Military Equipment Research Articles

Flexural behavior of textile reinforced 3D printed concrete under quasi-static and dynamic impact loads

There has been a growing interest in utilizing 3D printing technology for military and civil defense engineering, especially in enhancing the resilience of infrastructure against impacts. Due to its distinctive additive manufacturing process, 3D printed concrete (3DPC) shows anisotropic behavior when subjected to static loads. However, research on its performance under dynamic conditions remains limited. Therefore, this study explores the characteristics of 3DPC under static and dynamic loads. Quasi-static results showed that incorporating textile significantly enhanced the deformation capacity of specimens, with the ultimate deflection and flexural toughness of basalt textile reinforced specimens in the X direction reaching 1.07 mm and 4206.9 N·mm, which are 118 % and 117 % higher than control specimens without textiles, respectively. The mechanical properties of 3DPC specimens showed increasing trend from static to impact loads. The impact results indicated that the peak load increased with the increase in impact energy. Adding two types of textiles showed different anisotropic mechanical properties which are associated with the patterns of cracking and failure. The addition of basalt textiles primarily enhanced the energy dissipation properties of 3DPC, with increases up to 98.2 %. The AR-glass textile was superior in terms of maintaining peak force under multiple impacts.

Risk and Response to Warm and Humidified Geological Disasters in China

Geological hazards caused by warming and humidification are particularly noticeable as the climate moves towards a warmer and more humid situation. Extreme temperatures and extreme rainfall events have led to an increase in the trend of landslides, avalanches and other geologic hazards. Strengthening the research and application of geohazard defense methods and technologies can reduce the occurrence of geohazards and the losses caused by them. This paper discusses the monitoring and prevention technology of geological disasters, analyzing the monitoring and prevention methods of geology.

3D-Printed (CoCrFeMnNi)3O4@C-GR dual core–shell composites: Multilevel control and mechanisms of microwave absorption performance

With the rapid development of modern electronic technology, there is an increasing demand for microwave-absorbing materials in various applications. These include reducing electromagnetic interference, enhancing communication quality, and ensuring stealth capabilities for military equipment. This study has developed a novel microwave-absorbing material, which is a composite system consisting of a high-entropy dual-core–shell (CoCrFeMnNi)3O4@C combined with graphene (GR), and is composed of polylactic acid (PLA) as the matrix. The material is prepared through a process involving high-temperature oxidation, carbonization to form the shell, and Powder extrusion molding techniques. The results demonstrate that when the dual-core–shell (CoCrFeMnNi)3O4@C microspheres are added at a loading of 20 wt%, and GR is added at 7 wt%, with a thickness of 2.22 mm, the composite material achieves a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of −51.36 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.20 GHz. This excellent performance is attributed to the lattice distortion, a large number of oxygen vacancies, and abundant heterogeneous interfaces and conductive networks within the composites. These factors work together to stimulate multiple relaxation mechanisms, enhance the magnetic loss effect, and greatly improve the microwave absorption capability. The introduction of high-entropy microspheres effectively modulates the high conductivity of GR, further enhancing the comprehensive absorption performance of the material. This study not only offers a new strategy for designing and preparing high-performance microwave-absorbing materials but also establishes a valuable scientific foundation for materials research and application in related fields.

Facile and scalable preparation of gradient multilayer nanocomposite structure with preeminent microwave absorption and radar cross section reduction capability

The pressing need for the enhancement of stealth materials that are harmonious with state-of-the-art military equipment is critical, as it plays a pivotal role in bolstering the survivability and operational capabilities of advanced military technology. This research offers a straightforward approach for fabricating a gradient triple-layer absorber utilizing a Cu2O/h-BN nanocomposite and FeCoNi magnetic compounds, characterized by reduced thickness, designed for X-band wave spectrum attenuation purposes. The primary objective of this study is to examine the electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics of single-layer samples and subsequently develop a triple-layer gradient sample with distinct electromagnetic wave stealth features based on the findings. Optimal performance was observed in the gradient sample, where Cu2O/h-BN nanocomposite with 20 and 10 wt% was incorporated as a matching layer with thicknesses of 0.5 and 0.5 mm, respectively, and FeCoNi with 20 wt% was employed as an absorbing layer with a 0.4 mm thickness, surpassing the performance of the other samples. The optimal sample achieves a dissipation loss of −45.6 dB and a bandwidth of 2.9 GHz, all while maintaining a total thickness of just 1.4 mm. Facilitating multiple heterogeneous interfaces among layers, substances, and the synergistic interaction between constituent elements and layers’ thickness and arrangement enable this gradient configuration to demonstrate exceptional performance in radar stealth compatibility.

