Propagation Properties Research Articles

Lossless and stable propagation of surface plasmon polaritons in quasi-P T potential.

We propose a scheme to study the propagation properties of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in a dielectric/metal/dielectric waveguide with a refraction index of the dielectric modulated as quasi-P T-symmetric potentials. By treating the propagation loss of SPPs as the absorption background, we prove that a total gain-loss balance system which allows SPPs losslessly and stably propagating can be achieved. In addition, the propagation robustness of single peak and dipole peak transverse structured SPPs in quasi-P T-symmetric potentials under noise perturbations is discussed. The results may have certain significance for expanding applications of non-Hermitian optics in micro-/nano-optical information processing.

Statistical study of the peak and fluence spectra of solar energetic particles observed over four solar cycles

Context. Solar energetic particles (SEPs) are an important space radiation source, especially for the space weather environment in the inner heliosphere. The energy spectrum of SEP events is crucial both for evaluating their radiation effects and for understanding their acceleration process at the source region, along with their propagation mechanism. Aims. In this work, we investigate the properties of the SEP peak flux spectra and the fluence spectra and their potential formation mechanisms using statistical methods. We aim to advance our understanding of SEP acceleration and propagation mechanisms. Methods. Employing a dataset from the European Space Agency’s Solar Energetic Particle Environment Modelling (SEPEM) program, we obtained and fit the peak-flux and fluence proton spectra of more than a hundred SEP events from 1974 to 2018. We analyzed the relationship among the solar activity, X-ray peak intensity of solar flares, and the SEP’s spectral parameters. Results. Based on the assumption that the initial spectrum of accelerated SEPs generally displays a power-law distribution and that the diffusion coefficient has a power-law dependence on the particle energy, we can assess both the source and propagation properties using the observed SEP event peak flux and fluence energy spectra. We confirm that the spectral properties of SEPs are influenced by the solar source and the interplanetary conditions, whereas their transportation process can be influenced by different phases of solar cycle. Conclusions. This study provides an observational perspective on the double power-law spectral characteristics of the SEP energy spectra, revealing their correlation with the adiabatic cooling and diffusion processes during the particle propagation from the Sun to the observer. This result contributes to forging a deeper understanding of the acceleration and propagation of SEP events, in particular, the possible origins of the double power law.

Radiation and thermal embrittlement of RPV steels: the links of embrittlement mechanisms, fracture modes and microcrack nucleation and propagation properties. Part 1. Strategy, program and methods of experimental and numerical studies

Further development of local approach models is considered from viewpoint of links of local brittle fracture properties with embrittlement mechanisms and fracture modes for RPV steels. Strategy and program of experimental and numerical investigations have been developed that allows one to find how various embrittlement mechanisms and fracture modes are connected with the conditions of nucleation and propagation of microcracks resulting in brittle fracture of RPV steels. The experimental and numerical investigations are performed for 2Cr-Ni-Mo-V steel and A533 steel used for RPVs of WWER and PWR types. RPV steels are studied in the following states: (1) initial (as-produced); (2) thermally embrittled by a hardening mechanism; (3) thermally embrittled by a non-hardening mechanism; 4) irradiated. Experimental studies include testing specimens of different geometry (smooth and notched round bars, and cracked compact tension specimens), which allows us to obtain characteristics of brittle fracture under various stress triaxialities. Numerical studies performed with the probabilistic brittle fracture model Prometey aim to obtain the brittle fracture properties on micro- and macroscales for all the investigated states of the materials.Part 1 of the paper presents information concerning the investigated materials, the used procedures and methods. Part 2 gives the test results of smooth round bars of the investigated materials in various states and the stress-strain curves determined over wide temperature range. The experimental results for various specimens from the investigated steels in various states are represented and compared with the results predicted with the Prometey model in Part 3.

Topological traveling-wave radiation based on chiral edge states in photonic Chern insulators.

Topological chiral edge states in photonic Chern insulators, which exhibit the one-way propagation property with reflection-free behavior and excellent robustness against perturbations, have become an important frontier in topological photonics. Currently, there have been many studies on its robust propagation behavior, but few studies have focused on its radiation properties. In developing functional photonic devices (e.g., topological antennas) for real-world applications, studying traveling-wave radiation characteristics based on chiral edge states deserves more attention. In this Letter, we propose a topological traveling-wave radiation system based on chiral edge states in photonic Chern insulators that show a steerable beam and reflection-free property. By introducing the perturbation controlled by magnetic fields, we demonstrate that exploiting a certain strength of perturbation can flexibly manipulate the radiation beam. In particular, the proposed dual-channel topological traveling-wave radiation system can not only improve the gain but also overcome the issue of impedance matching. The proposed configurations provide a novel way to manipulate topological-wave radiation and have potential applications for designing topological traveling-wave antennas with a reflection-free property.

