduction factor for load-bearing capacity due to second-order effects. Reduction factors determined from true non-linear deformations were lower than the values specified by EC6 for masonry structures.

Investigation of swelling mechanisms in self-adherent microneedles

Abstract Swellable microneedles (MNs) expand to mechanically interlock with wet biological tissue, offering improved adhesion and enhanced drug delivery over non-swellable counterparts. This study numerically evaluates how the material and geometric parameters of swellable MN arrays influence shape change. Using finite element simulation, MNs were subjected to unconstrained swelling, approximated via a thermal-strain analogy. Optimal MN design must support mechanical interlocking to prevent dislodgement. We observed that wet in vivo environments induce unwanted swelling-mediated curvature, hindering contact and interlocking. We quantified this bending and calibrated gel material swellability using experimental data. To counteract curling, we introduced a design approach to shift the direction of the unwanted curling and improve MN array conformability.

Design and optimization of two-terminal InGaP/Si tandem solar cell through numerical simulation

Abstract The III-V/Si double junction solar cells demonstrate cost-effective performance comparable to III-V/III-V tandems, with an efficiency of 35.9%, below the 43% theoretical limit. Considering monolithic InGaP//Si based tandem solar cell, this work dealt with the optimization of its efficiency as a function of layer thicknesses and dopings. Considering ideal optoelectronic parameters of materials, numerical simulations were performed by using Silvaco/ATLAS TCAD software. They were conducted within the context of a multi-step optimization procedure that was proposed in this work. The obtained optimum tandem InGaP//Si structure reached an unprecedented power conversion efficiency of 40.74% under 1.5G spectrum.

Fracture Toughness of Ordinary Plain Concrete Under Three-Point Bending Based on Double-K and Boundary Effect Fracture Models

Fracture tests are a necessary means to obtain the fracture properties of concrete, which are crucial material parameters for the fracture analysis of concrete structures. This study aims to fill the gap of insufficient test results on the fracture toughness of widely used ordinary C40~C60 concrete. A three-point bending fracture test was conducted on 28 plain concrete and 6 reinforced concrete single-edge notched beam specimens with various depths of prefabricated notches. The results are reported, including the failure pattern, crack initiation load, peak load, and complete load versus crack mouth opening displacement curves. The cracking load showed significant variation due to differences in notch prefabrication and aggregate distribution, while the peak load decreased nonlinearly with an increase in the notch-to-height ratio. The reinforced concrete beams showed a significantly higher peak load than the plain concrete beams, attributed to the restraint of steel reinforcement, but the measured cracking load was comparable. A compliance versus notch-to-height ratio curve was derived for future applications, such as estimating crack length in crack growth rate tests. Finally, fracture toughness was determined based on the double-K fracture model and the boundary effect model. The average fracture toughness value for C50 concrete from this study was 2.0 , slightly smaller than that of lower-strength concrete, indicating the strength and ductility dependency of concrete fracture toughness. The fracture toughness calculated from the two models is consistent, and both methods employ a closed-form solution and are practical to use. The derived fracture toughness was insensitive to the discrete parameters in the boundary effect model. The insights gained from this study significantly contribute to our understanding of the fracture toughness properties of ordinary structural concrete, highlighting its potential to shape future studies and applications in the field.

Chemically reactive stagnated third‐grade magnetized nanomaterial considering modern diffusion approaches

AbstractAn incompressible boundary‐layer third‐grade nanomaterial stagnated flow confined by stretchy regime is formulated. The laminar magnetized thermal and solutal flow features the aspects of Brownian diffusion, generalized thermal‐flux, thermophoresis, and generalized solutal‐flux. The dimensionalized third‐grade steady‐state model is obtained by implementing appropriate variables. The subsequent nonlinear mathematical model is analytically computed by utilizing homotopy algorithm. The graphics demonstration of nondimensional fields (i.e., velocity, concentration, and temperature) for distinct physical variables is exhibited. The outcomes for the skin‐friction coefficient are calculated and confirmed to be precise. The analysis reveals that augmented values of material parameters escalate nanomaterial velocity while the Hartman number exhibits lower velocity. The temperature field displays a decaying trend for Prandtl number and thermal relaxation variable while contrary effects for nanoscale parameters (i.e., thermophoresis diffusive and Brownian diffusive) are reported. Besides, the nanomaterial concentration shows a decreasing trend with respect to the Schmidt number, Brownian motion, and solutal‐relaxation variable while thermophoresis parameter exhibits opposite effects. Furthermore, this study could be valuable for the design of various lab‐on‐a‐chip and thermal microfluidic devices in the field of biomedicine. Besides contributing to the creation of new devices, they may also be advantageous for performing genetic testing and developing innovative tools.