3D Porous Silver Nonwoven Mat Prepared with Cellulosic Templates and Spray Equipment for Supercapacitor Current Collectors

Supercapacitors are energy conversion devices with higher power density compared to batteries and higher energy density compared to common capacitors.[1] These particular properties have attracted considerable attention with regard to numerous applications in such diverse fields as power electronics, military equipment, and hybrid electric vehicles (i.e. HEVs, in order to help the stop and go function and to provide peak power for improved acceleration).[2] In addition, supercapacitors can play an important role in complementing the energy storage functions of batteries and fuel cells by providing back-up power supplies to protect against power disruptions.[3,4]Supercapacitors have four major components, namely, current collectors, electrodes, electrolytes and separators.[3] However, although electrodes have been actively studied, there are far fewer studies of current collectors than the other there components. Typical current collectors are nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). Although Ag compared with the other materials offers many advantages including high current-carrying capability (i.e., lowest resistivity at 1.63 x 10-8 Ωm)[5] and good chemical and thermal stability,[6] Ag current collectors are rarely used in supercapacitors. In our previous study, which demonstrated the usefulness of a solution processed Ag current collector in supercapacitors, we used a 2-dimensional (2D) Ag plated polymer film as the current collectors.[7] In this study, we propose a method of enhancing the usefulness of a solution processed Ag current collector by making a 3-dimensional (3D) porous Ag nonwoven mat current collector from the cellulosic template in order to maximize the efficiency of the Ag current collector. This may have the result of maximizing the contact area between the electrode and the electrolyte, such as Ni foam.[8] This 3D porous Ag nonwoven mat would be also useful in such applications as the cathodes of alkaline fuel cells owing to its good chemical and thermal stability,[9] and might also be used in a variety of filtration applications where the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of silver make silver membranes a very efficient filtration system.[10]In this study, we propose a simple method of making a 3D porous silver nonwoven mat as the current collector of supercapacitors, and investigate their super-capacitive properties using cyclic voltammetry in 1 M Na2SO4. For the purpose of comparison, the electrochemical properties of the 2D Ag plated current collector were also investigated. Cellulosic templates were used to make a 3D porous Ag nonwoven mat as the current collector of a supercapacitor with an Ag nanoparticle dispersed solution and simple spray equipment.

Transforming Mining Tailings into Green Steel and Rare Earth Elements

As critical components for energy and defense technologies, the U.S. rare earth element (REE) ore reserves are estimated at ~13 million tons, but domestic production is currently limited to one operational mine residing on high-grade ore deposits in Mountain Pass, CA. While low-grade REE deposits are abundant, high-grade American REE deposits are sparse. Meanwhile, hazardous REE-containing tailings pile up at the economic and environmental cost, and it is estimated that REE value locked within e.g., red mud, is $796 per ton. However, such low-grade deposits or mining tailings are challenging to access because REEs are usually locked within a mineral matrix, typically iron oxide, that renders the ore intractable to mechanical or chemical separation. Here, we propose a process for recovering REEs from low-grade deposits and tailings by electro-metallurgically removing iron oxide, hydro-metallurgically removing aluminum salt, and subsequent separating insoluble rare earth oxides. Our strategy produces not only refinable REEs concentrates but also emissions-free iron metal and supplementary cementitious materials as co-products for decarbonizing steel and cement industries, respectively. By addressing the economic and environmental challenges associated with low-grade REE deposits and mining tailings, our electrochemical approach offers a sustainable pathway for unlocking the potential of domestic rare earth resources.

