Metal Shell Research Articles

Role of surface damping on hybrid modes and electric field enhancement distribution of ultrathin metal-coated dielectric microspheres illuminated by non-resonant light

Herein, we report a theoretical investigation on the characteristic parameters of hybrid plasmonic–photonic modes (or simply hybrid modes) and electric field enhancement (EFE) distribution of ultrathin Au- and Ag-coated dielectric microspheres illuminated by non-resonant light obtained with and without consideration of the size-dependent damping (SDD) or surface damping in ultrathin metal nanoshells. From the obtained scattering and absorption spectra, the role of SDD on characteristic parameters such as wavelength locations, full width at half maximum, and EFE of the hybrid modes is investigated for the first time, to our knowledge. In addition, the effect of metal shell thickness (t) on the hybrid modes is studied. The EFE distribution inside/outside the ultrathin metal-coated dielectric microspheres illuminated by non-resonant light is investigated. More importantly, the sensitivity of the EFE distribution of bare and metal-coated microspheres is explored by slightly varying the resonant and non-resonant wavelengths.

Study on sound transmission characteristics and positioning strategy of gas insulated transmission line shell

Gas insulated transmission line (GIL) is widely used for large-capacity power transmission in complex environment, and has the characteristics of long distance and totally enclosed structure. When the insulation fault occurs inside GIL, its metal shell structure makes it more difficult to monitor through optical, electrical and other physical quantities. Considering the rapidity and accuracy of positioning, the propagation of sound waves along the GIL sheath is a commonly used method in GIL on-site PD testing and running state online monitoring for fault positioning. This paper establishes a high-pressure GIL acoustic propagation simulation model based on pipe acoustics theory, analyzes the frequency dispersion and mode distribution of acoustic waves along the GIL shell, determines an appropriate fault location strategy based on the propagation velocity and attenuation of the selected acoustic wave mode, and carries out experiments to verify it. The results of the research show that the low order bending wave F(1,1) propagated along the GIL shell has good positioning characteristics, and the propagation velocity conforms to the dispersion curve distribution. By taking into account the attenuation and delay of the acoustic wave passing through epoxy insulators or expansion joints in the fault localization strategy, the localization accuracy can be improved by 60%. And this positioning strategy was verified to be effective in the GIL insulation fault localization test conducted in the field.

Distributed optical fiber sensing technology in operation status monitoring of GIL equipment

Abstract This paper firstly proposes distributed fiber optic sensing technology based on big data technology and physics, distributed fiber optic sensing technology includes distributed fiber optic sensing technology based on interference type and distributed fiber optic sensing technology based on the scattering principle. Then investigated the demand for remote monitoring of distributed fiber optic sensing systems and the demand for large sensing networks in the Internet of Things and designed a long-distance distributed fiber optic sensing-based intelligent monitoring system. Finally, the vibration acceleration signal of the metal shell when partial discharge occurs is collected, and the high-frequency components in the vibration acceleration signal are used to diagnose and analyze the discharging faults caused by the metal particles of GIL. The results show that: when the rated current is loaded on the GIL, the main frequency distribution of the vibration acceleration signal on the surface of the metal shell is from 0 to 1 kHz, and the percentage of the signal energy in this frequency band is greater than 99% of the total energy in the range of 0 to 20 kHz. In the frequency range of 1 kHz to 20 kHz, the percentage of the signal energy in the total energy does not exceed 1%, and there is almost no high-frequency vibration acceleration signal. This study and the combination of these two technologies is a great contribution to the further development of each, but also more favorable for application in work and life.

A MATLAB finite element toolbox for the efficient nonlinear analysis of axisymmetric shells