Investigation of the Minimum Ignition Energy Required for Combustion of Coal Dust Blended with Fugitive Methane

Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) significantly contributes to global warming. Capturing and mitigating these emissions can help combat climate change. One effective method is the thermal decomposition of methane, but it requires careful control to prevent explosions from the high temperatures involved. This research investigates the influence of methane concentration and coal dust particle properties on the minimum ignition energy (MIE) required for fugitive methane thermal decomposition and flame propagation properties. This knowledge is crucial for the mining industry to effectively prevent and mitigate accidental fires and explosions in VAM abatement plants. Coal dust samples from three different sources were selected for this study. Experiments were conducted using a modified Hartmann glass tube and a Thermal Gravimetric Analyser (TGA). The chemical properties of coal dust were determined through ultimate and proximate analysis. The particle size distribution was determined using a Mastersizer 3000 apparatus (manufactured by Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, UK). The results showed that the MIE is significantly affected by coal dust particle size, with smaller particles (<74 µm) requiring less energy to ignite compared to coarser particles. Additionally, blending methane with coal dust further reduces the MIE. Introducing methane concentrations of 1% and 2.5% into the combustion space reduced the MIE by 25% and 74%, respectively, for the <74 µm coal dust size fraction. It was observed that coal dust concentration can either raise or lower the MIE. Larger coal dust concentrations, acting as a heat sink, reduce the likelihood of ignition and increase the MIE. This effect was noted at a methane concentration of 2.5% and coal dust levels above 3000 g/m3. In contrast, small amounts of coal dust had little impact on MIE variation. Moreover, the presence of methane during combustion increased the upward flame travel distance and propagation velocity. The flame’s vertical travel distance increased from 124 mm to 300 mm for a coal dust concentration of 300 g·m−3 blended with 1% and 2.5% methane, respectively.

Propagation Properties of Controllable Anomalous Hollow Cosh-Gaussian Beams in Strongly Nonlocal Nonlinear Media

Propagation Properties of Controllable Anomalous Hollow Cosh-Gaussian Beams in Strongly Nonlocal Nonlinear Media

Radiation and thermal embrittlement of RPV steels: the links of embrittlement mechanisms, fracture modes and microcrack nucleation and propagation properties. Part 3: Brittle fracture modelling and analysis of the link of microcrack nucleation and propagation properties and embrittlement mechanisms

Radiation and thermal embrittlement of RPV steels are studied from viewpoint of links of brittle fracture properties on micro- and macroscales. Brittle fracture properties on macroscale (such as fracture toughness and fracture stress) and the critical parameters controlling nucleation and propagation of microcracks are determined on the basis of the probabilistic brittle fracture model Prometey. The experimental and numerical investigations are performed for 2Cr–Ni–Mo-V steel and A533 steel used for RPVs of WWER and PWR types. RPV steels are studied in the following states: (1) the initial (as-produced) state; (2) the thermally-embrittled state modelling hardening mechanism of embrittlement; (3) the thermally-embrittled state modelling non-hardening mechanism of embrittlement; (4) the irradiated state. The test results of various specimens (smooth and notched round bars and cracked compact tension specimens) from the investigated steels in various states are represented over brittle fracture temperature range. Brittle fracture modelling is performed with the Prometey model for all the above specimens, and the experimental and numerical results are compared. On the basis of the obtained results the links between embrittlement mechanisms, fracture modes and microcrack nucleation and propagation properties are found.

Linear waves in shallow water over an uneven bottom, slowing down near the shore

The exact solutions of the system of equations of the linear theory of shallow water are discussed, representing traveling waves with specific properties for the time propagation, which is infinite when approaching the shore and finite when leaving for deep water. These solutions are obtained by reducing one-dimensional shallow water equations to the Euler–Poisson–Darboux equation with a negative integer coefficient before the lower derivative. The analysis of the wave field dynamics is carried out. It is shown that the shape of a wave approaching the shore will be differentiated a certain number of times, which is illustrated by a number of examples. When a wave moves away from the shore, its profile is integrated. The solutions obtained in the framework of linear theory are valid only for a finite interval of depth variation.