Hot Deformation Characteristics and Dynamic Recrystallization Mechanisms of a Semi-Solid Forged AZ91D Magnesium Alloy.

Magnesium alloys show great promise in high-speed transport, aerospace, and military technology; however, their widespread adoption encounters challenges attributed to limitations such as poor plasticity and strength. This study examines the high-temperature deformation of semi-solid forged AZ91D magnesium alloy through a combination of experiments and simulations, with a focus on comprehending the influence of deformation conditions on dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The findings disclose that conspicuous signs of DRX manifest in the yield stress curve as strain increases. Additionally, decreasing the strain rate and temperature correlates with a reduction in both yield stress and peak strain, and the activation energy is 156.814 kJ/mol, while the critical strain and peak strain remain relatively consistent (εc=0.66208εp). Microstructural changes during high-temperature deformation and the onset of DRX are thoroughly examined through experimental methods. Moreover, a critical strain model for DRX and a predictive model for the volume fraction of DRX were formulated. These equations and models, validated through a combination of experiments and simulations, serve as invaluable tools for predicting the mechanical behavior and microstructural evolution, which also establishes a foundation for accurately predicting the deformation behavior of this alloy. By analyzing the hot deformation characteristics and dynamic compression mechanism of the newly developed semi-solid forging AZ91D magnesium alloy, a numerical simulation model can be effectively established. This model objectively reflects the changes and distributions of stress, strain, and rheological velocity, providing a scientific basis for selecting subsequent plastic deformation process parameters and designing mold structures.

Understanding the adoption of military equipment by local law enforcement agencies in the United States

AbstractObjectiveThis article examines the diffusion of paramilitary police units across the United States to consider the computational turn in social science.MethodsThe process of police diffusion is modeled by comparing traditional predictive models with agent‐based modeling (ABM) under constant and flexible binding conditions. The data are drawn from the Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies 2000, 2004 and the United States Cities Database.ResultsABM was not superior to traditional predictive models when it came to predicting policy diffusion and that flexible binding provides superior predictive capabilities over constant binding.ConclusionsPublic policy scholars should exercise caution in adopting computational methods as they may not offer advantages over traditional predicative analysis. Policy diffusion of police militarization is not driven by geographical proximity but may reflect hierarchical influences in the form of federal policy or the influence of far‐flung organizations perceived to be similar. This may cause inappropriate policies and practices to be adopted.

Global arms exports : the formation of a new paradigm

The modern world market for arms and military equipment (WME) is experiencing a whole range of structural and dynamic changes caused by numerous global problems in the development of the world economy, the nature of competition in this market, as well as the formation of a multipolar world order. The purpose of the study was to assess possible changes in the long-term program of research on international trade in arms and military equipment, taking into account the specified triggers. As the research has shown, the political economy of global arms and military equipment exports is undergoing a significant transformation when, with the emergence of new players in the global arms and military equipment market, its qualitative characteristics and development parameters change, unconventionally affecting global demand and supply for weapons. In turn, the dynamics of defense spending have an ambiguous impact on the market under study, which can both crowd out investments in other sectors and affect the economic growth of the country and its position in global arms and military equipment exports. Finally, the global arms and military equipment market is witnessing serious and previously unknown changes in the global architecture of multilateral regulation, which determine the formation of global value chains within the framework of military-political blocs. These transformations lead to a new understanding of international cooperation between countries exporting and importing weapons and military equipment and form a new set of research problems.

