Maximum Energy Research Articles

Preparation and Decomposition of Spherical CL-20 Composites with Enhanced Laser Absorbance and Decreased Mechanical Sensitivity.

Direct initiation of secondary explosives by a semiconductor laser is highly demanded, but it is challenging to exclude the use of sensitive primers. Most laser-sensitive energetic materials are usually mechanically sensitive. In order to reduce the mechanical sensitivity (MS) of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) while improving laser absorbance in the near-infrared band, spherical CL-20 composites (SCCs) embedded with nano aluminum (Al) powder and graphene-based catalyst (GO-CHZ-Co) were prepared by a spray drying method. These SCCs have been characterized comprehensively in terms of their morphologies, particle size distribution, laser absorbance, thermal decomposition behaviors, MS, and laser ignition properties. Results show that the maximum critical impact energy of SCCs was 3.8 J, which is 2.8 J higher than that of pristine ε-CL-20. The critical friction load was increased by at most 108 N compared to pristine CL-20. The absorbance has also been significantly increased up to almost 70% in the wavelength between 400 and 1400 nm, where the peak absorption is located in the region of 800-900 nm. In addition, the initial decomposition temperature (Ti) of SCCs is lower than that of pure CL-20, especially in the presence of GO-CHZ-Co. The apparent activation energy (Ea) for the decomposition of SCCs was largely dependent on the particle size of Al. Preliminary ignition tests indicate that the SCCs can be ignited successfully by a small-power laser.

Benzothiazole‐Piperazine Hybrids Effectively Target C4‐2 Castration‐Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells in vitro Implicated through Computational Studies

AbstractA series of new analogs based on benzothiazole‐piperazine conjugates were synthesized and assessed to investigate their anticancer properties using in vitro and in silico techniques. The compounds 3 a–3 h were tested against prostate (C4‐2) cancer cells, and the results revealed that all the compounds showed significant inhibitory activity against C4‐2 cells (>50 % inhibition at 20 μM). Among all, 2‐(4‐(pyrimidin‐2‐yl) piperazin‐1‐yl) benzo[d]thiazole demonstrated the most prominent activity in the cell viability assay conducted displaying an IC50 value of 19.98 μM. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the compound can selectively target the androgen receptor (AR) and reduce the expression of several androgen‐responsive genes, including EAF2, ELL2, PSA and CALR genes, in castration‐resistant prostate cancer cells. Molecular docking results also revealed that all the compounds exhibited good energy binding scores against the androgen receptor target (PB ID: 2PNU) particularly compound 3 g which showed a maximum binding energy of −9.87 kcal/mol followed by other compounds as well as the established prostate cancer drug, enzalutamide, with a binding energy of −5.66 kcal/mol. Docking results were further supported by MD simulation studies, which confirmed that the ligand+protein complex was in stable conformation throughout the simulation time of 100 nanoseconds. Collectively, the present results, stemming from a combination of in vitro and in silico examinations, demonstrate that compound 3 g displays notable anti‐cancer characteristics, implying its viability as a prospective anti‐cancer pharmaceutical subject to clinical validation and subsequent development.

Optimized SnO2 preparation and coherent interlayers for enhanced charge dynamics and efficient perovskite photovoltaics

The dense, uniform and conformal electron transport layers (ETLs) will largely promote charge separation and extraction. Here, the mixed acid (hydrochloric acid and nitric acid) was used to regulate preparation process and enhance utilization of materials, and the colloids of tin oxide (SnO2) nanocrystals were prepared through hydrothermal process. The complete dissolution of Sn source can increase purity, produce homogeneous precursor, reduce grain sizes and improve film-coverage. As confirmed, a coherent interlayer at the SnO2 ETLs/perovskite interfaces will be achieved by coupling a Cl-bonded SnO2 film with a Cl-containing perovskite precursor. This thin coherent interlayer will largely reduce interface traps, enhance rapid carrier extraction, and impede charge recombination. The uniform polymer phase of (PEO)120-(PPO)30 will be used to passivate traps at the grain boundaries of perovskite films and further improve the photovoltaic performance. The maximum energy conversion efficiency (23.17%, a VOC of 1.153 V, a JSC of 24.75 mA cm−2 and a FF of 0.812) of perovskite solar cells was achieved. The charge separation, extraction, and recombination kinetics (charge dynamic process) was determined by the related characterization techniques. The functionalized SnO2-ETLs and formed coherent interlayer will provide a simple strategy to effectively decrease interface traps, enhance charge extraction, and facilitate development of perovskite solar cells.

