Strength Distribution Research Articles

The effect of water absorption distribution of recycled coarse aggregate on the compressive strength distribution of high-performance concrete

High water absorption is a typical characteristic of recycled coarse aggregate and is often used to explain the loss of performance of concrete when replacing natural coarse aggregate with recycled coarse aggregate. Extensive attention has been paid to the mean value of the water absorption of recycled coarse aggregate, but not to the standard deviation. This paper aims to assess whether recycled coarse aggregates with the same mean water absorption but different standard deviations will perform equally in high-performance concrete (HPC). The resulting HPC mixtures exhibited very similar compressive strength. Even so, it was hypothesised that as the standard deviation of the water absorption of recycled coarse aggregate increases over a wide range, the compressive strength of HPC will first increase due to local variations in the water/cement ratio, then decrease due to the presence of weak particles, and finally remain constant due to the role of the surrounding new mortar.

Simulation and experimental studies of mechanical delamination characteristics of REBCO tapes and lap joints under transverse tension

In this study, we investigate the delamination properties of high-temperature superconducting REBa2Cu3O7−x (REBCO) coated conductor (CC) tapes and lap joints under transverse tension by a finite element model (FEM) based on the cohesive zone model. The interfacial cohesive strength and the initial penalty stiffness used in the FEM calculations are adopted based on the experimental data obtained from the anvil tensile tests. Compared to previous theoretical studies, our calculation results of the delamination behaviors for the REBCO CC tapes and the lap joints are more approaching to the experimental data, and the abrupt failure behavior of the transverse load–displacement curves, which appears in the anvil tests, is reproduced by the simulations. Moreover, the effects of welding strength between the upper and lower tapes and internal tape damage during the welding process on the delamination characteristics, including the delamination strength, initial separation, delamination locations, and damage distribution of the CC lap joints, are presented.

Bimodal impact strength distribution in HDPE composites: Formulational effects and Bayesian inference

A bimodal impact strength distribution was found in notched impact specimens of HDPE composites with calcium carbonate, carbon black, SEBS and stabilisers. The bimodal distribution was only found at moderate-to-high calcium carbonate loadings, with the likelihood of low impact strength increasing with increasing stabiliser loading and decreasing with increasing SEBS/CB masterbatch loading. Bayesian methods were used first to confirm bimodality and then to investigate the effects of formulation on the performance of the system, based on a hierarchical model with quadratic and interactive terms and switching based on the sampling of a Bernoulli distribution with a logistic regression informing the probability of high or low impact strength. The results are contextualised through micrograph fractography and, briefly, differential scanning calorimetry. Results are also reported for unnotched impact tests, with negative correlations for impact strength with calcium carbonate and stabilisers, a positive correlation with SEBS/CB and interactive effects.

Accelerating convergence of inference in the inverse Ising problem

Inferring modelling parameters of dynamical processes from observational data is an important inverse problem in statistical physics. In this paper, instead of passively observing the dynamics for inference, we focus on strategically manipulating dynamics to generate data that gives more accurate estimators within fewer observations. For this purpose, we consider the inference problem rooted in the Ising model with two opposite external fields, assuming that the strength distribution of one of the fields (labelled as passive) is unknown and needs to be inferred. In contrast, the other field (labelled active) is strategically deployed to interact with the Ising dynamics in such a way as to improve the accuracy of estimates of inferring the opposing passive field. By comparing to benchmark cases, we first demonstrate that it is possible to accelerate the inference by strategically interacting with the Ising dynamics. We then apply series expansions to obtain an approximation of the optimized influence configurations in the high-temperature region. Furthermore, by using mean-field estimates, we also demonstrate the applicability of the method in a more general scenario where real-time tracking of the system is infeasible. Last, analysing the optimized influence profiles, we describe heuristics for manipulating the Ising dynamics for faster inference. For example, we show that agents targeted more strongly by the passive field should also be strongly targeted by the active one.

On the failure and replacement of weathered rock climbing bolts

In several major outdoor rock climbing areas in the United States, it has become standard practice to remove plated steel bolts used as fixed anchors and replace them with stainless steel equivalents. To examine the need and efficacy of this practice, test results are reported for the failure strengths of plated steel bolts collected from a variety of climbing areas in Colorado, Wyoming, and California that had been exposed to full environmental conditions for periods varying between 16 and 40 years. The bolts were extracted from their original positions and tested in two fixtures designed specifically for this research corresponding to simple shear and bolt/nut thread strength that both closely simulated possible types of loading that could exist in typical usage. Strength distribution curves are provided for a number of bolts, varying in size and type. In addition, a special study was completed using a simplified numerical model of a failed bolt that resulted in a fatality to analyze the stresses and better understand the possible failure mechanism. The results of the experimental testing and the benefits of the replacement strategy are contrasted with well-documented cases of the loosening of the newer stainless steel bolts. This replacement practice needs more investigation and most likely significant revision.

