Stable Propagation Research Articles

Diffraction managed vortex soliton in competing cubic-quintic nonlinear media

We study analytically and numerically vortex solitons in competing cubic-quintic nonlinear media with normal and anomalous fourth order diffraction (FOD). Bifurcated solutions of vortex solitons are obtained with variational (Lagrangian) approach. Propagation dynamics are demonstrated with split-step Fourier transform, which show that normal (anomalous) FOD can weaken (enhance) the stable propagation distance of vortex solitons. Furthermore, stability of vortex solitons is determined by Vakhitov-Kolokolov (VK) criteria. The upper branch of vortex solitons is unstable, whereas, the lower branch of vortex solitons is robust against perturbations.

DC-SoC: Optimizing a Blockchain Data Dissemination Model Based on Density Clustering and Social Mechanisms

Due to its partially decentralized and highly scalable features, the consortium blockchain has currently overtaken other blockchain technologies as the one most frequently used and studied across various industries. However, performance issues such as low transaction efficiency and redundant communication processes continue to hinder the development of consortium blockchains. In the Hyperledger Fabric consortium blockchain system, transaction efficiency is largely influenced by the consensus protocol and broadcast protocol. This paper introduces a novel consortium blockchain network model, DC-SoC, focused on optimizing broadcast protocols. By incorporating the concept of density clustering, a stable propagation structure is established for the blockchain network, thus optimizing data dissemination in the Gossip protocol. Additionally, the concept of social networks is integrated, using trustworthiness scores and economic incentives to evaluate node security. The experimental results demonstrate that when DC-SoC is applied in a large-scale consortium blockchain environment, it significantly improves communication performance between nodes and ensures transmission reliability.

A new approach in generating stable crack propagation at twisted bi-layer Graphene/hBN heterostructures under the external and internal fields

A new approach in generating stable crack propagation at twisted bi-layer Graphene/hBN heterostructures under the external and internal fields

Molecular characteristics of CTX-M β-lactamase-producing and quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli among deer in a popular tourist spot in Japan.

Introduction. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global concern. Clonal lineages of CTX-M β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (CTXE) and quinolone-resistant E. coli (QREC) were disseminated among the deer population in a famous tourist destination (Nara Park; NP) in Japan. Hypothesis/gap statement. The molecular characteristics of CTXE or QREC isolates, which could pose a threat to public health, have not been elucidated. Aim. This study aimed to characterize the genetic traits of CTXE and QREC isolates derived from NP deer and compare them with lineages prevalent worldwide. Methodology. Sixteen CTXE and three QREC isolates recovered from NP deer faeces between 2018 and 2020 were analysed using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). For endemic lineages, phylogenetic trees were constructed against the isolates registered in the EnteroBase database using the core genome SNP scheme. Results. The most prevalent lineage in NP deer was ST3580. Several pandemic lineages, such as sequence type (ST) 38, ST58 and ST117, were included. The QREC lineages prevalent among deer were designated as extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli or uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). Thirteen of the 24 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were considered high-risk ARG families. Chromosomal integration of bla CTX-M-15 was observed in all plasmid-negative isolates. Phylogenetic analysis suggested relationships between NP isolates and isolates sourced from the environment or poultry. Conclusion. ST3580 has a high potential for clonal dissemination. Furthermore, multiple clinically relevant lineages of CTXE and QREC are endemic in NP deer; however, they could be less virulent than isolates belonging to the same lineages, which could cause severe infectious diseases. Further studies are required to investigate the relationship between chromosomal integration of plasmid-encoded genes and the stable propagation of AMR bacteria in wildlife and the environment.

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.