Characteristics of Vibration Sources and Their Propagation Properties in Shield Construction

The vibration generated during the shield construction process may have an impact on the surrounding environment and structures, so it is particularly important to study the characteristics of its vibration sources and propagation properties. This paper analyzes the characteristics of the main vibration sources of the shield machine during the construction process, including the vibration frequency, amplitude distribution and so on. Through the literature research of various experts and scholars, the change rule of vibration sources under different working conditions is explored, and the propagation characteristics of vibration in the soil body are studied. This study can provide reference basis for vibration control and environmental protection during shield construction. The main conclusions are as follows: 1) the vibration during shield construction is mainly generated by the interaction between the cutter plate and the surrounding rock; 2) the frequency of vibration caused by shield construction is mainly in the range of 0~80Hz, and the amplitude is related to the nature of the excavated soil and the construction parameters; 3) the vibration tends to decrease with the increase of the distance, and the high-frequency vibration propagates faster than the low-frequency attenuation in the soil body.

Nonlinear Ion Acoustic Waves in Multicomponent Plasmas with Nonthermal Electrons-positron and Bipolar Ions

Abstract This paper studied the propagating characteristics of (2+1) dimensional nonlinear ion acoustic waves in a multicomponent plasma with nonthermal electrons, positrons and bipolar ions. The dispersion relations are initially explored by using the small amplitude wave's dispersion relation. Then, the Sagdeev potential method is employed to study large amplitude ion acoustic waves. The analysis involves examining the system's phase diagram, Sagdeev potential function, and solitary wave solutions through numerical solution of an analytical process in order to investigate the propagation properties of nonlinear ion acoustic waves under various parameters. It is found that the propagation of nonlinear ion acoustic waves is subject to the influence of various physical parameters, including the ratio of number densities between the unperturbed positrons, electrons to positive ions, nonthermal parameters, the masses ratio of positive ions to negative ions, and the charge numbers ratio of negative ions to positive ions, the ratio of the electrons’ temperature to positrons’ temperature. In addition, the multicomponent plasma system has a compressive solitary waves with amplitude greater than zero or a rarefactive solitary waves with amplitude less than zero, in the meantime, compressive and rarefactive ion acoustic wave characteristics depend on the charge numbers ratio of negative ions to positive ions.

Tunable wave coupling in periodically rotated Miura-ori tubes.

Origami folding structures are vital in shaping programmable mechanical material properties. Of particular note, tunable dynamical properties of elastic wave propagation in origami structures have been reported. Despite the promising features of origami metamaterials, the influence of the kinematics of tessellated origami structures on elastic wave propagation remain unexplored. This study proposes elastic metamaterials using connected Miura-ori tubes, the kinematics of which are coupled by folding and unfolding motions in a tubular axis; achieved by periodically connecting non-rotated and rotated Miura-ori tubes. The kinematics generate wave modes with localized deformations within the unit cell of the metamaterials, affecting the global elastic deformation of Miura-ori tubes via the coupling of wave modes. Dispersion analysis, using the generalized Bloch wave framework based on bar-and-hinge models, verifies the influence of kinematics in the connected tubes on elastic wave propagation. Furthermore, folding the connected tubes changes the coupling strength of wave modes between the kinematics and global elastic deformation of the tubes by breaking the ideal kinematics. The coupling of wave modescontributes to the formation of the band gaps and their tunability. These findings enable adaptive and in situ tunability of band structures to prohibit elastic waves in the desired frequency ranges.This article is part of the theme issue 'Origami/Kirigami-inspired structures: from fundamentals to applications'.

Eigenmode and eigenpropagation of the electromagnetic waves in Möbius and Klein networks

To explore the distribution of characteristic frequencies and the propagation properties of eigenmodes in topological networks at the zero-energy level, we design optical waveguide networks with two typical topologies: Möbius network and Klein network, inspired by the Möbius strip and Klein bottle, respectively. We investigate the degeneracy at characteristic frequencies and the propagation properties of the eigenmodes of these networks, both theoretically and experimentally. We discovered an intriguing eigenpropagation in the Möbius network and multiple degenerate eigenmodes in the Klein network, analyzing the propagation characteristics and distribution patterns of electromagnetic waves within them. In our experiments, we utilize coaxial cables as one-dimensional waveguides to construct transmission line networks for the two networks. We observe the distinct transmission paths of the Möbius network’s eigenmode and the two degenerate eigenmodes of the Klein network. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for new optical modal transmission devices and novel nanoarrays, with potential implications for theoretical and experimental research in other quantum systems and topological networks.