Thermodynamic and Economic Analyses of a Novel Cooling, Heating and Power Tri-Generation System with Carbon Capture

The combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system has attracted increasing attention due to its potential outstanding performance in thermodynamics, economics, and the environment. However, the conventional CCHP systems are carbon-intensive. To solve this issue, a low-carbon-emission CCHP system (LC-CCHP) is firstly proposed in this work by integrating a sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming (SE-SMR) process. In the LC-CCHP system, CO2 is continuously captured by the calcium loop so that low-carbon energy can be generated. Then, the LC-CCHP system thermodynamic model, mainly consisting of a dual fluidized bed reactor which includes the SE-SMR reactor and a CaCO3 calcination reactor, a hydrogen gas turbine, a CO2 reheater, and a lithium bromide absorption chiller, is built. To prove that the LC-CCHP model is reliable, the system major sub-unit model predictions are compared against data from the literature in terms of thermodynamics and economics. Finally, the effects of reforming temperature (Tref), the steam-to-carbon mole ratio (S/C), the calcium-to-carbon mole ratio (RCC), the equivalent ratio for gas turbine (RAE), and the hydrogen separation ratio (Sfg) on total energy efficiency (ηten), total exergy efficiency (ηtex), and carbon capture capability (Rcm) are detected. It is found that the minimum exergy efficiency of 64.5% exists at the calciner unit, while the maximum exergy efficiency of 78.7% appears at the gas turbine unit. The maximum energy efficiency and coefficient of performance of the absorption chiller are 0.52 and 1.33, respectively. When Tref=600 °C, S/C=4.0, RCC=7.62, RAE=1.20, and Sfg=0.27, the ηten, ηtex, and Rcm of the system can be ~61%, ~68%, and ~96%, and the average specific cost of the system is 0.024 USD/kWh, which is advanced compared with the parallel CCHP systems.

Quantized Microcavity Polariton Lasing Based on InGaN Localized Excitons

Exciton–polaritons, which are bosonic quasiparticles with an extremely low mass, play a key role in understanding macroscopic quantum effects related to Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) in solid-state systems. The study of trapped polaritons in a potential well provides an ideal platform for manipulating polariton condensates, enabling polariton lasing with specific formation in k-space. Here, we realize quantized microcavity polariton lasing in simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) states based on spatial localized excitons in InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs). Benefiting from the high exciton binding energy (90 meV) and large oscillator strength of the localized exciton, room-temperature (RT) polaritons with large Rabi splitting (61 meV) are obtained in a strongly coupled microcavity. The manipulation of polariton condensates is performed through a parabolic potential well created by optical pump control. Under the confinement situation, trapped polaritons are controlled to be distributed in the selected quantized energy sublevels of the SHO state. The maximum energy spacing of 11.3 meV is observed in the SHO sublevels, indicating the robust polariton trapping of the parabolic potential well. Coherent quantized polariton lasing is achieved in the ground state of the SHO state and the coherence property of the lasing is analyzed through the measurements of spatial interference patterns and g(2)(τ). Our results offer a feasible route to explore the manipulation of macroscopic quantum coherent states and to fabricate novel polariton devices towards room-temperature operations.

