Particle Impact Research Articles

Impact of Graphene Nano particles on static and dynamic mechanical properties of basalt-glass fibre reinforced epoxy polymer hybrid composites

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the structure-property relationships in basalt – glass fabric reinforced hybrid polymer composites doped with graphene nanoplatelets. Basalt Glass fabrics were reinforced with 0.2 wt.% − 0.8 wt.% graphene using hand layup and compression moulding to fabricate laminated plates. The mechanical, morphological, and thermomechanical properties were characterised using tensile, flexural, impact, SEM, FTIR, XRD, and DMA testing. Results showed that low graphene loadings of 0.2 wt.% − 0.4 wt.% led to small, isolated graphene platelets decorating the basalt fibres. At 0.8 wt.% loading, extensive wrinkling, folding, and stacking of graphene sheets on the basalt was observed. FTIR revealed increasing sp2 C=C vibrations and XRD showed rising graphene peak intensities with higher loadings. While tensile and flexural strengths improved up to 0.6 wt.% graphene due to efficient stress transfer, impact energy increased consistently until 0.8 wt.% graphene owing to reinforcement effects. DMA exhibited enhanced storage modulus and restricted mobility with more graphene. An optimum graphene loading of 0.6 wt.% was found to maximise the mechanical performance through uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion. The results demonstrate that graphene incorporation can substantially augment the strength, toughness, and thermomechanical properties of the composites at appropriate compositions prior to aggregation.

Fibrous‐biocomposites scaffold of natural rubber with bioactive glass–ceramic particles obtained by solution blowing spinning

AbstractBioactive glass‐ceramics (BGs) are widely used in clinical applications due to their excellent biodynamic and biological properties, though their low mechanical strength limits their use in load‐bearing contexts. This study aimed to develop fibrous biocomposite scaffolds based on natural rubber (NR) reinforced with BG particles, such as biosilicato (BioS) and 45S5‐K (BL0), to improve tensile strength, biocompatibility, and bioactivity for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering. Morphological, tensile, thermal, and biological tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of BG particles on the NR fibrous matrix. TG/DTG analysis revealed similar decomposition profiles for NR/BioS and NR/BL0 biocomposites compared to NR mats, with primary degradation occurring in the 290–450°C range. Tensile tests demonstrated that the addition of 30 mass% BioS or BL0 enhanced the ultimate tensile strength (σbreak) of the NR matrix from 1.44 ± 0.08 to 3.38 ± 1.31 MPa (NR/BioS) and 1.97 ± 0.53 MPa (NR/BL0). The Cole–Cole plot indicated system heterogeneity and strong NR‐BG particle interactions. Cytotoxicity tests revealed over 70% MSC viability for NR, NR/BioS, and NR/BL0 biocomposites, meeting ISO 10993‐5:2009 standards. These findings suggest that incorporating BioS and BL0 enhances the mechanical and biological properties of NR‐based scaffolds, making them suitable for biomedical applications, such as bone regeneration.

Excitation of Helium by Proton and Antiproton Impact

The electron transitions in atoms caused by charged particle impact are benchmarks for the study of electron dynamics. In the present paper we focus on the excitation of helium by proton and antiproton impact. We perform both ab initio and perturbational calculations, revealing the importance of electron correlations and higher-order effects. The influence of the projectile charge sign on the excitation cross section is also studied.

The Influence of Fibers from Domestic Laundry Wastewater on the Clogging Process of a Filter

This study presents the impact of the size and shape of particles in laundry wastewater on the clogging process of a porous material. Clogging can be defined as a mechanical limitation of flow through porous media. The process of mechanical clogging was investigated in this study. The research was conducted in laboratory conditions in a filter column filled with glass beads whose diameter corresponded to coarse sand. The results reveal the influence of graywater quality on filter hydraulic conductivity and bed clogging, showing the impact of fiber particles in wastewater (sewage from home laundry) on the clogging process in soil. The results confirm that fiber particles significantly reduce filter permeability, particularly due to the formation of a filter cake. As analyzed in this paper, the distribution of quantitative data on particles of different sizes found in laundry wastewater indicates that they mainly accumulate in the upper layer, where particles with fiber lengths ranging from 0 to 1600 µm can be found. The average length of the fibers decreased with increasing depth. At a depth of approximately 10 cm, fibers with dimensions in the range of 0 to 100 μm were predominantly observed.