Emulation Evaluation of Interior Beam-Column Connections in PC and RC Moment-Resisting Frames.

Precast concrete (PC) structures have many advantages, but their use in the construction of middle- to high-rise buildings is limited. The construction of PC structures requires skills in various operations such as transportation, assembly, lifting, and structural soundness. In particular, regarding the seismic design of PC structures, it is necessary to clearly evaluate whether they have the same structural performance and usability as integral RC (cast-in-place) structures. In this paper, an experimental study was conducted to investigate whether PC members can achieve a seismic performance equivalent to that of RC members in beam-column joints, which are representative moment-resisting frames. The main variables are the two types of structural systems (intermediate and special moment-resisting frames) and the design flexural strength ratio of the columns and beams. The experimental and analytical results showed that the seismic performance of the PC specimens was equivalent to that of the RC specimens in terms of strength, stiffness, energy dissipation, and strain distribution, except for the specimen with splice sleeve bond failure of the column reinforcement (poor filling of the internal mortar). In addition, the I series satisfied the present emulation evaluation criteria for special moment-resisting frames of PC structures, confirming the possibility of applying intermediate moment-resisting frames.

An Automated Wireless System for Monitoring Concrete Structures Based on Embedded Electrical Resistivity Sensors: Data Transmission and Effects on Concrete Properties.

Modern infrastructure heavily relies on robust concrete structures, underscoring the critical need for effective monitoring to ensure their safety and durability. This paper addresses this imperative issue by introducing an innovative automated and wireless system for continuous structural monitoring. By employing embedded electrical resistivity sensors coupled with a wireless-based data transmission mechanism, real-time data collection becomes feasible. We provide a general description of the system's architecture and its application in a pilot study covering the effects of the devices on concrete properties and data transmission. The dielectric properties of concrete specimens were investigated under natural and accelerated curing/degradation and the results were used in the final design of the antenna device. Furthermore, a pilot test comprising four reinforced concrete columns was used to investigate the range of data transmission from inside to outside of the concrete, the effects of the hardware device on the compressive strength and concrete distribution in the columns, and the data transmission quality in real time under realistic exposure conditions.

A physically based strength prediction model for glass

The strength of glass has been a subject of great interest for more than one hundred years. Due to the stochastic nature of glass, governed by microscopical surface flaws, glass plates exhibit large variations in fracture strength. The aim of this work is to propose a new strength prediction model for glass, named the Glass Strength Prediction Model (GSPM) that captures the nature of fracture initiation in glass, spanning from rate dependence to size effects. We aim for the presented model to be applicable in modern design processes and provide a procedure to facilitate input parameter calibration for glass plates from different suppliers. GSPM is a Monte-Carlo based model that combines the theories of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) and sub-critical crack growth (SCG) to generate virtual tests on a representative sample of glass plates. The stress evolution in the glass plates is obtained from finite element (FE) simulations. The model results in representative fracture strength distributions that span the probable fracture initiation instances with respect to time, location and stress level. We also demonstrate how the GSPM can be used to trigger fracture in constitutive models applied in FE simulations. This feature provides the option to investigate scenarios including multiple glass plates with interdependent fracture initiation behavior. The GSPM displays great promise in terms of usability and prediction capacity. It is able to capture the fracture initiation behavior of glass plates of varying geometries exposed to load cases spanning from, e.g., quasi-static four-point bending to blast pressure. The model has the potential to reduce the number of physical experiments and numerical FE simulations in modern development processes of glass structures.

Optimization design of insulation structure of multiwinding high-frequency transformer based on response surface method

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the insulation structure optimization method of multiwinding high-frequency transformer (HFT).Design/methodology/approachThis paper takes 100 kW, 10 kHz multiwinding HFT as the research object. First, the distribution of electric field strength within the core window of multiwinding HFT with different winding configurations is simulated by the electrostatic field finite element method. The symmetrical hybrid winding structure with minimum electric field strength is selected as the insulation design. To reduce the electric field strength at the end region of the winding, the electrostatic ring and angle ring are designed based on the response surface method.FindingsThe optimal results show that the maximum electric field strength can be reduced by 15.4%, and the low voltage stress can be achieved.Originality/valueThe above research provides guidance and basis for the optimal design of insulation structure of multiwinding HFT.

Construct and criterion validity of muscle ultrasonography for assessment of skeletal muscle in patients recovering from COVID-19.

