Revolutionary Design Research Articles

An air‐cooled cylindrical Li‐ion 5 × 5 battery module with a novel flow‐diverting arrangement and variable vent positions for electric vehicles: A numerical thermal analysis

AbstractThermal management of lithium‐ion batteries has received a lot of interest in the automobile sector. In commercial electric motor vehicles, an efficient battery cooling arrangement, particularly active cooling approaches, has been chosen as an ideal option. When building battery cooling systems, the physical structure and arrangement of the battery pack (BP) are vital. The current study presents a revolutionary design of a BP that incorporates cylindrical cells in a square duct and an air‐cooling (AC) medium circulated in its surroundings with the help of variable vents for inlet and outlet. A forced‐AC system is used to test lithium‐ion battery cells grouped in a 5 × 5 configured battery module. To investigate the impact of heat generation on battery thermal performance, a complete thermal analysis was performed at different discharge rates of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 C. As compared with both inlet vents at an equidistance configuration with an inlet velocity of 12 m/s and a flow rate of 1.210(−2) kg/s, the results show that the proposed design minimizes heat accumulation by enhancing the heat transfer. As a result, the peak temperature and temperature disparity decreased by 6.76% and 85.32%, respectively. A flow‐dispersing disc of 30 mm in size enhances temperature uniformity in comparison to the other intake vent design, hence improving battery safety and longevity.

Comprehensive Threat Analysis in Additive Manufacturing Supply Chain: A Hybrid Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Assessment Framework

Additive Manufacturing (AM) offers revolutionary design capabilities but introduces cybersecurity vulnerabilities due to its digital integration. While existing research focuses on cyber threats, a significant gap exists in addressing physical and cyber risks. The current research focuses on cyber threats, but more attention needs to be paid to addressing physical and cyber risks. This paper proposes a new risk assessment framework that considers both physical and cyber threats quantitatively and qualitatively and helps safeguard the AM supply chain. The framework identifies, analyses, and prioritises potential threats based on their characteristics. It also considers the trustworthiness of data and the frequency of reported threats to estimate the likelihood of each threat. The risks are then prioritised based on a combined impact-likelihood score. The framework has been validated on the standard benchmark MITRE CVEs dataset and has proven effective in identifying critical vulnerabilities. This approach empowers manufacturers to proactively deal with security concerns and navigate the complexities of the rapidly evolving AM landscape.

Revolutionary Design and Optimization of Railway Electrification Overhead Equipment in High-Altitude Tunnels: A Case Study of the Magnificent T-80 Tunnel

Railway electrification systems are critical for modernizing railway infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, and reducing environmental impact to obtain zero emissions targets. In high-altitude regions, such as mountainous terrains, unique challenges arise due to extreme weather conditions, terrain complexities, and operational requirements. This case study focuses on the innovative and optimized design of overhead equipment (OHE) for railway electrification in high-altitude tunnels, presenting a comprehensive analysis of the planning, design, and implementation process for 25kV AC Overhead equipment. The study begins with an overview of significant considerations in designing 25kV AC OHE systems for high-altitude tunnels, including altitude effects on electrical performance, weather effects, structural safety checks, fire scenarios, vibration effects, and tunnel bolt drilling for OHE equipment installation. It also covers aspects such as the selection of auto tensioning devices, electrical clearances, and earthing & bonding according to railway/EN/IEC standards. Also, the paper examines the monetary feasibility and environmental sustainability of the proposed OHE design, emphasizing the importance of life-cycle cost analysis and environmental impact valuation. It underscores the significance of adopting a holistic approach that balances technical requirements, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship in railway electrification projects.