Global Optimization and Quantitative Assessment of Large-Scale Renewables-Based Hydrogen System Considering Various Transportation Modes and Multi-Field Hydrogen Loads

In the past, hydrogen was mostly produced from fossil fuels, causing a certain degree of energy and environmental problems. With the development of low-carbon energy systems, renewable energy hydrogen production technology has developed rapidly and become one of the focuses of research in recent years. However, the existing work is still limited by small-scale hydrogen production systems, and there is a lack of comprehensive research on the whole production-storage-transportation-utilization hydrogen system (PSTUH2S), especially on the modeling of different hydrogen transportation modes and various hydrogen loads in different fields. To make up for these deficiencies, the specific physical and mathematical models of the PSTUH2S are firstly described in this paper, with a full account of large-scale water-electrolytic hydrogen production from renewable power curtailment and grid power, various hydrogen storage and transportation modes, and multi-field hydrogen consumption paths. Furthermore, to achieve the maximum economic, energy, and environmental benefits from the PSTUH2S, a multi-objective nonlinear optimization model is also presented herein and then solved by the hybrid method combining the nonlinear processing method, the CPLEX solver and the piecewise time series production simulation method. Lastly, case studies are conducted against the background of a region in northwest China, where hydrogen consumption capacity in various years is accurately assessed and the potential advantages of the PSTUH2S are demonstrated. As the simulation results show, the power curtailment of renewable energy generation can be reduced by 3.61/11.87/14.72 billion kW·h in 2025/2030/2035, respectively, thus contributing to a 4.98%~10.09% increase in the renewable energy consumption rate and millions of tons of carbon emission reduction in these years. In terms of the total equivalent economic benefits, the proposed method is able to bring about a cost saving of USD 190.44 million, USD 634.66 million, and USD 865.87 million for 2025, 2030, and 2035, respectively.

In-situ growth of novel iron oxide/iron organic framework composites as efficient electroactive materials of battery supercapacitor hybrids

Iron oxide (Fe2O3) with a high theoretical capacitance, wide potential ranges and easy availability has attracted much attentions as the electrode material of battery supercapacitor hybrids (BSH). Metal–organic framework (MOF) is one of the promising potential energy storage materials due to its large surface area and controllable pore structures. In this work, novel iron oxide/iron organic framework composites (Fe2O3/FeMOF) are in-situ grown on the Ni foam as efficient energy storage electrodes of BSH. By tuning the solvothermal durations, the morphology changes from random sizes of sheets, regular grown vertical sheets, to flower-like structures. The d-spacing also increases for the Fe2O3/FeMOF synthesized using longer solvothermal durations. The optimal Fe2O3/FeMOF electrode synthesized using 9 h shows a high areal capacitance of 10.97 F/cm2 along with an areal capacity of 5.49 F/cm2 at the current density of 35 mA/cm2, owing to the most regular growth of sheets, the large d-spacing, and the smallest charge-transfer resistances. A BSH composed of the Fe2O3/FeMOF positive electrode and a graphene negative electrode shows a maximum energy density of 0.76 mWh/cm2 at 22.5 mW/cm2. The excellent long-term cycling stability with the capacitance retention of 85% and Coulombic efficiency of 98% are also achieved after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles.

Cooperative interference to achieve interval many-objective evolutionary algorithm for association privacy secure computing migration

In this paper, we study secure computing migration scenarios in uncertain environments with the presence of multiple malicious eavesdroppers (MEs). Specifically, when edge servers (ESs) execute tasks delivered by smart devices (SDs), SDs may move beyond the coverage of ESs, and computing migration (CM) of unfinished tasks is required to ensure service continuity. There is a risk of privacy leakage during task migration, and MEs use colluding eavesdropping to eavesdrop on the migrated tasks, and we consider eavesdropping on the associated tasks through data sharing among MEs to improve the eavesdropping efficiency. For eavesdropping in MEs, we achieve eavesdropping strikes using cooperative interference by jammers, which benefit by providing jamming services. In addition, uncertain computational scenarios directly affect the efficiency of task execution, and we consider the uncertainty factor in the malicious eavesdropping environment. To this end, this paper proposes the secure computational migration of associative privacy in uncertain environments (SCMAPUE) model, which transforms uncertainties into interval parameters, and optimizes the five objectives of migration delay, maximum completion time, energy consumption, load balancing and migration reliability to achieve efficient task execution and reliable migration. Aiming at the model characteristics, this paper designs an interval many-objective evolutionary algorithm for reliable migration (IMaOEA-RM), which employs a condition-based interval confidence strategy and a multi-access secure migration selection strategy to improve the convergence of the algorithm, and utilizes a dual-migration crossover strategy in order to adjust the jammer partners and improve the population diversity. Simulation results show that our proposed IMaOEA-RM algorithm can provide a more reliable and efficient migration scheme than existing algorithms.