Propagation and stabilization properties of rotating detonation waves in a hollow combustion chamber with heated air inflow

The application of rotating detonation to conventional engine poses challenges such as high-temperature inflow conditions. In this study, experiments were conducted to discuss the propagation and stabilization properties of rotating detonation waves within a hollow rotating detonation combustor using pure heated air/ethylene as propellant. The temperature and equivalence ratio are varied to explore the boundary of detonative limits. The results show that the pressure of detonation waves is influenced by temperature fluctuations, whereas changes in air temperature have minimal impact on velocity losses. In addition to detonation, the deflagration zone is observed within the combustor. When the air temperature is increased, the deflagration zone expands gradually. The static temperature of air increases from 304 to 618 K, resulting in an increase in the area of the glowing zone from 17.7% to 60.0%. The expansion of the zone indicates a rise in deflagration percentage, and a stable single-wave mode is achieved mainly under fuel-rich conditions. The detonative equivalence ratio range is narrowed with increasing heated temperature at 484–618 K. Unstable propagation modes, characterized by sawtooth waves, are frequently observed at detonative lower limit, where the equivalence ratio is around 1.

Resonant effects of long-period ship-induced waves near shallow coasts

This work analyzes the propagation properties of long-period ship-induced waves of vessels in confined waterways that are surrounded by wide and shallow water bodies using numerical simulations. Previous measurements indicated that, in the presence of shallow water surroundings, the drawdown being part of the long-period wave system can travel in the form of depression waves over several ship lengths distance [Parnell et al., “Ship-induced solitary Riemann waves of depression in Venice Lagoon,” Phys. Lett. A 379, 555–559 (2015); Scarpa et al., “The effects of ship wakes in the Venice Lagoon and implications for the sustainability of shipping in coastal waters,” Sci. Rep. 9, 19014 (2019)]. The exact conditions leading to these unexpectedly large propagation distances could to date not be clarified [Parnell et al., “Depression Waves Generated by Large Ships in the Venice Lagoon,” J. Coastal Res. 75, 907–911 (2016)]. In this work, evidence from numerical simulations is presented, indicating that the far-field propagation properties are governed by the wave speed of the shallow water surroundings. In case the ship speed is larger than the surrounding wave speed (supercritical conditions), a free wave is continuously generated traveling over the shallow water with only minimal height decay. In the simulations, depression waves can travel over a distance of three ship-lengths with a height reduction below 10% in the supercritical regime, as compared to 80% height reduction in the sub-critical regime. In a one-dimensional environment, this agreement of free and forced wave speed is known as Proudman resonance.

Investigation of Backpressure Wave Propagation Properties during Gas Kicks in Managed Pressure Drilling

Summary It is often essential to provide backpressure to the wellbore by changing the opening size of the choke valve when a gas kick is detected during managed pressure drilling (MPD), which maintains the pressure in the bottom of the hole. In this study, a mathematical model was developed to explain how backpressure waves spread and weaken in a wellbore during MPD when there is a gas-liquid two-phase flow. The model is founded on a two-phase flow model, which thoroughly accounts for the gravity, shear force, and interphase interactions between the gas and liquid phases. The small perturbation theory was used to compute the backpressure wave’s propagation speed and attenuation coefficient. The outcome showed satisfactory agreement with other scholars’ experimental results. The model was used to study the impacts of the following variables on the backpressure wave propagation properties: void fraction, temperature, pressure, interphase resistance, shear force, density, invading gas composition, displacement of the drilling fluid, rate of intrusion of gas, gas-liquid surface tension, and drilling fluid viscosity. By using an example well, the laws of pressure wave propagation speed, attenuation coefficient, and propagation time with well depth were analyzed. Through evaluative methods in the field of economic management, the principal control variables governing the propagation of backpressure waves were determined. The conclusion is that, in terms of operational feasibility, lower drilling fluid density and reduced drilling fluid displacement are advantageous for a faster propagation of backpressure waves to the bottom of the well.

Propagation of spatiotemporal Airy-Laguerre complex-variable-function Gaussian wave packets in a chiral medium

We analyze the propagation of spatiotemporal Airy-Laguerre complex-variable-function Gaussian (ALCG) wave packets using phase modulation. These wave packets can split into left circularly polarized ALCG (LCP-ALCG) and right circularly polarized ALCG (RCP-ALCG) components due to circular birefringence in a chiral medium. Our discussion primarily focuses on the effects of polynomial order, angle parameters, distribution factor, cross-phase factor, first-order chirp factor, and chiral parameter on the ALCG wave packets. The distinct LCP-ALCG and RCP-ALCG wave packet characteristics are obtained, and the radiation forces on Rayleigh dielectric particles are investigated. Our results emphasize the influence of various parameters in the propagation properties of ALCG wave packets, unveiling their potential for advancements in optical communication and optical trapping domains.