Rover with Enhanced Manipulation and Vision Capabilities

Abstract: From planetary exploration to terrestrial uses, rovers are essential in many sectors. This research aims to improve the adaptability and efficacy of the rover in a variety of contexts by presenting a revolutionary design that is outfitted with sophisticated manipulation and vision capabilities. Modern robotic grippers, arms, and vision systems are all integrated into the system architecture to provide a holistic solution for challenging jobs. The creation, integration, and coordination of these upgraded capabilities are described in depth in this work, with experimental data demonstrating improved performance and providing support. Case studies and real-world applications show the potential effect of the proposed rover, and talks about future work and problems offer ideas for additional improvements in rover technology. This work opens up new possibilities for improved capabilities in difficult circumstances and ads to the field of robotic exploration and manipulation

Iron-rich industrial waste enhanced low-carbon radiation shielding functional composites

Recycling of industrial wastes into value-added functional materials is a sustainable route for industrial waste management. This study proposed a revolutionary design of low-carbon radiation shielding functional composites by incorporating iron-rich industrial waste as precursor and heavy aggregates. Experimental results showed that the iron-rich industrial waste-enhanced radiation shielding functional composites (IWRSC) reached a high compressive strength of 43.2 MPa after 3-day heat curing. Characterization analyses indicated that the alkali-active components dissolved from industrial waste aggregates reacted with the alkali-activator to generate abundant geopolymer gels, resulted in the improvement in the interfacial transition zone. Besides, the gamma ray shielding capability of IWRSC was 21.2% better than that of normal composite, due to the high density of industrial waste aggregates and the dense microstructure of IWRSC. The carbon emission and energy consumption of composites were reduced by 64.4% and 69.6% by replacing natural heavy aggregates with industrial waste heavy aggregates. The unit cost of IWRSC was only 95.9 $/m3, which was 95.0% lower than that of barite-incorporated counterpart. Thus, this novel solution can effectively recycle industrial wastes into functional composites in a sustainable way, contributing to zero-waste city construction and the realization of a circular economy.

A revolutionary design concept: full-sealed lithium-oxygen batteries

At this moment, non-aqueous rechargeable lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) with extremely high energy density are regarded as the most viable energy storage devices to potentially replace petroleum. One of the most crucial impediments to their implementation has been ensuring facile oxygen availability. Moreover, as semi-sealed systems, LOBs have confronted challenges including oxygen impurities, product degradation, anode corrosion, frequent side reactions, and mediocre cycling performance. In this work, utilizing the physical adsorption of porous (micro-, meso- and macro-porous) solid carbon materials, we incorporate an oxygen storage layer (OSL) with reversible oxygen ad/desorption capabilities into a LOB to develop novel fully-sealed lithium-oxygen batteries (F-S-LOBs). The results demonstrate mesoporous carbons exhibit optimal oxygen adsorption/desorption kinetics, rendering them highly suitable for F-S-LOBs without developing complex oxygen-permeable membranes or carrying oxygen tanks. The OSL fabricated with mesoporous carbon can sustain battery charge/discharge at various current densities with exceptional cycling performance. Additionally, we provide approximate pore size guidelines for oxygen storage materials to aid future research. This study is anticipated to offer a new robust research direction for metal-air batteries and to forge a new path toward promoting the commercialization and development of this technology.

Novel strategy for cathode in iron-lead single-flow battery: Electrochemically modified porous graphite plate electrode

Porous electrodes play a pivotal role in shaping the electrochemical performance, cost, and the assembly complexity of redox flow batteries. In this paper, the effects of porous structure on the electrochemical performance of graphite electrodes are first studied. Subsequently, a low-cost, high-performance graphite plate cathode is developed for redox flow battery using controlled electrochemical corrosion as a facile and effective electrode modification method. As a result, the electrochemical performance of the porous graphite electrode is significantly enhanced, and a revolutionary design of the iron‑lead single-flow battery is implemented by substituting graphite felt cathode with the modified porous graphite plate electrode. The iron‑lead battery with modified flat graphite plate cathode demonstrates high energy efficiencies, ranging from 90.91 % to 77.13 % between 10 and 40 mA/cm2, comparable to those obtained with graphite felt cathode. By combining the anode, bipolar plate, and cathode into one piece of graphite plate, a novel stack design is achieved with significant thickness reduction of the unit cell from 9 mm to 3 mm, resulting in notably increased energy and power density, improved assembly efficiency and reduced components cost of stacks.