Median line: A century of border violence and the alluvial geopolitics of the Evros/Meriç/Maritsa River border

AbstractThe border river of the Evros/Meriç/Maritsa has been shaped during the century since its demarcation by the Lausanne peace treaty. Over this period, a dense overlap of environmental, geopolitical, legal and cultural actors has turned it into both a riverised border and a borderised river. The border regime appropriates the riverine characteristics of flow, erosion, mud, turbulence and fog as much as it is founded on military technology, international law, agricultural and conservation practices, resource logistics, border crossing and the denial thereof. Here, the river's movement of sand and alluvium has become an agent in the policing of the river border. Drawing on interviews with asylum seekers, locals, forensic pathologists, legal scholars and fish scientists, this paper weaves field research, primarily undertaken on the Greek side, with a historic and ecosystemic perspective of a century‐old border that has become a hotspot for violent practices. These practices themselves harness the uncertain physical conditions that the riverscape affords. In this article we argue that the disjunctures of the river's dynamic geomorphology and the history of demarcation of the median line frame the contemporary politics of mobility of those illegalised by the border regime. In the ambiguous territorial pockets produced by the movement of the river away from the median line of 1926, islands of hyperlegality have been produced where state violence takes place with impunity.

Rapid, Simultaneous Detection of Various Biological Toxin Genes Using Multiplex Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification(RT-LAMP)

Rapid, early, accurate detection and identification of the various pathogenic agents associated with the development of biological weapons is critical in preventing loss of life and limiting the impact of these organisms when used against civilian or military targets. The aim of this study was to produce a system for the simple, rapid, accurate and simultaneous detection and identification of Ricin, Botulinum toxin B and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B as a proof of principle for developing field appropriate reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification systems for the accurate identification of potential biological threats. These systems were designed to facilitate the identification of potential threats even in remote or resource-limited locations.

Developments in Arms Production and the Effects of the War in Ukraine

ABSTRACT This article presents global trends in arms production, building on the most recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). In 2022, despite Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and heightened tension around the world, arms production fell in real terms by 3.5 per cent to $597 billion. The decrease was mostly due to the performance of US companies – still plagued by the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic – and not offset by increases in other regions. Notwithstanding the global decrease, arms revenue was still 14 per cent higher than in 2015, the year in which SIPRI started including Chinese arms companies. Procurement plans for the replenishment of stockpiles and modernisation of military equipment deployed by states around the world are mostly not yet reflected in the revenue of the arms industry. In addition to the lengthy time lag between orders and deliveries, many companies have faced challenges in scaling up production. However, high order intakes suggest that arms revenue may rise significantly in the years ahead.

Preface

Vo Le Phu, Le Anh Kien, Le Van Trung, Nguyen Nhat Huy (Editors) The 3rd International Conference on Environment, Resources and Earth Sciences (ICERES 2023) The International Conference on Environment, Resources and Earth Sciences (ICERES) is a biannually conference organized by the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources (FENR) and Centre Asiatique de Recherche sur l’Eau (CARE), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) and Institute for Tropical Technology and Environmental Protection (VITTEP), Academy of Military Science and Technology (AMST). This conference aims to serve as a platform for scientists to exchange and share the results of basic research and applications as well as cutting edge of knowledge and findings in the domain of environment, resources, and earth sciences. During the last three years, the series of ICERES conferences were held successfully which drawn much attention and attracted many scientists in the fields of Environment, Resources and Earth Sciences. This year, the ICERES 2023 elaborated with the theme of “Green and Nature-based Solutions for Environmental Sustainability and Resources Management” was held on 21 October 2023. It provides a forum for presentation, exhibition, and discussion about the sustainable environmental solutions at both international and local levels. These solutions could be a spectrum of environmental engineering (e.g., sustainable treatment technologies for water, wastewater, air-born pollutants, and solid wastes); natural resources and environmental management (e.g., policy, approaches and technologies for the sustainable management practices of natural resources and environment, natural disasters reduction, and climate change adaptation and mitigation), resources and environmental informatics (e.g., applications of GIS, GNSS, UAV, remote sensing and modeling, etc. in the field of environment and natural resources, and possibility of utilizing new technologies in smart cities; infrastructure and sustainable development), and green waste management (e-wastes, hazardous wastes, eco-campus, urban mining, recycling, energy from wastes, valorization of green wastes, green policies for sustainability). We are welcome the participation of and contribution from the wide range of scientists, managers, lecturers, graduate students, and students from universities, institutes, and research centres as well as officials from relevant government departments, agencies, companies, and enterprises. List of Editors, Scientific Committee and Organizing Committee are available in this Pdf.