AbstractShells of revolution under axisymmetric conditions exhibit a circumferentially uniform pre‐buckling stress state and are important fundamental systems which often serve as reference systems for those under more complex conditions. Given this status, work is continuing on a careful and complete characterization of their buckling response with the aid of the Reference Resistance Design (RRD) framework for the ultimate benefit of the EN 1993‐1‐6 Eurocode on the strength of stability of metal shells. The situation is greatly complicated by the fact that while modern finite element software packages offer axisymmetric shell elements in an efficient 2D modelling plane, these are not capable of detecting bifurcation buckling into non‐axisymmetric modes which are often critical for slender systems. Reverting to a full 3D plane is possible, but grossly inefficient and the explicitly modelled circumferential direction is parasitic and detrimental to the overall solution quality. AQUINAS is an accessible and intuitive toolbox developed by the Authors in MATLAB for the efficient analysis of axisymmetric shell structures, aiming to reintroduce a modelling capability that was once standard in the field. Data input is entirely object‐oriented and matrix assembly is parallelized with pre‐compiled C++ routines, with users being able to take direct advantage of MATLAB's visualization properties. The software natively supports the LA, LBA, MNA, GMNIA etc. Eurocode analysis taxonomy. This paper demonstrates the current capabilities of the toolbox, describes the extensive programme of verification against existing established solutions that has been performed, and illustrates its ability to efficiently compute very detailed capacity curves using the EN 1993‐1‐6 capacity curve framework.

Systematic design and experimental realization of a radially cascaded spherical piezoelectric transducer.

As a critical component of ultrasonic vibration systems, piezoelectric transducers play an essential role in various practical application scenarios. Recent advances in spherical transducers have been widely used in underwater sound and structural health monitoring, while the cascaded spherical piezoelectric transducer with arbitrary piezoceramic shell thickness has not been investigated. Here, we propose a radially cascaded spherical piezoelectric transducer (RCSPT) and derive its electromechanical equivalent circuit with mechanical losses, dielectric losses, and load mechanical impedances. The resulting device is composed of three concentric spherical metal shells and two radially polarized spherical piezoceramic shells. The underlying physical mechanism is the inverse piezoelectric effect, which converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations. The effects of the spherical piezoceramic shell's thickness and location on the RCSPT are studied. We also analyze the effects of mechanical losses, dielectric losses, and load mechanical impedances on the modulus of input electric impedance of the cascaded spherical transducer. The experiments are conducted to verify the electromechanical characteristics of the resulting device, which are in good agreement with the simulated results and theoretical predictions. Our methodology will offer new possibilities for designing RCSPTs and may promote applications in various fields, such as underwater acoustic detection and structural health monitoring.

Imperfections in realistic metal wind turbine support towers: a one‐at‐a‐time (OAAT) study

AbstractThe ultimate limit state of buckling is an important consideration for the design of wind turbine support towers (WTSTs) which is increasingly being done with the aid of advanced nonlinear finite element analysis according to EN 1993‐1‐6. As these towers are relatively slender thin‐walled metal shell structures, their response and buckling resistance is invariably affected by geometric imperfections. This paper presents a sensitivity study into the possible relative influences of four different types of realistic imperfections that are likely to arise in WTST construction on the elastic‐plastic buckling resistance as assessed by computational GMNIAs. These include idealised but realistic representations of axisymmetric circumferential weld depressions, unintended eccentricities at curved plate boundaries, a global out‐of‐roundness and corrected parallel flange interface gaps. The relative sensitivity is explored via a ‘one‐at‐a‐time’ (OAAT) study where all factors but one are kept at a constant intensity while the active factor is scaled, with the influence on the computed GMNIA under two load cases recorded. The OAAT study suggests that for shell structures representative of the geometric ranges typical for WTSTs, the weld depression has the most deleterious effect on the predicted buckling resistance.

Research on explosive damage effects of tungsten fiber-reinforced Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composite shell

To expand the application range of explosive fragmentation projectiles, tungsten fiber-reinforced bulk metallic glass matrix composite (WF/Zr-MG) is used as the warhead shell in static explosion experiments, and is compared with 40CrMnSiB steel shells. The experimental results showed that, compared with 40CrMnSiB steel shells, the fragments produced by the WF/Zr-MG shell exhibit a larger aspect ratio, smaller average size, and a greater number of fragments at distances of 3 m and 5 m, with an equal number of fragments at a distance of 8 m. Theoretical calculations showed that the initial velocity of the fragments produced by the WF/Zr-MG shell is lower, but their velocity decay is slower, resulting in a greater determined damage range. The research results showed that WF/Zr-MG can be used as a shell material for explosive fragmentation projectiles, which can enhance their destructive power.