Mechanics of Materials: Multiscale Design of Advanced Materials and Structures

Materials can now be designed and architectured like structural components for targeted mechanical and physical properties. Structures and microstructures should not be studied independently and their design will benefit from a multiscale approach combining nonlinear continuum mechanics approaches and physical descriptions of elasticity, viscoplasticity, phase transformations and damage of microstructures, at various scales. The aim of the workshop was to gather outstanding junior and senior researchers in the various branches of mathematics, physics and engineering sciences suited to address the question of design of materials and structures by means of multiscale discrete and continuum approaches to their constitutive behavior. Examples include atomic or macroscopic lattices, random or periodic cellular materials, smart materials like shape memory alloys, 3D woven composites, acoustic and electromagnetic metamaterials, etc. Modern continuum mechanics relies on sophisticated constitutive laws for anisotropic materials exhibiting elastoviscoplastic behavior, still a field of intense research with new mathematical concepts. In particular size-dependent properties are addressed by resorting to generalized continua such as gradient or micromorphic and phase field models. The latter are attractive for the simulation of microstructure evolution coupled with mechanics, due to thermodynamic and metallurgical processes and damage. Scale transition and homogenization methods for continuous and discrete systems are required for the determination of effective material and structural behavior. Metamaterials are architectured materials specifically designed to achieve certain propagation and dispersion properties of elastic and plastic waves. Optimization strategies for the design of optimal architectures are involved in the design process. Target functions for optimization are now based on multicriteria (stiffness, strength, thermal expansion, transport properties, anisotropy etc.).

A Method of Realizing Adaptive Uniform Illumination by Pyramid Prism for PA-LiDAR

In this paper, we propose a simple method to generate the uniform illumination using a pyramid prism for Plane Array Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (PA-LiDAR). The principle of the pyramid prism shaping the Gaussian beam to form a uniform beam was analyzed theoretically. By changing the parameters of the pyramid prism and laser beam, the profile distribution of the output beam can be easily adjusted. Based on the operation mode and illumination requirements of PA-LiDAR, we have developed a set of LiDAR prototypes using a pyramid prism and carried out experimental research on these prototypes. The simulation and experimental results demonstrated that this method can achieve a uniform illumination beam with excellent propagation properties for meeting the technical requirements of PA-LiDAR. This method of uniform illumination has the advantages of being simple, flexible, easily adjustable and convenient to operate.

Continuous evolution of Fermi arcs in a minimal ideal photonic Weyl medium

Propagation properties of electromagnetic waves in an optical medium are mainly determined by the contour of equal-frequency states in k\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\boldsymbol{k}}$$\\end{document}-space. In photonic Weyl media, the topological surface waves lead to a unique open arc of the equal-frequency contour, called the Fermi arc. However, for most realistic Weyl systems, the shape of Fermi arcs is fixed due to the constant impedance of the surrounding medium, making it difficult to manipulate the surface wave. Here we demonstrate that by adjusting the thickness of the air layer sandwiched between two photonic Weyl media, the shape of the Fermi arc can be continuously changed from convex to concave. Moreover, we show that the concave Fermi-arc waves can be used to achieve topologically protected electromagnetic pulling forces over a broad range of angles in the air layer. Our finding offers a generally applicable strategy to shape the Fermi arc in photonic Weyl media.

Vectorial manipulation of twisted vector vortex optical fields in strongly nonlocal nonlinear media

Abstract We theoretically investigate the propagation properties and vectorial manipulation of twisted vector vortex beams (TVVB) with a cross-phase in a strongly nonlocal nonlinear medium (SNNM). The root mean square beam-width (RMS-BW) and the critical power required to retain the invariant RMS-BM of the TVVB in an SNNM are derived using the coupled nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Numerical calculations reveal novel characteristics of the evolution of the state of polarization (SoP) and the optical intensity distributions during the TVVB propagating in an SNNM. It is found that mode conversions between a Laguerre Gaussian and a Hermite Gaussian mode take place during propagation in an SNNM, and the topological charge of the TVVB can be accurately measured by observing the interference intensity structure in the cross-section. Manipulation of the beam shape, SoP, and rotation of the TVVB is achieved by controlling factors such as the initial power, twisting coefficient, initial beam-width, and topological charge. These findings hold promise for applications in optical micro-manipulation, optical communication, and material processing.