Battery Thermal Management System on Trapezoidal Battery Pack With Liquid Cooling System Utilizing Phase Change Material

Abstract Electric vehicles (EVs) have grown in popularity in recent years due to their environmental friendliness and the potential scarcity of fossil fuels. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are commonly utilized in EVs and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). They have a high specific charge, a high density of power, and a long life. A revolutionary design of a trapezoidal battery pack with a liquid cooling system based on composite phase change material (CPCM) is proposed in this research. The phase change material (PCM) is paraffin wax (PA), and the high thermal conductivity particles are graphite powder (GSP). CPCM is made in three different compositions and is filled in between cells with a 5 mm gap. Because PCM has a low thermal conductivity, it is filled with GSP, a high thermal conductive particle. The thermal conductivity is increased from 0.25 to 2.7 W/m K, which increases the heat transfer rate significantly. By adjusting different coolant flow velocities at varied discharge rates, the performance of the battery pack is examined. During the experiment, the discharge rates of 1 C, 2 C, and 3 C were used at a 28–30 °C ambient temperature. According to the findings, a trapezoidal battery pack based on CPCM exhibits a more efficient rate of heat transfer than a battery pack based on PCM. Moreover, BTMS with a liquid cooling system achieves consistent temperature distribution, with the maximum temperature remaining within the ideal range of below 45 °C under all test conditions.

Study on the wear resistance and mechanism of AlCrCuFe2NiTix high-entropy surfacing alloys

The revolutionary design concept of high-entropy alloys has brought new opportunities and challenges to the development of advanced metal materials. In this work, the design idea of a high-entropy alloy is combined with the characteristics of flux cored wire, and AlCrCuFe2NiTix high-entropy flux cored wires were prepared. AlCrCuFe2NiTix high-entropy surfacing alloys were prepared using gas metal arc welding technology. The wear properties of AlCrCuFe2NiTix high-entropy surfacing alloys were analysed using an MFT-4000 reciprocating friction and wear tester. The phase composition and microstructure of AlCrCuFe2NiTix high-entropy surfacing alloys were analysed using XRD, SEM, EBSD, and TEM, and the strengthening mechanism and wear mechanism of the alloy were discussed. The results show that AlCrCuFe2NiTix high-entropy surfacing alloys are composed of the BCC/B2 + FCC phase. With increasing Ti content, the Laves phase begins to precipitate and exists stably. The microstructure of the alloy presents a typical dendritic structure, and the DR region is rich in Fe, Cr, Al and Ni. The BCC and B2 phases are coherently distributed in the dendrites with a spinodal decomposition network structure. The ID region is rich in Cu and Ti, and the Cu-rich FCC phase is segregated in the form of nanoparticles in the ID region, while the lamellar Laves phase precipitates in the ID region. With increasing Ti content, the microhardness of AlCrCuFe2NiTix high-entropy surfacing alloys shows an increasing trend, while their wear loss, friction coefficient, specific wear rate and other indicators show a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. The maximum microhardness is 597 HV, and the minimum specific wear rate is 9.1606 × 10−8 mm3/N mm. This is mainly because the precipitation of the B2 coherent phase and Laves phase hinders the movement of dislocations, resulting in an improvement in the strength and microhardness of the alloy. However, excessive Ti addition causes the Laves phase to increase sharply and segregate in the ID region, which is extremely prone to stress concentration during dislocation movement, thus inducing crack initiation. The fractured Laves phase exacerbates the grain-abrasion of the alloy and reduces its wear resistance.

Stimulating and harnessing circularly polarized luminescence of helically assembled carbonized polymer dots via interfacial dynamics

AbstractStimulating and harnessing circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is not only a sine qua non for fundamentally unveiling chirogenesis in physical chemistry, but also a pivotal prerequisite for implementation of such phenomenon in research fields including chiral optoelectronics and theranostics. Herein, red‐emissive carbonized polymer dots (CPDs)‐based helical structures were synthesized in this work via biomolecule‐tailored organic–inorganic co‐assembly strategy. The surface states‐related chirality exhibits enhanced circular dichroism (CD) and CPL activities with anisotropic factors as high as gCD,max = 5.4 × 10−3 and glum,max = 1.5 × 10−2, respectively. The obtained CPL signals can be further manipulated in an excitation‐dependent manner, indicating that a synergistic‐competition phenomenon exists between configurational chirality and intermolecular energy‐transfer dynamics, which is further supported by simulations based on density function theory (DFT). Such tunable CPL behavior triggers revolutionary designs and applications of these chiral CPDs into the realm of chirality‐related biological issues and next‐generation chiral optoelectronics.