One-Dimensional, First-Row Transition Metal, Core-Shell Architectures as Multifunctional Electrocatalysts in Alkaline and Acidic Conditions

The development of practical electrocatalysts for fuel cells, electrochemical sensors, and batteries requires nanostructured architectures with high catalytic activity and good long-term durability. It is also essential that they have very low or even no platinum content. There has also been a recent emphasis on the importance of designing multifunctional catalysts with the ability to efficiently catalyze a wide-range of electrochemical reactions in both acidic and alkaline media. In light of these requirements, we have developed a solution-based synthetic method to prepare core-shell nanowires consisting of inexpensive and abundant first-row transition metals coated with precious metal shells. The core-shell motif enables a substantial quantity of platinum to be removed from the catalytically inactive core of the material, while also resulting in the ability to tune the activity of platinum through electronic and structural interactions between the two metals. The as-synthesized core-shell nanowires have a complex surface structure that brings together metal oxide and precious metal active sites that are active toward OER and result in a significant reduction in the overpotential for OER when compared with pure Pt and Co nanowires. In addition, we have developed an electrochemical process that selectively removes the metal oxide from the surface of the nanowires enabling the catalysts to be activated toward SOM oxidation in acidic media and ORR in alkaline media. For example, the activated core-shell nanowires display a 1.5-fold and a 4-fold increase in the specific activity and mass activity of methanol oxidation, respectively, relative to a pure platinum nanowire.

Oxygen Plasma Induced Nanochannels for Creating Bimetallic Hollow Nanocrystals.

Platinum-based metal catalysts are considered excellent converters in various catalytic reactions, particularly in fuel cell applications. The atomic structure at the nanocrystal surface and the metal interface both influence the catalytic performance, controlling the efficiency of the electrochemical reactions. Here we report the synthesis of Ag/Pt and Ag/Pd core/shell nanocrystals and insight into the formation mechanism of these bimetallic core/shell nanocrystals when undergoing oxygen plasma treatment. We carefully designed the oxidation treatment that determines the structural and compositional evolution. The accelerated oxidation-triggered diffusion of Ag toward the outer metal shell leads to the Kirkendall effect. After prolonged oxygen plasma treatment, most core/shell nanocrystals evolve into hollow spheres. At the same time, a minor fraction of the metal remains unchanged with a well-protected Ag core and a monocrystalline Pt or Pd shell. We hypothesize that the O2 plasma disturbs the Pt or Pd shell surface and introduces active O species that react with the diffused Ag from the inside out. Based on EDX elemental mapping, combined with several electron microscopic techniques, we deduced the formation mechanism of the hollow structures to be as follows: (I) the oxidation of Ag within the Pt or Pd lattice causes a disrupted crystal lattice of Pt or Pd; (II) nanochannels arise at the defect locations on the Pt or Pd shell; (III) the remaining Ag atoms pass through these nanochannels and leave a hollow crystal behind. Our findings deepen the understanding of interface dynamics of bimetallic nanostructured catalysts under an oxidative environment and unveil an alternative approach for catalyst pretreatment.

Thermal-vibration ageing characteristics of three thin-walled cylindrical shells covered with a functionally graded protective coating: Modeling, analysis and test

In this study, the thermal-vibration ageing characteristics of three thin-walled cylindrical shells (TCSs) covered with a functionally graded protective coating (FGPC) are investigated for the first time, including fiber reinforced polymer (FRP), metal and fiber metal hybrid (FMH) shell structures with the FGPC. Initially, a dynamic model of an FGPC-TCS structure in a thermal-vibration ageing environment is developed by employing the first-order shear deformation principle enriched by the improved exponential function approach, the complex modulus method, the Rayleigh-Ritz method, etc. In this model, the ageing-related material parameters of the FGPC and the TCS structure are assumed to be affected by both environmental temperature and aging time. After the solution procedures of the vibration parameters of the above three coated shells are clarified, the determining method of fitting coefficients of the coating and different materials in the shells studied is provided. Also, the detailed experimental validation is undertaken on the uncoated and coated FRP, metal, and FMH shell specimens, which indicates that the present model is reliable for predicting the key dynamic ageing parameters when the complex thermal-vibration ageing effect is considered. From the measured and calculated data, it is proved that the suppression contribution of the FGPC is obvious no matter whether these shell structures are at room temperature or thermal degradation environment. Furthermore, some important application suggestions of the FGPC are summarized to improve the degradation resistance of such coated shell structures.