Emergence of information processing in biological systems and the origin of life

ABSTRACT As every life form is composed of cells, elements of consciousness, namely memory and sentience, must be grounded in mechanisms that are integral to unicellular organisms. Earlier studies indicated that cellular cytoskeletal structures consisting of excitable, flexible, and oscillating polymers such as microtubules, along with quantum events, are potentially responsible for information processing and thus consciousness. This work attempts to solve the unknown, that is, how, at the spark of life, the phenomenon of cellular information processing first appears. This study posits that the spatially distributed wave energy of the molecules of an incepting cell interacts with space and generates a rotating bioinformation field, forming a vortex. This vortex, the local energy maximum, whose inbound and outbound energy fluxes represent signal reception and dispersal, is a critical step in the spark of life responsible for information storage, and with incremental wave superpositions, exhibits information processing. The vorticity of the rotating field is computed, and the obtained field characteristics indicated the emergence of a prebiotic complex to initiate information processing. Furthermore, the developed system model explains how perturbations from the environment are converted into response signals for the emanation of sense, locomotion, nutrition, and asexual reproduction, the fundamental evolutionary building blocks of prokaryotes. Further research directions include explaining how the energy potential available in the bio-information field and the vortex leads to the first formation of genetic material, emergence of cytoskeleton, and extension of bio-information field to multi-cellular organisms.

Asymmetric nanofracture in WS2 for its local toughness anisotropy

Abstract Fracture in crystal lattices usually occurs with discrete atomic bond breakages around the crack tip. WS2 involves three-layer atomic structures, where the atomic stress near the crack front exhibits thickness dependence and significantly relies on the local distortion of lattice geometry. We show that the T-stress obtained by over-deterministic methods, and the continuum circumferential stress, are limited in predicting the nanocrack kinking of WS2 strips by molecular dynamics simulations. As the far-field displacement loads, the T-stress initially increases in negative, followed by a slight jump at the initiation of kinking, and the continuum circumferential stress cannot accurately capture the variation of atomic stresses at the crack tip. This can be attributed to the local anisotropy in atomic lattices, and the crack preferentially extends in the zigzag direction of the local maximum energy release rate. Our work might provide insights into the fabrication and assembly of WS2 nanodevices.

3D-electrozip touch: Multi-directional haptic feedback with electro-ribbon zipping actuators

Abstract This paper introduces the 3D-ElectroZip Touch, a multi-directional force feedback device developed using Dielectrophoretic Liquid Zipping (DLZ) actuation. The device is designed to stimulate the sense of normal and shear forces by moving in vertical and multiple horizontal directions. Performance analyses, including displacement, force, and actuation time, have shown that this haptic device operates within the range detectable by human skin. Its performance has been characterised under input voltages from 6 kV to 9 kV, demonstrating a displacement range of 5 mm to 11 mm, force range of 0.05 N to 0.22 N, power output range from 0.08W to 0.077 W, and maximum energy efficiency of 72%. The 3D-ElectroZip Touch shows a quick response to the input signal, moving its contact panel by 1.1 mm in 70 ms (36.5% of human reaction time) at 9 kV. Comparing its basic characteristics with the skin sensitivity and the lightweight, compliance, and scalability of the 3D-ElectroZip Touch technology show its high potential to be exploited in tactile displays and wearable haptic feedback devices.