Guiding properties of Bessel–Gaussian and super-Gaussian pulses in inhomogeneous parabolic plasma channels

The guidance and stable propagation of laser pulses over many Rayleigh lengths are crucial for the plasma electron acceleration in the laser wakefield accelerators. Using plasma channels with specific characteristics can lead to the proper guidance of the laser pulse. Here, quasi-three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are performed to investigate the guidance of Bessel–Gaussian pulse (BGP) of zeroth order and super-Gaussian pulse (SGP) of 3rd and 4th orders in an axially and radially inhomogeneous plasma channel. The effects of the channel radius and depth, the laser wavelength and initial spot size, and the plasma channel inhomogeneity on the guidance of the laser pulse are also examined. The results indicate that the guidance of a laser pulse in the plasma channel depends on the pulse profile, and under certain conditions, the pulses can be guided with the least variation of spot size in the inhomogeneous plasma channel. It is shown that the channel depth and the initial laser spot size are very effective in pulse guiding, as the values of these parameters increase, the pulse guidance is done better. In addition, the results show that the guidance of laser pulse is dependent on the type of plasma inhomogeneity represented by three different kinds of initial conditions, as considering the nonlinear-axial inhomogeneity in the parabolic plasma channel can lead to more convergence than the axially homogeneous and linear-axially plasma density profiles.

Opportunities and barriers for skillful sub-seasonal prediction of East Asian summer precipitation

Abstract Accurate sub-seasonal (2-8 weeks) prediction of monsoon precipitation is crucial for mitigating flood and heatwave disasters caused by intra-seasonal variability (ISV). However, current state-of-the-art sub-seasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) models have limited prediction skills beyond one week when predicting weekly precipitation. Our findings suggest that predictability primarily arises from strong ISV events, and the prediction skills for ISV events depend on the propagation stability of preceding signals, regardless of models. This allows us to identify opportunities and barriers (OBs) within S2S models, clarifying what the models can and cannot achieve in ISV event prediction. Focusing on the complex East Asian summer monsoon (EASM), we discover that stable propagation of Eurasian and tropical atmospheric wave trains towards East Asia serves as an opportunity. This opportunity offers a one-week leading prediction skill of up to 0.85 and skillful prediction up to 13 days ahead for 43% of all ISV events. However, the Tibetan Plateau barrier highlights the limitation of EASM predictability. Identifying these OBs will help us gain confidence in making more accurate sub-seasonal prediction.

Simultaneous enhancement of strength and ductility of Al matrix composites enabled by submicron-sized high-entropy alloy phases

Our study investigated the reinforcing effect of submicron-sized (100–500 nm) Al0.5CoCrCuFeNi high-entropy alloy particles (HEAps) on the tensile properties of Al matrix composites. The HEAps were refined to the submicron-sized level via a thermal plasma process to maximize reinforcing efficiency by increasing specific surface (i.e., interface) area. The Al/HEA composites were produced by hot rolling of mechanically milled Al/HEA composite powder. The microstructural analysis demonstrated that the HEAps were uniformly dispersed within the Al matrix by forming a sound interface without interdiffusion brittle intermetallic layers or any noticeable voids. Moreover, the addition of 2 vol% HEAps resulted in a simultaneous increase in both yield strength from 355 to 403 MPa and tensile elongation from 1.3 to 3.3%. As a result, the composite experienced a synergistic effect due to the combination of intrinsic strengthening to promote uniform plastic deformation and extrinsic strengthening to mitigate plastic instability and crack propagation.

Enhancing the fracture toughness of zirconia via highly oriented graphene arrays

Zirconia matrix composites with well-dispersed and highly-oriented two-dimensional graphene arrays were fabricated successfully using tape casting. This significantly improved the fracture toughness (KIC) of zirconia, i.e., an improvement of 64.1 % in KIC, from 4.3 MPa m0.5 to 7.21 MPa m0.5. The interface strengthened by Zr, O and C bonding between zirconia and graphene plays a crucial role in improving the toughness of zirconia. The catastrophic fracture failure mode is transformed into the stable crack propagation behavior with well-oriented graphene arrays. The interface stress transfer behavior analyzed by the shear-lag theory reveals that the graphene layers have little effect on the maximum axial stress and shear stress at graphene/zirconia interface, but the stress distribution are changed. Due to the weak bonding between inner graphene layer, the energy dissipation by graphene pulling-out decreases with increased graphene layers.