Resonance Quantization in the Absorption Spectra of Concentric Double Gold Nanoshells: A Numerical Study

AbstractConcentric double metallic shells (CDMSs) are strong candidates for photothermal-based therapy, wherein they utilize their tuned plasmon resonance in the near-infrared region via particle coupling factor fitting. Tuning the resonance of CDMSs to the desired near-infrared region is crucial considering the shift caused by variations in their design parameters. In this study, we investigated the effects of these parameters using full-wave electromagnetic analysis to highlight the dominant factors affecting the resonance shift in the absorption spectra of CDMSs. With systematic variations, our simulation data outlined the direct influence of the outer and inner nanoshells’ (NS2 and NS1) aspect ratios r2 and r1, respectively, on the coupling factor (rT) aptitude for resonance tuning. For example, a CDMS with r2 = r1 = 0.8 shows coupling manifestation between NS2 and NS1 with rT as low as 0.2. However, we need the value of rT to be at least 0.6 for a CDMS with r2 = r1 = 0.4. Moreover, the dominant factors of the localized surface plasmon resonance shifts were determined by examining the mismatched parameter values of the same particle and found them to be related to NS2. We demonstrated how these factors are related to the complexity of localized surface plasmon resonance peak shifting and splitting in the absorption spectra of CDMSs. Our findings are expected to greatly improve the design of nanoparticles to optimize their responses in photothermal-based applications.

Isostructural Nanocluster Manipulation Reveals Pivotal Role of One Surface Atom in Click Chemistry.

Elucidating single-atom effects on the fundamental properties of nanoparticles is challenging because single-atom modifications are typically accompanied by appreciable changes to the overall particle's structure. Herein, we report the synthesis of a [Cu58 H20 PET36 (PPh3 )4 ]2+ (Cu58 ; PET: phenylethanethiolate; PPh3 : triphenylphosphine) nanocluster-an atomically precise nanoparticle-that can be transformed into the surface-defective analog [Cu57 H20 PET36 (PPh3 )4 ]+ (Cu57 ). Both nanoclusters are virtually identical, with five concentric metal shells, save for one missing surface copper atom in Cu57 . Remarkably, the loss of this single surface atom drastically alters the reactivity of the nanocluster. In contrast to Cu58 , Cu57 shows promising activity for click chemistry, particularly photoinduced [3+2] azide-alkyne cycloaddition (AAC), which is attributed to the active catalytic site in Cu57 after the removal of one surface copper atom. Our study not only presents a unique system for uncovering the effect of a single-surface atom modification on nanoparticle properties but also showcases single-atom surface modification as a powerful means for designing nanoparticle catalysts.

Isostructural Nanocluster Manipulation Reveals Pivotal Role of One Surface Atom in Click Chemistry

AbstractElucidating single‐atom effects on the fundamental properties of nanoparticles is challenging because single‐atom modifications are typically accompanied by appreciable changes to the overall particle's structure. Herein, we report the synthesis of a [Cu58H20PET36(PPh3)4]2+ (Cu58; PET: phenylethanethiolate; PPh3: triphenylphosphine) nanocluster—an atomically precise nanoparticle—that can be transformed into the surface‐defective analog [Cu57H20PET36(PPh3)4]+ (Cu57). Both nanoclusters are virtually identical, with five concentric metal shells, save for one missing surface copper atom in Cu57. Remarkably, the loss of this single surface atom drastically alters the reactivity of the nanocluster. In contrast to Cu58, Cu57 shows promising activity for click chemistry, particularly photoinduced [3+2] azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (AAC), which is attributed to the active catalytic site in Cu57 after the removal of one surface copper atom. Our study not only presents a unique system for uncovering the effect of a single‐surface atom modification on nanoparticle properties but also showcases single‐atom surface modification as a powerful means for designing nanoparticle catalysts.