Effect of SiC particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCp/AZ91 magnesium matrix composite brazed joint

The impact of SiC particles on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and fracture morphology of magnesium alloy brazed joints was investigated. The brazing experiments of AZ91+AZ91, AZ91+SiCp/AZ91, and SiCp/AZ91+SiCp/AZ91 were carried out under the same technological conditions by using the self-designed special filler metal for magnesium matrix composites. The impact of SiC particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of brazed joints was analyzed. The addition of Ti can effectively enhance the wettability of filler metal on SiC particles. The shear strength of SiCp/AZ91+SiCp/AZ91 joints is 76.0MPa. The shear strength of the joint is 43.4% higher than that of AZ91+ AZ91.

Particle impact in high-pressure homogenizer valves – a step towards understanding wear and cell breakup in food and beverage processing

Particle impact in high-pressure homogenizer valves – a step towards understanding wear and cell breakup in food and beverage processing

Biotoxicity Evaluation of Biodegradable Polymeric Particles: Exploring the Possible Adverse Impacts on Biological Systems

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the impact of plastic particles on cell viability and tissue toxicity. The cells were subjected to incubation with plastic particles immobilized in agar gels, resulting in minimal cell death and cytotoxicity. Furthermore, direct exposure of various cell types to suspended plastic particles showed negligible effects on cell viability, with no observed lysis or growth inhibition. Staining techniques revealed minimal plastic particle‐induced cell death, with the majority of cells remaining viable. However, histological evaluations of mouse tissues demonstrated that the nondegradable low‐density poly(ethylene) (LDPE) groups exhibited severe irritation, characterized by an excessive presence of macrophages, neutrophils, fibrosis, fat infiltration, and increased blood vessel formation in subcutaneous tissue. In contrast, biodegradable neat poly(butylene succinate) (KRICT‐PBS) and cellulose nanocrystals/PBS nanocomposite (CNC‐PBS) groups induced minimal toxicity. Interestingly, the intravenous injection of KRICT‐PBS and CNC‐PBS degradate solutions in mice exhibited mild toxicity, suggesting no significant damage to normal kidney and liver function.

Experimental investigation of particle impact dampers: Vibration reduction and noise levels with varied particle numbers

Structural vibrations present significant challenges in engineering systems, and particle impact dampers (PIDs) have emerged as a promising solution for vibration control. This paper presents a comprehensive experimental investigation on the damping performance of PIDs with varying numbers of particles. The experimental setup involves subjecting a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure to base motion excitations. Frequency response analysis is conducted to assess the dynamic behavior of the primary system using different PID designs. PIDs with one mass, two masses, three masses and multiple particles are designed and analyzed using the same mass ratio. Additionally, time domain displacement responses of the top of the structure and the base are measured to capture the system's response characteristics. The frequency response analysis reveals the influence of different particle configurations on the system's response amplitude at various frequencies. Interestingly, the results show that a PID with multiple particles exhibits reduced damping performance due to excessive particle-particle collisions. These collisions decrease the energy of the particles, leading to lower velocity before impact. This highlights that the impact itself is the primary source of damping in PIDs, and any other phenomena, such as particle-particle collisions, directly affect the relative velocity before impact. The outcomes demonstrate that an optimal design of PID can reduce vibration amplitude by approximately 85 % with single mass, two masses, and three masses configurations. Conversely, the best-case scenario of PID with multiple particles provides a vibration amplitude reduction of 75 % compared to the absence of a damper. Furthermore, noise data is recorded for all cases, as noise generation is a significant concern associated with PIDs. The results indicate noise magnitudes of 62.5 dB, 70.60 dB, 73.24 dB and 78.64 dB for PIDs with single mass, two masses, three masses, and multiple particles, respectively. Overall, the relationship between the number of particles and damping performance provides valuable insights for optimizing PID designs and ensuring comfortable operation. The findings have broad implications for diverse engineering systems, leading to improved structural performance, reduced noise, and enhanced safety. This study could serve as the basis for several potential applications of PID in structural vibration control with enhanced performance and reduced noise.

Numerical Study of Particle Impingement on Aeroengine under Mixed-Phase Conditions

In this approach, considering to ice crystal sticking effects, a numerical model was established to solve the particle impingement property of a large bypass ratio aeroengine under mixed-phase icing conditions. The collection efficiency of droplets obtained by the proposed model is are well in agreement with the literature and the collection efficiency of ice crystals is significantly higher than that of droplets due to the greater inertial force. The mechanism of liquid film acting on the ice crystal adhesion affect was investigated. It is found that the greater melt ratio can lead to more sufficient liquid water and more extended wetting limit, which have more significant capability of sticking ice crystals. Meanwhile, due to ice crystals subjected to centrifugal force, the sticking coefficient of ice crystal will cliff-like drop, and the cliff-like effect is more pronounced accompanied by the greater centrifugal force.