Efficient Plantlet Regeneration from Branches in Mangifera indica L.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most significant tropical and subtropical fruit species, with high ecological and economic value. However, research on the in vitro culture of mangoes is relatively weak, so establishing an efficient and stable mango plant regeneration system is of great significance. In this study, a preliminary mango regeneration system was established with Mangifera indica L. cv. Keitt from young branches as the starting explants. The results showed that the optimal plant growth regulator (PGR) formula for direct adventitious shoot induction on the branches was 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) + 0.1 mg/L a-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), with an adventitious shoot induction rate of 73.63% and an average of 6.76 adventitious shoots. The optimal basal medium for adventitious shoot induction was wood plant medium (WPM), with an adventitious shoot induction rate of 63.87% and an average of 5.21 adventitious shoots. The optimal culture medium for adventitious shoot elongation was WPM + 1 mg/L 6-BA + 0.5 mg/L NAA, with an adventitious shoot elongation rate of 89.33% and an average length of 5.17 cm. The optimal formula for the induction of mango rooting was Douglas fir cotyledon revised medium (DCR) + 3 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), with a maximum rooting rate of 66.13% and an average rooting quantity of 6.43. The genetic fidelity of the in vitro-regenerated plants was evaluated using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. There was no difference between the in vitro-regenerated plants and the parent plant. This study provides an efficient and stable propagation system for Mangifera indica L., laying the foundation for its rapid propagation and genetic improvement.

Propagation of Hydromagnetic Disturbance Waves and Gravitational Instability in a Magnetized Rotating Heat-Conducting Anisotropic Plasma

Propagation of Hydromagnetic Disturbance Waves and Gravitational Instability in a Magnetized Rotating Heat-Conducting Anisotropic Plasma

Micro- and macro-scale fracture behaviour of brittle rocks: Comparison between the conventional Brazilian test and the advanced universal snap-back indirect tensile test (AUSBIT)

Post-peak behaviour is crucial for the estimation of rock mass fracturing in cave mining operations where hard rocks can exhibit class-II or snap-back response when subjected to loading. Despite the rapid development of research into class-II rocks under compression, the corresponding behaviour in tensile tests has rarely been investigated, which is critical considering the complexity of rock mass fracturing under various stress states. The post-peak response of brittle rocks involves abrupt micro-fracturing, leading to brittle macro-scale behaviour. Controlling the fracture process using the Advanced Universal Snap-Back Indirect Tensile test (AUSBIT) allowed the acquisition of the complete macro-scale class-II behaviour in the post-peak regime, facilitating the use of advanced techniques for insights into both micro and macro-scale fracture. In this study, the AUSBIT tests with digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE) instrumentation were conducted to analyse the progressive failure in Calca granite and Gosford sandstone specimens. Post-test observations of the fracture surfaces were performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). From a macroscale viewpoint, the lateral strain control in AUSBIT enabled controlled cracking with significant lateral strain extension prior to failure accompanied by gradual energy dissipation and higher rates of AE activity as smaller magnitudes of energy are being released by each AE hit or microcrack compared to conventional Brazilian tests. The stable microcrack propagation was also identified from SEM observations with more uniform profiles of microcracks and less debris observed in AUSBIT specimens. These findings were more significant in Calca granite, which verified its extreme class-II behaviour while also demonstrating the efficiency of AUSBIT in controlling the violent failure of high-strength brittle rocks commonly encountered in deep mining projects, leading to the acquisition of more accurate material behaviour in terms of micro and macro-scale post-peak features which was unattainable from conventional indirect tensile tests.

The study of propagation characteristics of the millimeter-wave vortex in magnetized plasma by using the FDTD method

It is pointed out that the millimeter-wave vortex may contribute to an efficient method of plasma heating since it was found that the millimeter-wave vortex can propagate in magnetized plasma even in which the normal plane wave is in cut-off condition. Then, it was assumed that the vortex field was the Laguerre–Gaussian (L–G) mode which is a free-space solution, but the generation and stable propagation of the L–G mode vortex are not easy in the millimeter frequency range. On the other hand, it is known that the millimeter-wave hybrid mode of the cylindrical corrugated waveguide also has vortex properties. In this paper, we investigate the propagation characteristics of a millimeter-wave vortex of a hybrid mode of a cylindrical corrugated waveguide in the magnetized plasma by using three-dimensional numerical simulations with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. It is found that the millimeter-wave vortex of hybrid mode also can propagate in the magnetized plasma even in a condition in which the normal plane wave is in cut-off condition, and the propagation power in the plasma is highly dependent on the topological charge l.