Background: The purpose was to investigate the content, construct, and criterion validity of muscle ultrasound in a mixed cohort of participants recovering from mild and critical COVID-19. Methods: A secondary analysis of a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on data obtained from a battery of muscle and physical function assessments including a muscle biopsy and muscle ultrasonography (US). Rectus femoris (RF) muscle thickness (mT), quadricep complex (QC) mT, RF muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) using 2D freeform trace and estimated from Feret's diameter, and RF echo intensity (EI) were assessed with US. Muscle fiber CSA, fiber type, protein content in muscle fibers, extracellular matrix content (ECM; wheat-germ agglutin), and percent area of collagen in ECM (picrosirius red) were examined from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies. Spearman rho correlations (r) were performed to assess validity of ultrasound parameters. Results: Thirty-three individuals participated including 11 patients surviving critical COVID-19, 15 individuals recovering from mild-COVID, and 7 controls. There were several significant correlations between RF mT, QC mT, RF CSA, and RF EI with age, comorbid burden, body-mass index, and measures of muscle strength, muscle power, and physical function (range r = 0.35-0.83). RF Feret's CSA correlated to CSA of type II muscle fibers (r = 0.41, p = 0.022) and the average size of all muscle fibers (r = 0.39, p = 0.031). RF EI was correlated with collagen in muscle ECM (r = 0.53, p = 0.003) and protein content in muscle tissue (r = -0.52, p = 0.012). Conclusion: Muscle size and quality measured using US has moderate content and construct validity, and to lesser extent, fair to moderate criterion validity in a mixed cohort of individuals recovering from COVID. Muscle ultrasound quality (EI) appears to be sensitive at detecting muscle dysfunction as it is associated with strength, power, physical function, and collagen distribution in a mixed group of individuals recovering from COVID-19.

Phase field study on electrical treeing under combined AC/DC voltage based on bipolar barrier transfer model

The study of insulation degradation processes is crucial for the reliable operation of power equipment and electronic devices. The phase field method has been widely used in recent years to simulate the degradation process of insulation materials. However, the effect of space charge was ignored. In this paper, a novel phase field method based on the bipolar carrier transfer model is suggested. This model can simulate degradation under different temperatures and DC or combined AC/DC voltage. The cases under AC and combined AC/DC voltage at different temperatures are simulated by COMSOL. Methods to ensure model convergence are proposed. The results show that the field strength distribution under a combined AC/DC field is more uniform, especially for negative polarity. For the same voltage form, temperature and breakdown time show an exponential relationship. The results are consistent with those of previous experimental studies, proving the usability of the model. In addition, the processes of initiation, growth, and breakdown stage of the dielectric degradation process, as well as the stagnation period, are explored theoretically. The stagnation time at low temperatures under combined AC/negative DC voltage is long. The research in this paper is useful for insulation optimization design, condition assessment, and longevity prediction.

Experimental investigation of the rock cutting process and derivation of the 3D spatial distribution of the formation strength using in-cutter sensing

Recent advances in downhole measurements allow to accurately measure drilling forces at the drill bit, and estimate the evolution of the rock strength along the well profile. This paper presents an experimental methodology that allows to measure drilling forces, at the cutter scale, with a sensor embedded behind a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter, and to infer the 3D spatial distribution of the rock strength. Two experimental campaigns have been performed on a laboratory-scaled drilling rig and complemented with standard mechanical tests to validate rock strength estimations. In the first campaign, homogeneous synthetic rock samples have been prepared. The average rock strength of each sample derived from cutter force measurements and a cutter–rock interaction model, compares well with the one derived from mechanical tests. In the second campaign, heterogeneous synthetic rock samples have been prepared. They are made of two layers of gypsum mixtures of different strengths, separated by a slanted bedding plane. Based on the instrumented cutter measurements, the 3D spatial distribution of the rock strength has been reconstructed along its path. Rock strength estimations are consistent with results obtained from mechanical tests, and the reconstructed geometry of the bedding plane matches well its actual geometry. The experimental methodology and technology presented in this paper lay the foundations for estimating rock properties in 3D, at the drilling stage. It has the potential to provide geoscientists information about complex lithological structures at an early stage, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming coring and logging operations.