Simulation and optimization of fuze circuit housing structural strength under a high overload environment

Abstract With the continuous improvement of modern military equipment protection systems, the demand for ammunition to penetrate hard targets has become increasingly apparent. The projectile is subjected to a high overload environment during launching and penetrating hard targets. Fuze as the detonation control system of the projectile, is prone to significant deformation or even damage to its circuit housing structure in a high overload environment. The dynamic response of fuze circuit housing under high overload conditions is analyzed, and the housing structure is further optimized according to the simulation results to ensure that the fuze circuit housing can meet the strength requirements under a high overload environment.

Women are not small men: the UK’s new, comprehensive Tri-Service Anthropometry survey

Human Factors Engineers need accurate anthropometric data to design military equipment that is safe, comfortable and enables performance under extreme operational conditions and in the most severe environments. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) acknowledges that its current anthropometry dataset is becoming increasingly unrepresentative of today’s Armed Forces personnel, particularly women and minority ethnic groups. To address this issue, MOD has launched a new, comprehensive anthropometry survey. Whilst this survey has the potential to benefit the design of all new military equipment and clothing, the principal driver for the study is the development of new body armour for the UK’s Armed Forces personnel. This paper describes the requirements underpinning this survey, with a focus on body armour; the planned solution; and the results of Pilot Studies that have tested the robustness, reliability and accuracy of the measurement technologies and procedures. The work reported in this paper has been funded by the MOD’s Defence Innovation Unit. Practitioner statement: The UK Ministry of Defence has launched a new, comprehensive anthropometry survey, in acknowledgement of the fact that its current anthropometry dataset is becoming increasingly unrepresentative of today’s Armed Forces personnel. This paper describes the requirements underpinning the survey, the planned solution and the result of Pilot Studies.

Study of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects induced in human fibroblasts by exposure to pulsed and continuous 1.6 GHz radiofrequency.

The widespread use of radiofrequency (RF) sources, ranging from household appliances to telecommunications devices and military equipment, raises concerns among people and regulatory agencies about the potential health risks of RF exposure. Consequently, several in vitro and in vivo studies have been done to investigate the biological effects, in particular non-thermal, of this non-ionizing radiation. To date, this issue is still being debated due to the controversial results that have been reported. Furthermore, the impact of different RF signal modulations on biological systems remains poorly investigated. The present in vitro study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of continuous or pulsed 1.6 GHz RF in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). HDF cultures were exposed to continuous and pulsed 1.6 GHz RF, for 2 h, with Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 0.4 W/kg. The potential biological effects of 1.6 GHz RF on HDF were assessed with a multi-methodological approach, analyzing the effects on cell cycle, ultrastructure, protein expression, mitotic spindle, CREST stained micronuclei, chromosome segregation and γ-H2AX/53BP1 foci. 1.6 GHz RF exposure modified proteins expression and morphology of HDF. Specifically, the expression of different heat-shock proteins (HSP) (i.e., HSP-90, HSP-60, and HSP-25) and phospho-AKT were affected. In addition, both continuous and pulsed RF modified the cytoskeletal organization in HDF and increased the number of lysosomes, while the formation of autophagosomes was observed only after pulsed RF exposure. Mitotic spindle anomalies were also found after exposure. However, no significant effect was observed on cell cycle, chromosome segregation, CREST-stained micronuclei and γ-H2AX/53BP1 foci. The results of the present study show the absence of genotoxic damage in 1.6 GHz RF exposed HDF and, although mitotic spindle alterations were observed, they did not have an aneugenic effect. On the other hand, changes in some proteins expression and cell ultrastructure in exposed HDF suggest that RF can potentially induce cell alterations at the morphological and molecular levels.