Experimental investigation into effects of combustor structure on characteristics of rotating detonation of cracked kerosene gas

This study examines the influence of the structure of the combustor on the propagation of rotating detonation waves (RDWs) of cracked kerosene gas (CKG) by using oxygen-rich air, with mass fractions of oxygen of 36% and 48%, as the oxidant while maintaining stable values of the state parameters of CKG. The experimental results showed that the structure of the combustor played a key role in the initiation and stable propagation of CKG, and suitable values of its width and the width of its outlet promoted the stable self-sustained propagation of the RDWs. Combustors of 8 and 14 mm width failed to initiate with 36% oxygen-rich air and without blockage ratio. In the combustors of 20 and 26 mm width, as the blockage ratio increased, the modes of propagation of the RDW included a single stable RDW, intermittent single RDW, and four, six, and eight counter-rotating RDWs. With the further increase in the blockage ratio, the reflected shock wave at the end of the combustor was enhanced, resulting in an increase in the number of RDW wave heads. As a result, the height of the fresh fuel layer was decreased, the mixing time was decreased and led to a decrease in the RDW velocity. The increase in the width of the combustor was conducive to the radial and axial diffusion of fuel and oxidizer in the combustor, which led to an obvious increase in the propagation velocity of RDW. In the 26 mm width combustor, the maximum RDW velocity is 1769 m/s.

The influence of the disturbing effect of roadways through faults on the faults' stability and slip characteristics

AbstractIn order to mitigate the risk of geological disasters induced by fault activation when roadways intersect reverse faults in coal mining, this paper uses a combination of mechanical models with PFC2D software. A mechanical model is introduced to represent various fault angles, followed by a series of PFC2D loading and unloading tests to validate the model and investigate fault instability and crack propagation under different excavation rates and angles. The results show that (1) the theoretical fault model, impacted by roadway advancing, shows a linear reduction in horizontal stress at a rate of −2.01 MPa/m, while vertical stress increases linearly at 4.02 MPa/m. (2) At field excavation speeds of 2.4, 4.8, 7.2, and 9.6 m/day, the vertical loading rates for the model are 2.23, 4.47, 6.70, and 8.93 Pa/s, respectively. (3) Roadway advancement primarily causes tensile‐compressive failures in front of the roadway, with a decrease in tensile cracks as the stress rate increases. (4) An increase in the fault angle leads to denser cracking on the fault plane, with negligible cracking near the fault itself. The dominant crack orientation is approximately 90°, aligned with the vertical stress.

Dynamic response in a transversely isotropic and layered nonlocal poroelastic seabed subjected to vertical P-waves

A novel model is put forward to characterize the seismic response excited by vertical P-waves in a transversely isotropic and layered nonlocal poroelastic seabed. The proposed model integrates nonlocal parameter, anisotropy, and stratification to accurately examine wave propagation behavior. The fundamental equations for the underlying seabed are formulated using Biot's poroelastodynamic theory and Eringen's nonlocal theory. The wave equation for the overlying water is expressed in terms of the velocity potential. General solutions in both the poroelastic seabed and water layer are derived by solving the involved ordinary differential equations. Employing the newly devised and unconditionally stable propagator matrix scheme, semi-analytical solutions are derived for the time-harmonic response in a layered poroelastic seabed subjected to vertical P-wave excitation within the frequency domain. The validity of the proposed solutions is confirmed through rigorous comparison with the previously established analytical solutions. The influence of key material properties of seabed on the velocities of P-waves and free-field response in the poroelastic seabed is estimated in detail, along with the free-field response in a nonhomogeneous poroelastic seabed.

Stability of few-cycle light bullets in nonlinear metamaterials beyond the slowly varying envelope approximation

This letter explores stable few-cycle light bullets in nonlinear metamaterials beyond the slowly varying envelope approximation. Using a (3+1)-dimensional cubic-quintic complex Ginzburg-Landau equation, the letter explores solitonic behaviors of light bullets in materials with a negative refractive index under the few-cycle regime. The analysis involves a Lagrangian variational approach designed for dissipative nonlinear systems and utilizes direct numerical simulations to demonstrate the possibility of stable light bullets forming in metamaterials and corroborate the stability analysis. Based on the stability conditions for the system parameters using the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, optimal values of the cubic and quintic self-steepening effects promote stable propagation of light bullets, while an imbalance may lead to collapse. These findings suggest that combining few-cycle light bullets with metamaterial-based optics may enable new possibilities for ultrafast and nonlinear optics.