Computer-Based Experiment for the Motion of Spring Oscillator on a Linear Air Track Using Ultrasonic Sensor

In the present paper, an affordable innovative physical experimental equipment consisting of an upper computer, an ultrasonic sensor module, and an Arduino microcontroller has been designed. The relationship between the position of the slider fixed on two springs and time is measured by using the ultrasonic sensor module. A system for slider motion data and image acquisition is constructed by using the LabVIEW interface of Arduino UNO R3. The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate and interpret the propagation of waves represented by harmonic motion. The spring oscillator system including a slider and two springs is measured and recorded, and the motion can be realized using curve fitting to the wave equation in Sigmaplot. The vibration periods obtained from experimental measurements and curve fitting of the wave equation are 1.130 s and 1.165 s, respectively. The experimental data are in good agreement with the theoretical model. The experimental measurement results show that the maximum kinetic energy is 0.0792 J, the maximum potential energy is 0.0795 J, and the total energy at the position of half the amplitude is 0.0791 J. The results verify the mechanical energy conservation of spring oscillator system in a short time. This self-made instrument has improved the visualization and the automation level of the corresponding experiments.

Computer-Based Experiment for the Motion of Spring Oscillator on a Linear Air Track Using Ultrasonic Sensor

In the present paper, an affordable innovative physical experimental equipment consisting of an upper computer, an ultrasonic sensor module, and an Arduino microcontroller has been designed. The relationship between the position of the slider fixed on two springs and time is measured by using the ultrasonic sensor module. A system for slider motion data and image acquisition is constructed by using the LabVIEW interface of Arduino UNO R3. The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate and interpret the propagation of waves represented by harmonic motion. The spring oscillator system including a slider and two springs is measured and recorded, and the motion can be realized using curve fitting to the wave equation in Sigmaplot. The vibration periods obtained from experimental measurements and curve fitting of the wave equation are 1.130 s and 1.165 s, respectively. The experimental data are in good agreement with the theoretical model. The experimental measurement results show that the maximum kinetic energy is 0.0792 J, the maximum potential energy is 0.0795 J, and the total energy at the position of half the amplitude is 0.0791 J. The results verify the mechanical energy conservation of spring oscillator system in a short time. This self-made instrument has improved the visualization and the automation level of the corresponding experiments.

Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Synthesized Thiazole-Isatin-1,2,3-triazole Hybrids as Promising Inhibitors for DNA Gyrase and 14α-Sterol Demethylase.

In the present work, a new class of thiazole-isatin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids (5a-5p) and precursor alkyne hybrids (6a-6d) has been reported with their in-silico studies. After structural identifications using different spectroscopic technique such as FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR and HRMS, the synthesized hybrids were explored for their biological potential using molecular docking and molecular dynamics calculations. Molecular docking results revealed that compound 5j showed maximum binding energy i.e. -10.3 and -12.6 kcal/mol against antibacterial and antifungal enzymes; 1KZN (E. coli) and 5TZ1 (C. albicans), respectively.Top of FormBottom of Form Molecular dynamics simulations for the best molecule (100 ns) followed by PBSA calculations suggested a stable complex of 5j with 5TZ1 with binding energy of -118.760 kJ/mol as compared to 1KZN (-94.593 kJ/mol). The mean RMSD values for the 1KZN with 5j complex remained approximately 0.175 nm throughout all the time span of 100 ns in the production stages and is in the acceptable range. Whereas, 5TZ1 with 5j complex, RMSD values exhibited variability within the range of 0.15 to 0.25 nm.

Noise analysis and optical response of microwave kinetic inductance detectors with an optical stack