Blockchain Based Privacy and Security Across Cloud in Electric Vehicle Application for Sustainable Development in Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Purpose: In this paper we utilise electric vehicle-based cloud edge (EVCE) computing, it is possible to integrate vehicle contexts in a seamless manner. With the increasing use of electric vehicles (EVs) in V2X, this is likely to become a trend. When it comes to information and energy exchanges, a hybrid cloud/edge computing system with EVs as a potential resource infrastructure presents considerable security challenges. In order to find context-aware vehicular applications, the viewpoints of information and energy interactions are taken into consideration. The use of distributed consensus has resulted in the creation of blockchain-inspired energy and data coins, which use the frequency of data contributions and the amount of energy contributions to demonstrate the proof of work for each coin. When it comes to protecting vehicle interactions, the industry, innovation, and infrastructure sectors of Envision2030 are confronted with a number of different security alternatives. Design/Methodology/Approach: The EVCE computing for mobile cloud architecture to the electric vehicle acting as the edges across the network. The unutilised energy resources, and communication and computational resources of EVs are pooled together and used for other purposes. Mobile cloudlets for electric vehicles are created using VANETs and other interconnected services that gets connected together. When EVs are parked for extended periods of time in different locations, they form a cooperative network of services. Incorporating flexible connected EVs into traditional cloud infrastructures enables contact with remote service providers, local area networks (LANs), as well as other organisations, while operating in the cloud computing mode. Findings/Result: The primary purpose of a blockchain application is to maintain a record of all of the transactions that have been made by the various members of the network. After the submitted transactions have been confirmed and arranged, a block is formed, and the outcomes of the transactions are put on the blockchain as transaction results. Originality/Value: When it comes to transactions, HLF three-stage revolutionary design, dubbed execute-order-validate, is reliant on the preceding steps of the transaction to function properly. Because the actual throughput is close to 100%, a 100 TPS transmit rate is achievable and sustainable Paper Type: Experimental Research

Trap-jaw ants coordinate tendon and exoskeleton for perfect mandible arc

Most ants dextrously grasp and snip their food with a pair of chopstick-like mandibles. But trap-jaw ants are also capable of crashing their jaws together at blisteringly fast speeds, striking victims in 0.77 μs. Yet, unleashing such ballistic blows poses a risk. Animals that harness stored elastic energy like a catapult to hurl limbs at great speed – think leaping grasshoppers – are also in danger of tearing themselves apart if the limbs are not perfectly aligned. And few succeed in harnessing such power in limbs that they also manipulate deftly. However, trap-jaw ants (Odontomachus brunneus) manage both manoeuvres, in addition to raining down blows repeatedly without damaging themselves. Puzzled by the apparent paradox, Sheila Patek, from Duke University, USA, with colleagues from US and UK institutions triggered trap-jaw ants to unleash their powerful mandibles to find out how they repeatedly lock and load without coming to any harm.Chi-Yun Kuo (Duke University), gently secured ants in front of a high-speed camera filming at 300,000 frames s−1 to capture the lightning-fast manoeuvre as the insects crashed their mandibles together. ‘When we played back the videos in slow-motion, their strikes were spectacularly precise’, says Patek. Immediately after release, the mandibles rotated in a perfect arc through the first 65 deg as they clashed together, reaching a top rotation speed of 470,000 rpm, while the tips of the 1.38 mm long structures sliced through the air at speeds averaging 54.4 m s−1, before beginning to decelerate and finally bobbing to and fro at the end of a bite. In addition, the head compressed, shortening by 64 μm (3.2%) while being squeezed inward by 41 μm (6%). ‘We realised that the entire head was deforming to store elastic potential energy’, says Patek. So how were the ants using this stored energy to close their mouthparts at such incredible speeds? Calculating the amount of energy released as the insects unleashed their smashing mandibles, the team discovered that the energy stored as the head exoskeleton deformed was sufficient to drive the mandibles through 33 deg of perfect rotation, while energy stored in the springy tendon attaching the mandible to the enormous adductor muscle inside the head (comprising 14% of the ant's body mass) powered the remaining 32 deg.Wondering how the massive adductor muscle could power the mandibles’ perfectly circular trajectories, Patek, Adam Summers (University of Washington, USA), Gregory Sutton (University of Lincoln, UK) and Ryan St Pierre (University at Buffalo, USA), realised that the muscle could simultaneously stretch the tendon linking the muscle to the internal end of the mandible, while also deforming the head exoskeleton, storing energy in both structures while the mandible was latched horizontally in position, waiting to be fired. Then, as soon as the latch holding the mandible in place was released, the energy stored in the stretched springy tendon pulled the internal end of the mandible backward, while the deformed exoskeleton sprang back into shape – simultaneously pushing the mandible forward – sweeping it in a perfect arc. And when St Pierre and Sutton tested the theory, their computer simulation reproduced the mandible's trajectory seamlessly.Trap-jaw ants have found a mechanism that allows them to coordinate the opposing forces driving the perfect mandible rotation, placing no strain on the fragile joint about which the mandible pivots to avoid damage, regardless of how often the ant strikes. Patek suspects that other spring-loaded creatures also use the strategy, and she, Sarah Bergbreiter (Carnegie Mellon University, USA) and Suzanne Cox (Duke University) suspect that the revolutionary design could be embraced by engineers. ‘The principles can be incorporated into microrobotics to improve multifunctionality, precision and longevity of ultrafast systems’, they say.