Investigating the Performance of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) in the Marine Environment for Tidal Energy: Velocity, Particle Size, Impact Angle and Exposure Time Effects

Tidal energy, with its potential to provide a consistent energy output and reduce carbon emissions, has garnered significant interest. This study, which evaluates the performance of tidal turbine blades in seawater conditions and with sand particles, presents a novel approach. A slurry rig was developed to examine composite materials, and a glass fibre-reinforcement polymeric material was tested over a range of particle sizes, velocities, and impact angles. In addition, this paper used a new test protocol with 14 days (336 h) and 91 days (2184 h) of pre-exposure time of materials before testing. The results, which show significant changes in the erosive mechanisms of GFRP in short- and long-term pre-exposure time as a function of these variables, have profound implications for the design and performance of tidal turbine blades. The study also utilised scanning electron microscopy (SEM), depth profiling analysis, and erosion mapping techniques to compare the erosion behaviours of GFRP. These tools can be used to optimise such materials in tidal turbine conditions.

Spaceborne COTS-Capsule hodoscope: Detecting and characterizing particle radiation

The COTS-Capsule Spaceborne hodoscope was launched into low Earth orbit aboard the International Space Station and operated from 2021 to 2022. The primary objectives of the payload are measuring and characterizing the radiation environment within the space station, serving as a technology demonstrator for the COTS-Capsule radiation mitigation apparatus, and testing the interaction of high-energy cosmic particles on-orbit with our detectors. The payload features a particle hodoscope equipped with an array of novel detectors based on polyvinyl toluene scintillators and silicon photomultiplier sensors that are used for radiation detection and characterization employing 2D intensity-based triangulation. This paper provides a comprehensive account of the COTS-Capsule payload’s construction, preflight performance, testing, qualification, and on-orbit calibration. The hodoscope, sensitive to ionizing cosmic particles, facilitates impinging particle track reconstruction by multi-detector 2D position estimation, energy deposition estimation, and linear energy transfer estimation.

Loose particle Detection: The optimal detection condition and weak loose particle impulse extraction

To achieve effective detection of loose particles within small cavities in microelectronic devices, this paper proposes the optimal detection conditions of loose particles in ceramic packaging for microelectronic devices based on simulation, and presents a method for weak signal reconstruction using weighted sparse representation. To address the challenge of ineffective detection of loose particles under recommended vibration conditions, a particle-cavity collision dynamics model is established. Subsequently, the detection laws of loose particles under different accelerations, frequencies, and cavity heights are studied through simulation, leading to the establishment of optimal detection conditions for microelectronic devices with varying cavity heights. To address the issue of weak impulses being submerged in background noise under optimal detection conditions, sparse representation is utilized for signal reconstruction. First, a Laplace wavelet dictionary is constructed according to the impulse characteristics. Second, the generalized minimax-concave (GMC) penalty function is applied as a sparse regularization term to preserve signal amplitude. Meanwhile, a weight matrix based on kurtosis and singular value is designed to threshold sparse coefficients. The results demonstrate that the proposed optimal detection conditions and signal reconstruction method effectively detect loose particles. Compared with other algorithms, the proposed method reduces background noise in the particle impact noise detection (PIND) signals while maintaining impulse amplitude; it also improves signal reconstruction accuracy and offers valuable insights into effective loose particle detection in microelectronic packaging devices.

Solidification behavior of WC particles reinforced nickel alloy cladding layers by plasma surfacing: Simulation and experiment

In this work, a numerical simulation model was developed to investigate the complex heat and mass transfer process inside the molten pool during plasma surfacing. The temperature distribution and fluid flow were employed to depict the evolution of the molten pool. The findings revealed that the maximum temperature is located on the surface of the cladding layer corresponding to the position of heat source, and the temperature distribution follows a Gaussian distribution along the scanning direction. Thermal accumulation is obvious due to the continuous energy input in the initial stage, as a result, the maximum temperature and fluid flow velocity gradually increase with the deposition process. The maximum temperature and fluid flow velocity at 4.0 s are 1893 K and 0.281 m/s in case 110 A, respectively. The predicted shapes and dimensions are consistent with the results of the deposition experiments, with a maximum error of no more than 15 %. In order to investigate the impact of WC particles on the solidification microstructure of nickel composite layers, corresponding plasma surfacing experiment was implemented. The solidification characteristics of the microstructure follow planar-cellular-columnar-equiaxed crystals in the bonding layer and WC particles-columnar-equiaxed dendritic crystals in hard layer, respectively. Furthermore, the Ni dendritic near the retained WC particles transformed into columnar crystals due to temperature gradient in the local area.