Machine Learning Approaches in Advancing Perovskite Solar Cells Research

AbstractThe integration of machine learning (ML) with perovskite solar cells (PSCs) signifies a groundbreaking era in photovoltaic (PV) technology. The traditional iterative approaches in PSC research are often time‐consuming and resource‐intensive. In contrast, ML leverages available data and sophisticated algorithms to quickly identify properties and optimize parameters for novel materials and devices. This review explores how ML‐driven approaches are improving various facets of PSCs research, including the rapid screening of novel compositions, enhancing stability, refining device architectures, and deepening the understanding of underlying physics. The paper is structured to gradually familiarize readers with essential terminologies and concepts, ensuring a solid foundation before delving into more intricate topics. A concise workflow and various introductory toolkits for ML are also briefly discussed. Through a detailed analysis of compelling case studies, a basic research framework within ML‐PSC‐integrated research is provided. This comprehensive review can serve as a valuable reference for researchers aiming to understand and leverage ML‐driven approaches in PSCs research, advancing the path for more efficient and sustainable PV technologies.

Basic Study on the Proposal of New Measures to Improve the Ductility of RC Bridge Pier and Their Effectiveness

To enhance the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) elements, it is essential to consider both strength and ductility post-yielding. This study proposed a novel method to improve the ductility of RC piers by using preformed inward-bending longitudinal reinforcements at the plastic hinges. Two full-scale model tests of standard and ductility-enhanced (DE) RC piers and numerical simulations were conducted. The lateral reversed cyclic loading experiments were conducted to assess the effectiveness of this new approach. The performance was evaluated regarding failure mode, plastic hinge distribution, hysteretic properties, normalized stiffness degradation, normalized energy dissipation capacity, bearing capacity, and ductility. Non-linear finite element method (FEM) analyses were also carried out to investigate the usefulness of the proposed method by DIANA, and simulation was validated against the experiment results by hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, failure mode crack pattern, ductility coefficient, and bearing capacity. The results indicated that the proposed method enhanced bearing capacity, resistance to stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility. Additionally, it was observed that the preformed positions and curvature of the main steel bars influenced the plastic hinge location and the buckling of longitudinal reinforcements. FEM analysis revealed that it might be reasonable to deduce the other factors that influenced the ductility of the specimens by using the same material parameters and models.

Generalized Rosenfeld–Tarazona scaling and high-density specific heat of simple liquids

The original Rosenfeld–Tarazona (RT) scaling of the excess energy in simple dense fluids predicts a ∝T3/5 thermal correction to the fluid Madelung energy. This implies that the excess isochoric heat capacity scales as Cvex∝T−2/5. Careful examination performed in this paper demonstrates that the exponent −2/5 is not always optimal. For instance, in the Lennard-Jones fluid in some vicinity of the triple point, the exponent −1/3 turns out to be more appropriate. The analysis of the specific heat data in neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and liquid mercury reveals that no single value of the exponent exists, describing all the data simultaneously. Therefore, we propose a generalized RT scaling in the form Cvex∝T−α, where α is a density- and material-dependent adjustable parameter. The question concerning which material properties and parameters affect the exponent α and whether it can be predicted from general physical arguments requires further investigation.

Crystallization modeling of two semi-crystalline polyamides during material extrusion additive manufacturing

In this work, a heat transfer model is developed for thermally-driven material extrusion additive manufacturing of semicrystalline polymers that considers the heat generated during crystallization by coupling crystallization kinetics with heat transfer. The materials used in this work are Technomelt PA 6910, a semicrystalline hot melt adhesive with sub-ambient glass transition temperature (Tg) and slow crystallization, and PA 6/66, a traditional semicrystalline polyamide with a higher Tg and fast crystallization. The coupled model shows that the released heat during crystallization depends on material selection, with Technomelt PA 6910 and PA 6/66’s temperatures increased by less than 1 °C and up to 6.3 °C, respectively, due to enthalpy of crystallization. Increasing the layer time decreases the layer temperature as well as the initial crystallinity. However, its effect on final crystallinity in Technomelt PA 6910 is negligible due to continued crystallization of the material after printing. Experimental validation shows good agreement for Technomelt PA 6910, but consistently underpredicts PA 6/66 crystallinity. Increasing modeled environmental temperature leads to better agreement with experimental results for PA 6/66, suggesting that higher temperatures may have been experienced. Shear-induced crystallization may also be contributing to crystallinity in this material. The results from this model highlight the importance of and interrelationships between material and processing parameter selection and can aid in achieving quality prints from semicrystalline thermoplastics.