The Enabling Technologies for a Quasi-Zero Emissions Commuter Aircraft

The desire for greener aircraft pushes both academic and industrial research into developing technologies, manufacturing, and operational strategies providing emissions abatement. At time of writing, there are no certified electric aircraft for passengers’ transport. This is due to the requirements of lightness, reliability, safety, comfort, and operational capability of the fast air transport, which are not completely met by the state-of-the-art technology. Recent studies have shown that new aero-propulsive technologies do not provide significant fuel burn reduction, unless the operational ranges are limited to short regional routes or the electric storage capability is unrealistically high, and that this little advantage comes at increased gross weight and operational costs. Therefore, a significant impact into aviation emissions reduction can only be obtained with a revolutionary design, which integrates disruptive technologies starting from the preliminary design phase. This paper reviews the recent advances in propulsions, aerodynamics, and structures to present the enabling technologies for a low emissions aircraft, with a focus on the commuter category. In fact, it is the opinion of the European Community, which has financed several projects, that advances on the small air transport will be a fundamental step to assess the results and pave the way for large greener airplanes.

Redefining plasma chambers for ECR Ion Sources: the IRIS structure

One possible way to optimize microwave coupling and plasma confinement in Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) Ion Sources is a revolutionary design strategy of plasma chambers, breaking the cylindrical symmetry. This contribution reports about the design and numerical validation of an innovative resonant cavity playing as plasma chamber of ECR ion sources. The new chamber, named IRIS (Innovative Resonators for Ion Sources), was argued starting from the 3D structure of the plasma and, therefore, fashioned to the twisting magnetic structure. The microwave launching scheme was radically changed as well, consisting of side-coupled slotted-waveguides with diffractive apertures smoothly matching the overall structure of the camera. This approach also enables a profound optimization of cooling systems and overall spaces in general (for gas feedings, oven systems, sputtering, etc.). Here we report on the conceptual study, electromagnetic design and PIC simulations of the electron heating in the novel resonant cavity, comparing results with those for standard (cylindrical) chamber, and also considering the impact of microwave feeding led by single aperture rectangular waveguides vs. waveguide-slotted antennas. Manufacture strategy, based on additive manufacturing techniques, will also be discussed.