On the Role of Substrate in Hydroxyapatite Coating Formation by Cold Spray

The deposition of agglomerated hydroxyapatite (HAp) powders by low-pressure cold spray has been a topic of interest in recent years. Key parameters influencing the deposition of HAp powders include particle morphology and impact kinetic energy. This work examines the deposition of HAp powders on various metal surfaces to assess the impact of substrate properties on the formation of HAp deposits via cold spray. The substrates studied here encompass metals with varying hardness and thermal conductivities, including Al6061, Inconel alloy 625, AISI 316 stainless steel, H13 tool steel, Ti6Al4V, and AZ31 alloy. Single-track experiments offer insights into the initial interactions between HAp particles and different substrate surfaces. In this study, the results indicate that the ductility of the substrate may enhance HAp particle deposition only at the first deposition stages where substrate/particle interaction is the most critical factor for deposition. Features on the substrate associated with the first deposition sprayed layer include localized substrate deformation and the formation of clusters of HAp agglomerates, which aid in HAp deposition. Furthermore, after multiple spraying passes on the various metallic surfaces, deposition efficiency was significantly reduced when the build-up process of HAp coatings shifted from ceramic/metal to ceramic/ceramic interactions. Overall, this study achieved agglomerated HAp deposits with high deposition efficiencies (30–60%) through single-track experiments and resulted in the preparation of HAp coatings on various substrates with thickness values ranging from 24 to 53 µm. These coatings exhibited bioactive behavior in simulated body fluid.

Analysis of Erosion of Surfaces in Falling Particle Concentrating Solar Power

Abstract Next generation concentrating solar power (CSP) systems, which utilize solid particles for energy capture, transport, and storage, offer prospects for higher temperature operation, improved efficiency, and reduced overall costs. Nevertheless, the continuous impingement of particles on component materials can result in substantial erosion, significantly constraining the performance and longevity of the components. A comprehensive understanding of particle erosion on surfaces is essential for designing components and operational parameters or coatings that minimize wear. This study presents a computational physics-based particle tracking model of the erosion rate of incident surfaces under different geometric, operational, and particle parameters. The computational model is validated with experimental measurements conducted as part of the study. Computational simulations are presented to elucidate the effects of each parameter and further used to investigate erosion rates in a systematic design of experiments covering a wide range of parameters. Based on the simulation results, a generalized analytical model is developed to relate erosion wear to pertinent dimensionless groups governing the physics of the process. The analytical model is shown to be accurate to within 10% and its use in understanding surface erosion as well as designing wear-resistant coatings to limit erosion within acceptable values is presented.

Numerical Investigation of Erosion in Pipeline Bends Using CFD Simulation

Erosion in pipeline bends is a significant issue in various industrial applications, particularly in oil and gas transportation systems. This study presents a numerical investigation of erosion in pipeline bends using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. The primary focus is to predict erosion rates and identify erosion-prone areas based on different flow conditions, particle properties, and bend geometries. A multiphase flow model incorporating Eulerian-Lagrangian approaches was used to simulate the interaction between fluid and solid particles. The erosion rates were evaluated using empirical models that relate particle impact characteristics, such as velocity and angle of impingement, to material degradation. Simulations were conducted for various particle sizes, velocities, and flow rates, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of erosion patterns. Results indicate that erosion is concentrated on the outer walls of the bend, with higher particle velocities exacerbating material wear. Additionally, increasing particle size and flow velocity significantly influence the erosion rates. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into optimizing pipeline design and flow conditions to mitigate erosion, thereby extending the lifespan of pipeline systems in industrial applications.

Microplastic's Contamination in the Hemolymph and Organs (Gills and Hepatopancreas) of Perna viridis.