A high-throughput technique to evaluate the probability distribution of strength of adhesively bonded joints after moisture absorption

ABSTRACT The reliability of adhesive bond strength influences the applicability of structural adhesives in industries. The statistical probability distribution of the strength of adhesive joints is an essential indicator when designing and choosing adhesives. In this study, we experimentally studied the probability distribution of the strength of adhesive joints. The strength data were collected using a novel high-throughput technique consisting of a sample preparation method and shear testing device. Numerous cylindrical butt shear-joint specimens were prepared by mechanical machining and tested using a self-developed shear testing device. The effect of moisture absorption by the adhesive was specifically considered. The probability distribution of the shear strength of the epoxy adhesive joints was characterized using five probability distribution functions: Normal, Lognormal, Exponential, Weibull, and Gamma. Quantile – quantile plots were employed to determine the suitability of each distribution function. The results suggested that the Weibull and Normal distributions were best suited for describing the probability distribution of the strength of the epoxy adhesive joints. The Weibull distribution is particularly suitable for brittle epoxy adhesives. Moisture absorption reduced both the mean and variance of the shear strength, which might be attributed to the plasticization of the adhesives. The high-throughput method proposed in this study significantly improved the efficiency of testing adhesive joints. It not only contributes to the study of the strength distributions of adhesive joints but also helps to shorten the research and development cycle of new adhesives by facilitating rapid strength evaluation.

Electrical tree modelling in dielectric polymers using a phase-field regularized cohesive zone model

Electrical treeing is a leading cause to the eventual breakdown of dielectric polymers under high voltages. This paper presents a simulation scheme developed based on the phase-field regularized cohesive zone model (PF-CZM) for electrical tree modelling. By using the electrical analog of the crack propagation, the localized breakdown is modelled by the evolution of surface energy, and the electrical treeing is driven by the competition between the surface energy and the stored energy following the laws of thermodynamics. The microscopic Weibull distribution of the dielectric breakdown strength is the key factor resulting in the fractal structures of the electrical tree. The model developed is mesh independent and length-scale insensitive when the mesh size is no greater than 2.5μm. The validity of the model was confirmed through experiments, which strengthens its credibility. Three types of composites are designed and compared. The results indicate that the epoxy resin enhanced with 5 vol% silica and 1 vol% graphene sheet has a 3.5 % longer dielectric breakdown time and a 29.2 % higher thermal conductivity than the pure epoxy resin. Overall, the model provides a valuable tool for understanding the physics of electrical treeing and designing new dielectric materials with high withstand voltages.

Development of FEMAXI-ATF for analyzing PCMI behavior of SiC cladded fuel under power ramp conditions

FEMAXI-ATF is being developed for fuel performance modeling of SiC cladded UO2 fuel with focuses on modeling pellet-cladding mechanical interactions (PCMI). The code considers probability distributions of mechanical strengths of monolithic SiC (mSiC) and SiC fiber reinforced SiC matrix composite (SiC/SiC), while it models pseudo-ductility of SiC/SiC and propagation of cladding failures across the wall thickness direction in deterministic manner without explicitly modeling cracks based on finite element method in one-dimensional geometry. Some hypothetical BWR power ramp conditions were used to test sensitivities of different model parameters on the analyzed PCMI behavior. The results showed that propagation of the cladding failure could be modeled by appropriately reducing modulus of elasticities of the failed wall element, so that the mechanical load of the failed element could be re-distributed to other intact elements. The probability threshold for determination of the wall element failure did not have large influence on the predicted power at failure when the threshold was varied between 25 % and 75 %. The current study is still limited with respect to mechanistic modeling of SiC failure as it only models the propagation of the cladding wall element failure across the homogeneous continuum wall without considering generations and propagations of cracks.

Resource recovery of waste glass and incinerated sewage sludge residues in self-foaming lightweight aggregate

Waste glass powder (WGP) and incinerated sewage sludge residues (ISSR) were used as raw materials to produce self-foaming lightweight aggregate (LWA). WGP provided the glassy matrix and reduced the softening temperature, while ISSR acted as a self-foaming agent. The decomposition and evaporation of soluble salts, and the release of CO2 from the reaction between C and Fe3+ in ISSR caused foaming and volume expansion. The study aimed to investigate the influence of WGP: ISSR ratio (50:50 to 75:25) and foaming temperature (750 °C to 950 °C) on the amount of the liquid phase formed, matrix viscosity, pore structure and mechanical properties. Increasing WGP content resulted in a reduction in porosity but an increase in the proportion of closed pores, improving the mechanical strength. Higher foaming temperatures led to increased volume expansion, higher total porosity, and lower strength. It was found that LWA with 75:25 WGP: ISSR ration formed at a foaming temperature between 800 and 900 °C had optimal strength and uniform pore distribution, with diopside and wollastonite as the main crystalline phases present.