Financial strategies for the development of the military-industrial complex in the national security system of Ukraine

The paper clarifies that ensuring national security, the country’s defense capability, and economic growth critically depends on the development of Ukraine’s military industry. Improvement of financial and technological support, development of innovations, and international cooperation are the key directions of the financial strategies of the military industry. It has been proven that the development of the military industry in the national security system of Ukraine requires a comprehensive approach and close cooperation between various branches of government, scientific institutions, and the private sector, which will ensure not only defense capability but also contribute to the economic development of the country. It is substantiated that the successful implementation of financial strategies for the development of the industrial complex requires an appropriate foundation, namely: an increase in financial resources for the modernization of production facilities and the development of new technologies; integration of modern technologies into the production process; increase in costs for training and attracting new specialists; expansion of cooperation with NATO countries and other international partners; participation in joint international projects and programs. The main aspects and directions of the development of the military industry in the context of national security are substantiated: the development of own production capacities to ensure autonomy in the production of military equipment, critical components and systems, weapons, and ammunition; increasing investments in the GDR for the development of own technologies and increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian military-industrial complex products; carrying out corporatization and privatization through the transformation of state-owned military-industrial complex enterprises into more efficient corporate structures; development and implementation of laws that contribute to the development of the military industry and the protection of national interests; implementation of international standards in the production and management of the military industry.

METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CLASSIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS CAUSED BY RUSSIAN AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE

The article deals with the issue of environmental impact assessment, covering the historical retrospective, as well as current risks and threats caused by the war in Ukraine. The author analyzed studies that directly address the issue of the impact of military operations on the environment. Particular attention has been paid to the regulatory documents approved in Ukraine after 2022, in particular, the resolution of the Government of Ukraine regulating the cost assessment of damages, which identified several gaps in the environmental components. The authors identify seven types of impact by certain aspects, in particular: by the nature of the factors’ action; by time; by intensity; by territorial scale; by the form of territorial manifestation; by the nature of the consequences; by the possibility of returning to the previous state. A classification of military impacts (explosions, mining, movement of military equipment, etc.) and their potential consequences for various environmental components have also been proposed. The general methodology is also specified for individual components and adapted to assess ecosystem losses using the example of a habitat score.

Network Intrusion Detection Based on Deep Belief Network Broad Equalization Learning System

Network intrusion detection systems are an important defense technology to guarantee information security and protect a network from attacks. In recent years, the broad learning system has attracted much attention and has been introduced into intrusion detection systems with some success. However, since the traditional broad learning system is a simple linear structure, when dealing with imbalanced datasets, it often ignores the feature learning of minority class samples, leading to a poorer recognition rate of minority class samples. Secondly, the high dimensionality and redundant features in intrusion detection datasets also seriously affect the training time and detection performance of the traditional broad learning system. To address the above problems, we propose a deep belief network broad equalization learning system. The model fully learns the large-scale high-dimensional dataset via a deep belief network and represents it as an optimal low-dimensional dataset, and then introduces the equalization loss v2 reweighing idea into the broad learning system and learns to classify the low-dimensional dataset via a broad equalization learning system. The model was experimentally tested using the CICIDS2017 dataset and fully validated using the CICIDS2018 dataset. Compared with other algorithms in the same field, the model shortens the training time and has a high detection rate and a low false alarm rate.

Characterizing Excellence: Lessons From Awarded Military-Technological Leaders

As technological superiority becomes increasingly vital for military effectiveness, a distinct category of technological leaders has emerged within militaries. This qualitative study explores excellence in this domain by interviewing 11 recipients of the prestigious Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Technological Award. In-depth interviews grounded in the critical incident technique revealed four integral facets of military tech leadership excellence: Technical mastery built through expertise and continuous learning, mission dedication demonstrated through overcoming obstacles, interpersonal skills in understanding needs and translating across domains, and adaptability in integrating innovation. Notable findings show that technologists adhere to canonical military leadership values such as mission dedication, although they apply them distinctly for technological purposes. Compared with traditional military leadership, tech leaders have specialized skills in bridging operational necessities and technological solutions. This study proposes a framework that encapsulates the attributes, motivations, and behaviors that underpin excellence in military technological leadership. These findings have implications for selection, training, and development of future leaders in military technology.