We report on the experimental investigation of optical coupling for superconducting microresonators known as microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) in the visible and near-infrared bands. MKIDs are photon-counting, time and energy-resolving detectors that still suffer from a poor quantum efficiency. To improve this efficiency, we propose to add a superconducting reflective layer below the absorbing part of the detector separated by a transparent Al2O3 layer with a quarter-wavelength thickness optimized around a single wavelength λ = 405 nm. We have first fabricated samples patterned from stoichiometric TiN ( Tc∼4 K), one with the full optical stack, one without for reference and one with a partial optical stack in order to characterize the noise influence of each layer individually. We observe that the full optical stack geometry has the most impact on the resonator’s noise and quality factors. A second design was fabricated to characterize the optical response to short pulses of the optical stack and we show from both the frequential noise and optical response that a strong signature of TLS is still present in the optical stack sample. We have finally obtained single-photon response with the optical stack using a more sensitive tri-layer TiN/Ti/TiN absorber ( Tc∼1.3 K) for which a maximum energy resolving power of R=E/ΔE∼ 1.3 was achieved using 405 nm laser pulses at 225 mK. The quality factors of both the reference and optical stack samples are similar but the frequency noise is still a tenfold higher for the optical stack sample which degrades the energy-resolving power of the detector.

Low‐velocity impact characterization of polyurethane rubber/nano‐clay enriched sustainable sandwich composites: Synergy of experimentation and simulations

AbstractThis research proposes a novel sustainable composite using basalt (B), hemp (H) and polyurethane rubber (Pu) reinforced in nano clay functionalised epoxy matrix for sacrificial structural applications prone to low‐velocity impact (LVI). To this end, symmetric and asymmetric laminates such as HHHH, BBBB, BHHB, BHPuHB, BBPuHH and BPuBPuHPuH are fabricated using compression molding techniques and subjected to LVI at three different impact energies of 19.66, 39.39, and 59.05 J. The hemp fibers were treated with NaOH solution before fabrication. Material characterization such as X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and morphological studies has been carried out. The impact and post‐impact properties of the proposed composites are experimentally evaluated and validated with the finite element (FE) results. The effect on the residual tensile strength degradation of laminates at different interlayers and energy levels is also investigated using the Caprino analytical model. The barely visible impact damages (BVID) are investigated through non‐destructive dye‐penetration tests, which facilitate easy identification of the prominent LVI damages like “Plateau” and “Cliff‐drop” impressions. Based on the impact energy absorption and residual tensile strength, proposed laminates followed BHPuHB > BBBB > BHHB > HHHH. The experimentation suggests that Polyurethane core laminates support maximum impact energy absorption by favoring a structural change in interlayers. Also, the residual tensile strength decreases as impact velocity increases.Highlights Low‐velocity impact behavior of sustainable composites is experimented. Basalt, hemp and polyurethane rubber are reinforced in nano clay epoxy matrix. A FE framework to validate the experimentation is proposed. Dye penetrant NDT is adopted to investigate the damages. Morphological studies are conducted to understand LVI responses.

Low-voltage ride-through strategy for an integrated permanent magnet synchronous generator in a flexible interconnected distribution network

For the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) integrated into the flexible interconnected distribution network (FIDN), its low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) strategy needs to be designed to enhance the transient operation capability of the FIDN. The design of the LVRT strategy also needs to take the fault location of the FIDN into consideration. To deal with faults occurring on the integrated feeder of the PMSG, the PMSG needs to realize successful LVRT using the hardware protection equipment. To deal with faults occurring on the feeder adjacent to the integrated feeder of the PMSG, the PMSG needs to release its stored energy to temporarily increase its active power output, which is then supplied to the loads on the faulted feeder that are isolated from the fault through the soft open point (SOP). In this paper, a novel LVRT strategy designed for the PMSG integrated into the FIDN is proposed, which includes dual operation modes that are separately applied to different fault locations. If PMSG is on the faulted feeder, the DC-link voltage of the PMSG is maintained with the controllable resistive fault current limiter (CRFCL), while the maximized stored kinetic energy is reserved to enhance the generation efficiency during the LVRT. If PMSG is on the feeder adjacent to the faulted feeder, the control strategy of the converters of the PMSG is adjusted in response to the power regulation goal at the SOP. Meanwhile, the maximum releasable kinetic energy of the PMSG is considered when increasing its active power output. The feasibility and effectiveness of the LVRT strategy for the PMSG are verified based on the numerical analysis.