Predicting and optimizing maximum flexural strength of planar composite plate shear walls – concrete filled with the application of LR and RSM

Traditional theoretical models, while conservative, overlook the complex, nonlinear interactions between material and geometric parameters that influence wall flexural strength. Additionally, the extent to which these models maintain their conservative assumptions across varying parameters remains uncertain. This study aims to develop advanced predictive models for the flexural strength of planar composite plate shear walls—concrete filled (C-PSW/CF) by employing Linear Regression (LR) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Central Composite Design (CCD) was utilized to design numerical experiments to analyze the effects of varying parameters, including steel plate yield strength, concrete compressive strength, wall depth, depth-to-thickness ratio, and reinforcement ratio. A validated complex finite element modeling (FEM) procedure was used to analyze numerical experiments involving varying parameters of the selected variables. Both LR and RSM were applied to the generated dataset to formulate predictive equations for the maximum moment capacity of walls. Interaction plots were developed to reveal the nonlinear relationships between the variables and identify the most effective parameters influencing the wall strength. Comparisons between theoretical predictions, RSM, and LR models revealed that RSM provided the most accurate predictions, closely aligning with FEM results and effectively capturing the nonlinear interactions between wall parameters. The findings of this paper contribute to the development of more practical, accurate and optimized design methods for C-PSW/CF, ultimately improving both structural safety and efficiency.

Determination of the moment–rotation relation of continuous timber–concrete composite floors based on the component method

Timber–concrete composite (TCC) combines the advantages of timber and reinforced concrete construction. In multi-storey buildings, the design of TCC floors is often governed by the deformation serviceability requirements. One way to improve deformation serviceability is through the design of continuous floor systems. However, the current practice of TCC slab systems is often limited to load-carrying as single-span beams. This paper presents an analytical model based on the component method for determining the moment–rotation relation of continuous TCC slabs in the range with negative bending moments. The investigations involve the development of load–displacement curves for the individual force-transmitting components, including timber and reinforced concrete, followed by their assembly into a component model. The model has been verified using finite element calculations and the results demonstrate that the moment–rotation relation of continuous TCC systems can be accurately captured. As the variability of the material properties strongly influences the stiffness of the joint and therefore the deformation and stresses in the TCC slab, a probabilistic analysis of the material parameters was performed using the Monte Carlo method. The probabilistic investigations show that the variability of the input parameters has a significant impact on the joint stiffness, with notable scattering observed in the moment–rotation relation, especially in the range of the cracking phase of the concrete. The results from the probabilistic investigations enable initial statements about the joint stiffness of continuous timber–concrete composite slabs in ranges with negative bending moments.

Design and Application of a Lightweight Plate-Type Acoustic Metamaterial for Vehicle Interior Low-Frequency Noise Reduction

To reduce the low-frequency noise inside automobiles, a lightweight plate-type locally resonant acoustic metamaterial (LRAM) is proposed. The design method for the low-frequency bending wave bandgap of the LRAM panel was derived. Prototype LRAM panels were fabricated and tested, and the effectiveness of the bandgap design was verified by measuring the vibration transmission characteristics of the steel panels with the installed LRAM. Based on the bandgap design method, the influence of geometric and material parameters on the bandgap of the LRAM panel was investigated. The LRAM panel was installed on the inner side of the tailgate of a traditional SUV, which effectively reduced the low-frequency noise (around 34 Hz) during acceleration and constant-speed driving, improving the subjective perception of the low-frequency noise from “very unsatisfactory” to “basically satisfactory”. Furthermore, the noise reduction performance of the LRAM panel was compared with that of traditional damping panels. It was found that, with a similar installation area and lighter weight than the traditional damping panels, the LRAM panel still achieved significantly better low-frequency noise reduction, exhibiting the advantages of lightweight, superior low-frequency performance, designable bandgap and shape, and high environmental reliability, which suggests its great potential for low-frequency noise reduction in vehicles.