Polarizability inversion suspension for nonlinear optical limiting with a low limiting threshold.

We propose what we believe to be a novel nonlinear optical limiting (NOL) method with a low limiting threshold based on a light intensity-controlled polarizability inversion suspension (PIS). This suspension has negative polarizability under weak light, allowing stable propagation of weak light with a low loss. Nevertheless, the suspension reverses into positive polarizability due to the optical Kerr effect under strong light, resulting in enhanced scattering that rapidly attenuates the intense light. In a proof-of-concept experiment, PS (polystyrene)-CS2-CCl4 suspension is used as the example suspension. We experimentally verify the NOL performance of several samples. Among them, 4 g/L PS-CS2-CCl4 suspension with a volume ratio of 0.15 has the best optical limiting effect, with a high limiting capacity coefficient of 0.48 and a very low limiting threshold of 14.80 kW/cm2, which is an order magnitude lower than that of most common NOL materials. Therefore, the proposed method provides a new promising approach to achieve NOL of continuous wave laser with a low limiting threshold.

Study on crack propagation characteristics of rocks with different lateral pressure based on joint monitoring of DIC and AE

During the process of rock failure, the characteristics of crack propagation affect the fracture characteristics and macroscopic mechanical behavior of rocks, indirectly affecting the safety and stability of rock engineering. In order to study the evolution characteristics of cracks during rock failure under different lateral pressure, based on an improved digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE) signal recognition method, a visual biaxial servo loading device was developed to conduct biaxial compression tests on mudstone with prefabricated cracks of the same inclination angle. The research results indicate that the stages of crack propagation include microcracks propagation, crack tip formation, stable macroscopic cracks propagation, and unstable macroscopic cracks propagation. As the lateral pressure increased, the initiation frequency of cracks decreased, the quantity of propagation decreased, and the propagation path shortened, indirectly increasing the bearing strength of rocks. The initiation stress, peak stress, and elastic modulus of pre-cracked rocks with lateral pressure ≤ 2 MPa were lower than those of pre-cracked rocks with lateral pressure > 3 MPa, with the minimum reduction amplitude of 14.1%, 21.2%, and 12.6%, respectively. As the lateral pressure decreased, the dispersion of the AE main frequency distribution increased and accelerated its downward expansion. The surface temperature curves of rocks were prone to fluctuations and rapid upward evolution characteristics corresponding to crack tip formation and crack propagation, respectively. The research results provide theoretical and engineering references for the mining of weak coal seams.

Interlaminar fracture behaviour of emerging laminated-pultruded CFRP plates for wind turbine blades

Laminated pultruded composite plates are gaining interest for use in wind turbine blades due to their excellent structural performance with affordable cost. However, there is limited understanding of their fracture properties. The present work explores the interlaminar fracture behaviour of pultruded composite plates, bonded through resin infusion, to form thick CFRP structures. Mode-I, −II, and mixed-mode (I/II) tests were performed to obtain fracture properties at different mixed-mode ratios. Mode I crack propagation exhibits stick–slip behaviour, resulting in brittle failure in a few steps, while mode II provides more stable crack propagation along with cohesive failure. The mixed-mode fracture patterns follow the trend of the mode-mix ratios, in which higher mode-mix ratios (more mode II) induce more stable crack propagation. Benzeggagh-Kenane and power law criteria were compared regarding their prediction of crack initiation toughness given a mode mix ratio, and a linear relation between the mixed-mode I/II fracture toughness components could exist at interfaces of laminated pultruded plates. Meanwhile, applicability of testing standards and the effect of manufacturing-induced defects on fracture properties are thoroughly discussed. The results show that existing standards provide sufficient support for characterising fracture properties of bonded pultruded plates; and that manufacturing-induced defects can be detrimental to crack propagation and cause more brittle behaviour in mode I dominant cases, while beneficial effect of defects by toughening the interface was exhibited in mode II dominant cases.