Study on the electrical breakdown failure mode transition of TSV-RDL

This study investigates the electrical breakdown failure modes and mechanisms of TSV-RDL (Through-Silicon Via with Redistribution Layer) structures through experiments and finite element simulation analysis. By employing a Taguchi method-based finite element simulation, the impact of structural parameters on the electrical breakdown failure modes of TSV-RDLs has been explored. The study reveals two electrically induced breakdown failure modes for TSV-RDLs. One case involves failures occurring at the RDL_pad/SiO2 interface, while the other involves failures within the SiO2 layer along the TSV sidewall interface. The design of TSV-RDLs can influence the distribution of electric field strength and subsequently lead to different electrical breakdown failure modes. In the case of double-blind solid TSV-RDLs, double-through solid TSV-RDLs, and double-blind hollow TSV-RDLs, the pad pitch is identified as a crucial parameter that affects their failure modes. As the pad pitch increases, the location of electrical breakdown failure shifts from the RDL_pad/SiO2 interface to the SiO2 layer along the TSV sidewall interface. Conversely, for the double-through hollow TSV-RDL structure, the structural parameters of TSV, including TSV height, TSV pitch, and SiO2 layer thickness, are the principal factors influencing its failure modes. As these parameters decrease, the position of electrical breakdown failure transitions from the RDL_pad/SiO2 interface to the SiO2 layer along the TSV interface.

Modelling the effect of layer strength distribution on the brick-and-mortar failure regimes and properties

Brick-and-Mortar structures are of high interest because their staggered multi-material arrangement can result in a remarkable combination of high strength and high toughness. Synthetic replication of these structures with high geometric control has been made possible recently with the advances in multi-material Additive Manufacturing (AM). However, very little is known on how inherent material variation in the constituent materials, which can be significant in AM, affects the structure response.In this work, we use a semi-analytical model to theoretically show that a variation in the strength of the layers in a Brick-and-Mortar structure has a significant effect on the failure response of the structure. It can lead to changes in failure regimes and negatively impact the mechanical properties, such as decrease the strain to failure or decrease the yield stress. This is particularly pronounced when the material behaviour is situated close to the transition point between failure regimes. We then present an experimental method to capture strength variability in the layer material and demonstrate that the incorporation of this variability into the semi-analytical model improves our prediction of the failure response of the structure, as compared to experiments.

Improved DC Dielectric Performance of Cross-Linked Polyethylene Modified by Free Radical-Initiated Grafting BMIE.

To enhance the direct current (DC) dielectric properties of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) for high-voltage (HV) cable insulation, the polyethylene molecular chain is modified by grafting bismaleimide ethane (BMIE), which creates carrier deep traps within the polymer material. Compared to the traditional modified molecule maleic anhydride (MAH), BMIE has a significantly higher boiling point than the production temperature of XLPE. Additionally, it does not release bubbles during the production process and, thus, preserves the dielectric properties. It was proved by infrared spectroscopy and a gel content test that BMIE was successfully grafted onto the polyethylene molecular chain and had no effect on the crosslinking degree of the polymer while reducing the amount of crosslinker, thereby reducing the influence of the by-products of the decomposition of dicumene peroxide (DCP) on the electrical resistance of polymers. The analysis of DC breakdown field strength, current density, and space charge distribution at various temperatures demonstrates that grafting BMIE can greatly enhance the dielectric properties of insulation. Polar groups in the BMIE molecule create deep trap energy levels in XLPE-g-BMIE, and these trap energy levels contribute to the formation of a charged layer near the electrode, which is shielded by Coulomb potential. As a result, the charge injection barrier increases. Additionally, the presence of these polar groups reduces the mobility of charge carriers through trap-carrier scattering, effectively suppressing the accumulation of space charge within the material. First-principle calculations also confirm that bound states can be introduced as carrier traps by grafting BMIE onto polyethylene molecules. The agreement between experimental results and simulation calculations indicates that grafting BMIE to enhance the dielectric properties of polyethylene is a new and feasible research direction in the exploitation of materials for HVDC cables.

Extrusion-based 3D-concrete-printing with different flow direction

Various flow directions are employed in the actual printing process, resulting in different printed results. This study primarily investigates how flow direction impacts the distribution of material mass, deformation behavior, and interlayer bond strength in printed structures. The results indicate that flow direction plays a pivotal role in regulating printing pressure. Increasing the flow direction can lead to higher deformation ratios, improved interlayer bond strength, elevated average compression pressure, and increased printing pressure in printed structures. However, this comes at the cost of reducing the area ratio of deposited filament. Achieving a balance between high buildability and desirable interlayer bond properties solely by adjusting the flow direction during the extrusion-deposition process may prove challenging. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the selection and adjustment of flow direction in 3D printing process.