The issue of microplastics (MPs) has emerged as a significant concern globally, with discussions surrounding the potential environmental impact of these tiny plastic particles becoming increasingly prevalent. This study aimed to identify the concentration and characteristics of MPs in hemolymph and organs (gills and hepatopancreas) of green mussels (Perna viridis) that are frequently consumed by people in Pangkajene Kepulauan, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Green mussels were collected from two different sampling sites for comparison. Screening was carried out on dispensed hemolymph and dissected organs to identify the characteristics of MPs. Surface seawater sampling was added as information on MP's characteristics from the mussel habitat. Visual observation of MP's characteristics using a stereomicroscope in laminar flow is to prevent contamination. The identification of MP's polymer type is using FTIR-ATR. The results showed that hemolymph, hepatopancreas, gills, and surface water were concentrated with MPs. Small (2-3.9cm) green mussels accumulated more MPs than medium (4-5.9cm) and large (> 6cm). MPs characteristics of fiber shape, transparent color, and size 0.1-0.5mm were dominant in all samples. A total of seven polymers of MPs were identified with polyethylene and polystyrene types most frequently found from all samples. Based on this study, green mussels are good for biomonitoring of MPs.

Scintillator-SiPM detector for tracking and energy deposition measurements

An innovative particle detector that offers a compelling combination of cost-effectiveness and high accuracy is introduced. The detector features plastic scintillators paired with a sparse arrangement of SiPMs, strategically positioned within a unique opto-mechanical framework. This configuration delivers precise measurements of spatial impact position and energy deposition of impinging particles. The manuscript describes the detector’s physical model complemented by an analytical representation. These calculations underpin a numerical algorithm, facilitating the estimation of particle impingement position and energy deposition. The results of the numerical calculations are compared with the output of GEANT4 simulations and evaluated by rigorous laboratory testing. An array of these detectors, intended for deployment in a spaceborne experiment, underwent detailed design, manufacturing, and testing. Their performance and alignment with the physical model were validated through meticulously conducted ground-based laboratory experiments, conclusively affirming the detector’s properties.

Significant impact of Galactic dark matter particles on annihilation signals from Sagittarius analogues

We examine the gamma-ray signal from dark matter (DM) annihilation from analogues of the Sagittarius (Sgr) dwarf spheroidal galaxy in the Auriga cosmological simulations. For velocity-dependent annihilation cross sections, we compute emissions from simulated Sgr subhalos and from the Milky Way (MW) foreground. In addition to the annihilation signals from DM particles bound to Sgr, we consider for the first time the annihilation of DM particles bound to the MW that overlap spatially with Sgr. For p-wave models this contribution can enhance the signal by over an order of magnitude, while for d-wave models the enhancement can be over three orders of magnitude. For Sommerfeld and s-wave models, the corresponding emission does not significantly change. For the Sommerfeld model, the Sgr source can be visible above the MW foreground emission, while for s, p and d-wave models, the signal towards Sgr is most likely dominated by foreground MW emission. We interpret our results within the context of the observed gamma-ray emission from Sgr. We find that, given the background emission estimated from this region, the templates from simulations likely have spatial morphology that is too extended to explain the point-like emission that is observed.

Study on the influence of sediment erosion of Francis turbine runner under different water heads

Abstract The average measured sediment concentration of the river section where Wanjiazhai Hydropower Station is located over the years is 5.7kg/m 3, The maximum measured sediment concentration reaches 37.6kg/m 3, The erosion of the flow components of hydraulic turbines caused by sand containing water flow is becoming increasingly severe, coupled with the frequent impact of load changes during peak shaving operation, the problems exposed during the operation of hydraulic turbines are becoming more prominent, which affects the stable operation of the units. This article uses numerical simulation and experimental testing to study the sediment wear characteristics and hydraulic performance of the water turbine at Wanjiazhai Hydropower Station. Research has revealed the effects of working head on impeller wear. The increase in working head will exacerbate the impact wear on the main channel wall of the unit. The surface of water turbine blades is the main wear area, and the high-speed impact of particles causes an increase in the wall wear rate. The probability of particles coming into contact with the wall at the outlet increases, resulting in rapid wear at this point. The increase in head will intensify the wear intensity of the unit surface, and the flow velocity in the gap indicates that the local high-speed jet in the gap is the main cause of gap wear. Therefore, in order to ensure the efficient anti-wear performance of the water turbine, multiple factors need to be comprehensively considered to cope with sediment wear of the water turbine, including regular cleaning, optimized structural design, use of wear-resistant materials, replacement of worn parts, and optimization of operating parameters. These measures help to reduce the damage of sediment wear to water turbines and extend their service life.