Intelligent structural design of shear wall residence using physics‐enhanced generative adversarial networks

AbstractIntelligent structural design using generative adversarial networks (GANs) is a revolutionary design approach for building structures. Despite its far‐reaching capability, the data quantity and quality may have limited the performance of such a data‐driven network. This study proposes to enhance the objectiveness of training processes by innovatively introducing a surrogate model, Physics Estimator, that informs the generator by appraising the physical behavior of the generated design. Dual loss functions evaluated by a traditional data‐driven discriminator and the Physics Estimator collaboratively foster the physics‐enhanced GAN architecture. We further develop a structural mechanics model to train and optimize the inherent accuracy of the Physics Estimator. The comparative study suggests that the proposed physics‐enhanced GAN can generate structural designs from architectural drawings and specified design conditions 44% better than a data‐driven design method and 90 times faster than a competent engineer.

Smart-bed with Internet of Things for Pressure Ulcer

AIM: The purpose of this study was to develop prototype smart-bed based on Internet of Things that consisted of automatic patient mobilization every 2 h as well as monitoring patients. Stroke patients experience pressure sores that result in increased mortality within 30 days after a stroke. Pressure sores are injuries caused by continuous pressure. Patient mobilization is the primary prevention and treatment technique for patients with pressure sores. METHODS: The proposed medical bed is designed to resolve both concerns through a revolutionary design that rotates the patient and offers an advanced patient monitoring system. Using an Android smartphone or tablet connected to the Arduino microcontroller through Bluetooth, the caregiver can rotate the bed in either direction to shift the pressure away from the back of the patient and to monitor the critical risk of ulcer pressure. RESULTS: The bed functions in two modes: manual mode, which engages the caretaker in the rotation process, and automatic mode, which rotates the bed every 2 h. The overall rotation angle is calculated by calculating the patient’s weight by means of loading cells distributed across the bed. In addition, the smart bed features sensors for certain vital signs, such as heart rate, body temperature, oximetry, humidity, and blood pressure. CONCLUSION: A novel, efficient, smart medical bed is presented to ease the lives of patients and caregivers, both of whom have difficulties using conventional beds. The proposed system automatically rotates patients as planned and tracks them for any unexpected changes in their viral signs. The proposed novel bed is fitted with a range of safety measures to ensure proper functionality and prevent any danger to patients. The patients’ vital signs are assessed.

Biochar-augmented carbon-negative concrete

Biochar is a waste-derived carbon-based material that can sequester carbon. This study proposed a revolutionary design of carbon-negative concrete with a large volume of biochar incorporation and elaborated the roles of biochar in the cement hydration and microstructure development of biochar-augmented concrete. The total CO2 emissions and economic values of biochar-augmented concrete were, for the first time, quantified by conducting life cycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis. Biochar as aggregate in concrete promoted the cement hydration process, facilitating the formation of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) gel and enhancing the polymerization degree of C-S-H gel via internal curing. The incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in the binder further enhanced the mechanical strength of biochar-augmented concrete via time-dependent pozzolanic reaction. The life cycle assessment confirmed that the biochar incorporation significantly reduced CO2 emissions, and most importantly, the combined use of biochar and SCMs successfully achieved carbon-negative concrete production. Preliminary cost and benefit analysis illustrated that the biochar-augmented concrete could yield satisfactory overall economic profits. Considering the mechanical performance, resource availability, negative CO2 emissions, and economic profits, the 30BC-MK (with biochar as aggregate and metakaolin as a binder representing 30 wt% and 9 wt%, respectively) was the most promising mixture, which could sequester 59 kg CO2 tonne-1 and potentially generate the overall profit of 35.4 USD m−3. In summary, our novel design of biochar-augmented concrete can open up a new field of biochar application that produces technically feasible and financially profitable carbon-negative construction materials.