Elastic Wave Scattering off a Single and Double Array of Periodic Defects

The scattering problem of elastic waves impinging on periodic single and double arrays of parallel cylindrical defects is considered for isotropic materials. An analytic expression for the scattering matrix is obtained by means of the Lippmann–Schwinger formalism and analyzed in the long-wavelength approximation. It is proved that, for a specific curve in the space of physical and geometrical parameters, the scattering is dominated by resonances. The shear mode polarized parallel to the cylinders is decoupled from the other two polarization modes due to the translational symmetry along the cylinders. It is found that a relative mass density and relative Lamé coefficients of the scatterers give opposite contributions to the width of resonances in this mode. A relation between the Bloch phase and material parameters is found to obtain a global minimum of the width. The minimal width is shown to vanish in the leading order of the long wavelength limit for the single array. This new effect is not present in similar acoustic and photonic systems. The shear and compression modes in a plane perpendicular to the cylinders are coupled due to the normal traction boundary condition and have different group velocities. For the double array, it is proved that, under certain conditions on physical and geometrical parameters, there exist resonances with the vanishing width, known as Bound States in the Continuum (BSC). Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of BSC are found for any number of open diffraction channels. Analytic BSC solutions are obtained. Spectral parameters of BSC are given in terms of the Bloch phase and group velocities of the shear and compression modes.

Optimization and synthesis on the dynamics performance of the tensioning and relaxing wearable system in a novel knee exoskeleton using co-simulation

Abstract In this paper, a novel tensioning and relaxing wearable system is introduced to improve the wearing comfort and load-bearing capabilities of knee exoskeletons. The research prototype of the novel system, which features a distinctive overrunning clutch drive, is presented. Through co-simulation with ANSYS, MATLAB, and SOLIDWORKS software, a comprehensive multi-objective optimization is performed to enhance the dynamics performance of the prototype. Firstly, the wearing contact stiffness of the prototype and the mechanical parameters of the relevant materials are simulated and fitted based on the principle of functional equivalence. And then, its equivalent nonlinear circumferential stiffness model is obtained. Secondly, to enhance the wearing comfort of the exoskeleton, a novel comprehensive performance evaluation index, termed wearing comfort, is introduced. The index considers multiple factors such as the duration of vibration transition, the acceleration encountered during wear, and the average pressure applied. Finally, through the utilization of this indicator, the system’s dynamics performance is optimized via multi-platform co-simulation, and the simulation results validate the effectiveness of the research method and the proposed wearable comfort index. The theoretical basis for the subsequent research on the effectiveness of prototype weight-bearing is provided.

Gate control of superconducting current: Mechanisms, parameters, and technological potential

In conventional metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics, the logic state of a device is set by a gate voltage (VG). The superconducting equivalent of such effect had remained unknown until it was recently shown that a VG can tune the superconducting current (supercurrent) flowing through a nanoconstriction in a superconductor. This gate-controlled supercurrent (GCS) can lead to superconducting logics like CMOS logics, but with lower energy dissipation. The physical mechanism underlying the GCS, however, remains under debate. In this review article, we illustrate the main mechanisms proposed for the GCS, and the material and device parameters that mostly affect it based on the evidence reported. We conclude that different mechanisms are at play in the different studies reported so far. We then outline studies that can help answer open questions on the effect and achieve control over it, which is key for applications. We finally give insights into the impact that the GCS can have toward high-performance computing with low-energy dissipation and quantum technologies.

Evaluation of Post-Processing on Additive Manufactured Bioresorbable Polymers for Medical Devices.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has seen massive growth in the medical device sector and an increase in the clearance of devices. Many challenges still exist in the design, development, and clinical use of AM-fabricated devices, notably the processing, annealing, and sterilization of resorbable polymers. In addition, the use of these materials continues to grow in medical devices and scaffold technologies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). Specifically, this study focused on the scaffold mechanical properties post-processing and throughout a simulated resorption (in vitro) study. Herein, we evaluated three (3) materials that span a range of mechanical properties and degradation rates relating to a range of tissue healing rates and mechanical properties affording the opportunity of biomimetic potentials, Caproprene 100M, Lactoflex 7415, and Lactoprene 100M. These bioresorbable polymers were additively manufactured into scaffold forms of Type V tensile bars to investigate post-processing parameters. A range of heat treatments were then performed after the AM process to induce a range of semicrystalline morphologies, and subsequently, two different sterilization techniques were performed, one based on super critical carbon dioxide and another using electron beam radiation. It was statistically shown that the heat treatment parameters and the sterilization method had statistically significant effects on the scaffold properties of each material. While material differences were responsible for the majority of the mechanical property breadth, techniques utilizing analysis of variance allowed the observation of significant effects and interactions associated with heat treatment, sterilization, and material parameters (alpha = 0.05). The characterization of the sample groups provided insight into the process-structure-property-performance relationships of the resorbable scaffold samples. It was established that the post-processing impacted the scaffold structures, and therefore, sterilization and heat treatment selections should be included within initial design considerations alongside material selection as critical for device development, especially when AM bioresorbable scaffolds for TERM.