Dendritic alloy shell Au@AgPt yolk sensor with excellent dual SERS enhancement and catalytic performance for in-situ SERS monitoring reaction

In situ monitoring of the changes of reactants on the metal catalyst surface/interface, capture, and identification of intermediate species and products are very important for revealing catalytic pathways, mechanisms, and designing high-performance catalysts. A novel Au@AgPt yolk structure with ternary metallic composition and dendritic alloy shell was synthesized, which had dual catalytic and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) performance to meet the demand of in-situ SERS monitoring reaction. The key factors for the formation of this special structure are the Ag-Pt mole ratio (nAg: Pt) and surfactant types. The yolk structure with the most optimal catalytic and SERS performance (nAg: Pt=1:1) was screened out for in-situ SERS monitoring. The classic 4-NTP reduction to 4-ATP model was first used to verify the excellent SERS and catalytic dual-functional properties of the Au@AgPt yolk structure. Importantly, this yolk structure was further used to detect plasmon-induced halogenated benzene dehalogenated coupling reaction, and the results show that the hot electrons generated by Au@AgPt NPs could trigger C-X (X = Cl, Br) bond fracture to form the C-C bond under continuous laser irradiation, which provided an effective way for C-X bond activation in organic synthesis.

Preventing the Galvanic Replacement Reaction toward Unconventional Bimetallic Core-Shell Nanostructures.

A bimetallic core-shell nanostructure is a versatile platform for achieving intriguing optical and catalytic properties. For a long time, this core-shell nanostructure has been limited to ones with noble metal cores. Otherwise, a galvanic replacement reaction easily occurs, leading to hollow nanostructures or completely disintegrated ones. In the past few years, great efforts have been devoted to preventing the galvanic replacement reaction, thus creating an unconventional class of core-shell nanostructures, each containing a less-stable-metal core and a noble metal shell. These new nanostructures have been demonstrated to show unique optical and catalytic properties. In this work, we first briefly summarize the strategies for synthesizing this type of unconventional core-shell nanostructures, such as the delicately designed thermodynamic control and kinetic control methods. Then, we discuss the effects of the core-shell nanostructure on the stabilization of the core nanocrystals and the emerging optical and catalytic properties. The use of the nanostructure for creating hollow/porous nanostructures is also discussed. At the end of this review, we discuss the remaining challenges associated with this unique core-shell nanostructure and provide our perspectives on the future development of the field.

Safety verification of femtosecond laser cutting of tungsten alloys during the dismantling of decommissioned energetic materials

How to safely separate explosives, propellants, detonators and other energetic materials from the large number of decommissioned munitions scheduled to be retired has always been challenging. In this work, we proposed a femtosecond laser to cut metal shells of discarded ammunition and verify the safety of laser irradiation of energetic materials. First, triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB), octogen (HMX) and the metal shell of 95 tungsten were irradiated by the single-point laser to explore the ablation properties of the materials. Then, the effect of femtosecond laser cutting speed on the surface groove morphology of energetic materials and 95 tungsten was discussed. The laser-induced damage threshold and peak power density of the TATB, HMX and 95 W were determined. Besides, we adopted the pump-probe ultrafast imaging technique to reveal the ultrafast dynamic responses of metal shells and explosives irradiated by femtosecond lasers. Further, based on the high-speed imaging system, ultrafast dynamic images of the interface between the metal shell and the explosive ablated by femtosecond lasers were obtained, which provided an intuitive insight into the phase characteristics of the ablation region and the scale and intensity of the shock wave caused by the ejection.

Experimental Demonstration of Low‐Energy First‐Order Hybridized Plasmon Resonances in Origami Metashells

AbstractMetallic nanoshells have emerged as promising optical cavities to steer hybridized plasmonic resonances that show the high spectral tunability and a large surface area of localized fields. Despite various optical and photochemical applications, plasmonic resonances in shells have rarely been explored at low frequencies due to a nonlinear increase in particle size and a rapid degeneration in field localization. Here, this work reports the experimental realization of hybridized plasmon resonances in origami metashells that can be excited by low‐energy photons ≈7 GHz, corresponding to a level below 10−4 eV. Metasurfaces built of interconnected meshes act as thin Drude metallic films that support symmetric spoof surface plasmons. Rigid folding of the metasurface leads to diverse 3D hollow cavities that exhibit strong plasmonic responses, large surface areas, and low relative densities. Experimental measurements demonstrate three typical behaviors in Drude metallic shells: shielding to quasi‐static fields, strong scattering at first‐order hybridized plasmon resonances, and transparency to high frequency radiation. The relative density is remarkably reduced owing to the void cavity enabled by 3D folding, and an extra degree of freedom in anisotropic load capacity is provided by customizing crease patterns. These results open a door for extremely low‐energy plasmons with low‐density mechanics.