Progress and perspectives on phononic crystals

Phononic crystals (PnCs) control the transport of sound and heat similar to the control of electric currents by semiconductors and metals or light by photonic crystals. Basic and applied research on PnCs spans the entire phononic spectrum, from seismic waves and audible sound to gigahertz phononics for telecommunications and thermal transport in the terahertz range. Here, we review the progress and applications of PnCs across their spectrum, and we offer some perspectives in view of the growing demand for vibrational isolation, fast signal processing, and miniaturization of devices. Current research on macroscopic low-frequency PnCs offers complete solutions from design and optimization to construction and characterization, e.g., sound insulators, seismic shields, and ultrasonic imaging devices. Hypersonic PnCs made of novel low-dimensional nanomaterials can be used to develop smaller microelectromechanical systems and faster wireless networks. The operational frequency, compactness, and efficiency of wireless communications can also increase using principles of optomechanics. In the terahertz range, PnCs can be used for efficient heat removal from electronic devices and for novel thermoelectrics. Finally, the introduction of topology in condensed matter physics has provided revolutionary designs of macroscopic sub-gigahertz PnCs, which can now be transferred to the gigahertz range with advanced nanofabrication techniques and momentum-resolved spectroscopy of acoustic phonons.

To break the feudal bonds: the Soviets, Reza Khan, and the Iranian left, 1921-25

ABSTRACT From 1921-25, the USSR normalized its relations with Iran, withdrawing support from the Soviet Socialist Republic of Iran in the northern province of Gilan (SSRI, 1920-21), and signing the Irano-Soviet Treaty of Friendship in February of 1921. Thus far, most scholarship has argued that material interests, and especially Soviet designs on Iranian oil, compelled their anti-revolutionist turn in Iran. This article, which draws upon original collections from the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation (AVPRF) and others, argues that the defeat of the SSRI did not mark the final Soviet attempt to socialize Iran, but rather the first of several that recruited leftist parties, tribal actors, and even the Shi‘ite clerical establishment until 1923. Secondly, this article argues that the Soviets eventually threw their support behind Reza Khan not only because some senior policymakers believed that his modernizing authoritarianism would provide the preconditions for Iranian socialism, but also because of a growing hostility to the Iranian left, whose revolutionary designs the Soviets eventually deemed premature. These findings are supported by archival diplomatic reports and communiques, which the author employs to interrogate the knowledge production intended by the Soviets to justify their anti-revolutionist turn in Iran.

Transformational challenge reactor analysis to inform preconceptual core design decisions: Sensitivity study of transient analysis in a hydride-moderated microreactor

The Transformational Challenge Reactor (TCR) program aims to demonstrate a revolutionary design approach enabled by advanced manufacturing and data analytics in the design of nuclear reactors. This article discusses scoping analyses of preconceptual designs to inform TCR design decisions and the evaluation of sensitivities and uncertainties on postulated transient scenarios. The applicability of the systems codes TRACE and RELAP5-3D to TCR transient analysis are examined, and RELAP5-3D models are used to examine the transient response of two candidate core designs at multiple power levels. Then, the uncertainty quantification code RAVEN is used to quantify the effect of several design parameters on reactivity-initiated accident (RIA) progression at hot zero power (HZP) and hot full power (HFP) as well as to assess the impact of uncertainties in transient parameters for the pressurized loss of forced cooling (PLOFC).When results were compared, TRACE and RELAP5-3D showed good agreement in their ability to predict system behavior, but RELAP5-3D calculations were closer to analytical predictions for the RIA. Models for a PLOFC accident in two designs (a UO2 and TRISO core) at multiple power levels showed greater temperature margins for the TRISO core at all power levels. Using this information, along with other scoping analyses and constraints, the TCR design team selected a power level of 3 MWth and a TRISO-based core design. For this design RAVEN was applied to vary RIA parameters in RELAP5-3D models at HZP and HFP to understand the effect on figures of merit such as peak power, fuel and coolant temperature, and energy deposition. This sensitivity study found that the inserted reactivity worth was the most important parameter controlling all figures of merit, but for insertion up to 1.5$ no failure of TCR fuel is anticipated. For constant reactivity insertions, the magnitude of the fuel temperature coefficient was found to have the greatest effect on all figures of merit under most circumstances. These results not only demonstrate the anticipated robust safety of the proposed TCR fuel form but also provide a reference for future metal-hydride moderated systems to understand RIA behavior. In the PLOFC, the impact of heat transfer enhancement due to wavy flow channel effects dominated the variance in peak temperatures, and variations in heat exchanger elevation provided the greatest control on natural circulation flow rate. No fuel particle failure is anticipated in the PLOFC.