Low‐velocity impact characterization of polyurethane rubber/nano‐clay enriched sustainable sandwich composites: Synergy of experimentation and simulations

AbstractThis research proposes a novel sustainable composite using basalt (B), hemp (H) and polyurethane rubber (Pu) reinforced in nano clay functionalised epoxy matrix for sacrificial structural applications prone to low‐velocity impact (LVI). To this end, symmetric and asymmetric laminates such as HHHH, BBBB, BHHB, BHPuHB, BBPuHH and BPuBPuHPuH are fabricated using compression molding techniques and subjected to LVI at three different impact energies of 19.66, 39.39, and 59.05 J. The hemp fibers were treated with NaOH solution before fabrication. Material characterization such as X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and morphological studies has been carried out. The impact and post‐impact properties of the proposed composites are experimentally evaluated and validated with the finite element (FE) results. The effect on the residual tensile strength degradation of laminates at different interlayers and energy levels is also investigated using the Caprino analytical model. The barely visible impact damages (BVID) are investigated through non‐destructive dye‐penetration tests, which facilitate easy identification of the prominent LVI damages like “Plateau” and “Cliff‐drop” impressions. Based on the impact energy absorption and residual tensile strength, proposed laminates followed BHPuHB > BBBB > BHHB > HHHH. The experimentation suggests that Polyurethane core laminates support maximum impact energy absorption by favoring a structural change in interlayers. Also, the residual tensile strength decreases as impact velocity increases.Highlights Low‐velocity impact behavior of sustainable composites is experimented. Basalt, hemp and polyurethane rubber are reinforced in nano clay epoxy matrix. A FE framework to validate the experimentation is proposed. Dye penetrant NDT is adopted to investigate the damages. Morphological studies are conducted to understand LVI responses.

Analysis of Energy Potential of Switchgrass Biomass

In this research, the energy potential of switchgrass (SG) was analyzed to find promising directions for producing bioenergy from this biomass. The first direction is determining the thermal energy of bioethanol extracted from SG biomass after its pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis (saccharification), and fermentation of the resulting glucose. It was established that after a two-stage pretreatment of 1 ton of SG with dilute solutions of nitric acid and alkali, the largest amount of bioethanol can be extracted with an energy potential of 4.9 GJ. It is also shown that by the utilization of solid and liquid waste, the production cost of bioethanol can be reduced. On the other hand, the direct combustion of 1 ton of the initial SG biomass used as a solid biofuel provides an increased amount of thermal energy of 18.3 GJ, which is 3.7 times higher than the energy potential of the resulting bioethanol extracted from 1 ton of this biomass. Thus, if the ultimate goal is to obtain the maximum energy amount, then another direction for obtaining bioenergy from biomass should be implemented, namely, direct combustion, preferably after pelletizing. Studies have shown that fuel characteristics of SG pellets such as the gross thermal energy and density of thermal energy are lower than those of wood pellets, but they can be improved if the SG biomass is densified into pellets together with binders made from polymer waste.

Analysis of Energy Potential of Switchgrass Biomass

In this research, the energy potential of switchgrass (SG) was analyzed to find promising directions for producing bioenergy from this biomass. The first direction is determining the thermal energy of bioethanol extracted from SG biomass after its pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis (saccharification), and fermentation of the resulting glucose. It was established that after a two-stage pretreatment of 1 ton of SG with dilute solutions of nitric acid and alkali, the largest amount of bioethanol can be extracted with an energy potential of 4.9 GJ. It is also shown that by the utilization of solid and liquid waste, the production cost of bioethanol can be reduced. On the other hand, the direct combustion of 1 ton of the initial SG biomass used as a solid biofuel provides an increased amount of thermal energy of 18.3 GJ, which is 3.7 times higher than the energy potential of the resulting bioethanol extracted from 1 ton of this biomass. Thus, if the ultimate goal is to obtain the maximum energy amount, then another direction for obtaining bioenergy from biomass should be implemented, namely, direct combustion, preferably after pelletizing. Studies have shown that fuel characteristics of SG pellets such as the gross thermal energy and density of thermal energy are lower than those of wood pellets, but they can be improved if the SG biomass is densified into pellets together with binders made from polymer waste.