Uncovering the fracture behavior of metallic cylindrical shells under internal explosive loadings via careful design of densely-arranged multi-point photon Doppler velocimetry measurements

While the expanding process of cylindrical shells under internal explosive loadings is fundamental and ubiquitous in engineering applications, the comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism is still a challenge due to the limitation of the spatial resolution on the current diagnostic techniques. To address this issue, an improved densely-arranged multi-point photon Doppler velocimetry (DMPDV) technique with enough spatial resolution to capture the local dynamical evolution was carefully designed. The DMPDV technique was then applied to investigate the expanding behavior of an explosively driven 304 L stainless steel cylindrical shell. As a step beyond the coarse understanding of the overall dynamical response, the expanding process can then be demonstrated comprehensively with more exact concentrations on one fragment. By the combination of DMPDV and high-speed photography, we uncovered the evolution of the expanding process which can be divided into three stages: (1) In the beginning, due to the symmetries of the specimen and the loading, the cylinder expands uniformly and all the velocity-time curves at different hoop positions are coincide with each other. (2) after the emergence of cracks at the outer surface of the cylinder, the velocity-time curves start to separate from each other and are regularly arranged according to their test positions. (3) following the penetration of the crack through the thickness of the cylinder, there is a reverse in the velocity-time curves and the fragments begin to rotate, the rotation angle can be estimated using the velocity difference. The hidden mechanism is then revealed with the help of unloading wave theory and rigid body dynamics. Here the second stage is dominated by unloading wave while the last stage is controlled by the denotation products. These experimental results provide deep insight into the detailed fracture behavior of expanding cylindrical shell and are further validated by the Mott wave models as well as numerical simulations, respectively.

Extraordinary upconversion enhancement in mono-dispersed plasmonic resonant nanocavity coupling with lanthanide doped upconversion nanoparticles

In this work, we reported a monodispersed MDM (metal–dielectric-metal) type upconversion composite material with ultrahigh emission enhancement for the first time. Different from the planar configuration of traditional MDM systems, the proposed materials here consisting of silver nanoparticles as the metallic core, upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs) as the intermediate dielectric layer, and silver layer as the metallic shell. The structural characteristics were investigated to explore the spectral band match between the plasmonics and UCNPs. The sandwich structure can create high density hot carriers at the nearfield region around the UCNPs, leading to the remarkable excitation enhancement. According to the proper structure design, the upconversion intensity can be enhanced by over five orders of magnitude. The outer metallic layer thickness, the diameter of attached UCNPs and the ambient refractive index were found responsible for the intensity enhancement. Such upconversion materials combined the merit of monodispersity and the high emission efficiency, which can improve their performance in bioimaging and photovoltaic device.

From AuPd Nanoparticle Alloys towards Core‐Shell Motifs with Enhanced Alcohol Oxidation Activity

AbstractThe best activity of bimetallic AuPd nanoparticles for alcohol oxidation reaction is usually achieved by adjusting the Au/Pd molar ratio. Herein, alloy AuPd nanoparticles of ∼2.5–3.5 nm, ranging from Au‐rich to Pd‐rich compositions, were synthesized through a sol‐immobilization method. A calcination step under air conditions caused an increase in size up to 5.5 nm, but also driven the segregation of Pd to the surface, which generated an Au rich core with Pd on the shell. At high Pd content, the shell structure is formed by PdO. The catalytic activity of Pd‐rich samples (1 : 1, 1 : 2 and 1 : 4 Au : Pd) for benzyl alcohol oxidation increased ∼4‐fold after calcination. Upon reduction with H2, surface PdO motifs are reduced to Pd that did not dissolve back into the AuPd alloy core, maintaining the metallic Pd shell. The catalytic activity decreased. Therefore, restructuring alloyed AuPd nanoparticles into core‐shell like structures with PdO in the shell is beneficial to the catalytic activity, but reduction of PdO layer was detrimental. These results provide new insights on the optimization of AuPd catalysts, considering not only the Au/Pd molar ratio, but also the importance of PdO, which was not anticipated in the previous literature.