Composite Structures Research Articles

Structural forming of soil composites using as a pavement subgrade strengthening

The article substantiates the possibility of obtaining composite materials with improved functional properties to strengthen the subgrade, containing technogenic soil stabilized by an additive based on a gelling polymer. The introduction of technogenic soils into composites will not only reduce the consumption of expensive materials, but also solve a complex of acute environmental problems. Composite materials can be used in the construction of structural layers of road pavements, foundations of buildings and structures, sites for various purposes, for the prevention and elimination of defects in the foundations of engineering structures during their construction, reconstruction and repair, including in permafrost areas. Stabilized technogenic soils are more durable, frost-resistant and waterproof, which makes them applicable for creating impervious curtains in hydraulic structures and sealing storage facilities for hazardous substances. The cryogenic effect on a composite material allows one to vary its properties within a wide range and modify its macroporous structure. Studying the process of structure formation of the resulting organic-inorganic materials, consisting of macromolecules of high-molecular substances and inorganic inclusions that have undergone cryogenic treatment, will make it possible to specifically regulate their performance characteristics. The best values of strength characteristics were obtained for samples with a stabilizing additive concentration of 100g/l. The resulting composite materials are hydrophobic, frost-resistant, characterized by a compressive strength of 2.3-6.5MPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.19-0.20W/(m·K). Data from differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry and IR spectroscopy revealed that the binding of mineral particles by a stabilizing additive occurs due to the formation of organomineral complexes with the participation of clay minerals and the restructuring of hydration shells. SEM data indicate that crystallinity zones formed due to hydrogen bonds of hydroxyl groups of neighboring polymer chains can participate in the formation of the composite structure. An increase in the number of cryogenic treatment cycles promotes additional structuring and strengthening of the polymer phase due to the formation of additional nodes of the supramolecular network, ordering of crystallinity zones and the appearance of compacted areas in the structure. Computed X-ray tomography revealed an increase in the density of the composite upon drying, which helps to increase its strength characteristics. The structure of the sample is characterized by heterogeneity of the pore space, which is characterized by the presence of both fine-porous and large-porous regions, which determines its thermophysical properties.

Investigating the effectiveness of carbon nanotubes for the compressive strength of concrete using AI-aided tools

Sustainable development in the building industry can be achieved through the use of versatile cementitious composites. Thus, incorporating nanoparticles into cement composites can create materials with enhanced performance and numerous applications. The utilization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the construction industry has great promise for developing efficient solutions to establish a sustainable ecosystem with diverse characteristics. However, forecasting the characteristics of these composites is a significant challenge due to their intricate composite structure and nonlinear behavior. Designing and conducting laboratory experiments on diverse samples and across multiple age groups is challenging, time-consuming, and costly. Moreover, there is presently a lack of a forecasting model that can predict concrete's compressive strength (fc') with nanoparticles. Three machine learning (ML) techniques, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), linear regression (LR), and artificial neural network (ANN), were used to predict the fc' of nanocomposites containing CNTs in this research. A thorough database consisting of 282 data entities for the CNTs-based concrete and the model's reliability was assessed using the R2 test and statistical error analysis. The ANN model had the most outstanding R2 value of 0.885, while the KNN and LR models had R2 values of 0.838 and 0.744, respectively. Moreover, RReliefF analysis is utilized to evaluate the primary components in predicting concrete outcomes. This research shows that the properties of CNT-based concrete composites are greatly affected by the water-to-binder ratio, followed by the proportions of cement and coarse aggregates. The ML algorithms exhibited superior generalization capabilities, suggesting their enhanced potential for accurate predictions of CNTs-based concrete properties.

Dynamic analysis of the three-phase magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) structures with the finite element method enriched by proper enrichment functions

In this study, a carefully designed enriched finite element method (EFEM) is presented to improve the solution accuracy of the conventional FEM by analyzing the dynamic behavior of the magnetic-electric-elastic (MEE) composite structures, which are frequently used in designing various smart and intelligent devices. By formulating the proper EFEM with ideal numerical performance, different enrichment functions are considered and the corresponding solution quality of different versions of the EFEM is compared and examined in great detail. When the Lagrange polynomial basis functions together with the harmonic trigonometric functions are used as enrichment functions, the obtained EFEM shows extremely powerful and ideal numerical performance, which is obviously better than the other versions of EFEM and the conventional FEM, in studying the free vibration and harmonic frequency responses of the MEE structures. Nearly exact numerical solutions for three-phase physical fields of MEE structures can be generated by the proposed EFEM even if very coarse mesh patterns are used. Intensive numerical studies are conducted to confirm and verify the excellent properties of the proposed EFEM in performing dynamic analysis of the MEE structures.

Variations on the Choi–Jamiołkowski isomorphism

The Choi–Jamiołkowski isomorphism is an essential component in every quantum information theorist’s toolkit: it allows to identify linear maps between two quantum systems with linear operators on the composite system. Here, we analyse this widely used gadget from a new perspective. Namely, we explicitly distinguish between its kinematical and dynamical properties, that is, we study the isomorphism on two different levels: Jordan algebras and the different C∗ -algebras they arise from, which are distinguished by their order of composition. A number of important and novel insights stem from our analysis. We find that Choi’s theorem, which asserts that Choi’s version of the isomorphism (Choi 1975 Lin. Alg. Appl. 10 285) further maps the positive cone of completely positive linear maps (such as quantum channels) to the cone of positive linear operators (such as quantum states) on the composite system, crucially depends on the dynamical structure in C∗ -algebras. We explain in detail how this dependence gives rise to the mismatch between the basis-dependence of Choi’s version of the isomorphism, and the basis-independent version by Jamiołkowski (1972 Rep. Math. Phys. 3 275). We then overcome this subtle but pervasive issue in a number of ways: first, we prove a version of Choi’s theorem for Jamiołkowski’s isomorphism, second, we define a basis-independent variant of Choi’s isomorphism and, third, by making explicit the dynamical distinction between Jordan and C∗ -algebras, we combine the different variants of the isomorphism into a unified description, that subsumes their individual features. We also embed and interpret our results in the graphical calculus of categorical quantum mechanics.

A high-performance, sensitive, low-cost LIG/PDMS strain sensor for impact damage monitoring and localization in composite structures

Health monitoring of composite structures in aircraft is critical, as these structures are commonly utilized in weight-sensitive areas and innovative designs that directly impact flight safety and reliability. Traditional monitoring methods have limitations in monitoring area, strain limit, and signal processing. In this paper, a multifunctional sensor has been developed using acid-treated laser-induced graphene (A-LIG) with a multi-layer three-dimensional conductive network. Compared to untreated laser-induced graphene, the sensitivity of A-LIG sensor is increased by 100%. Furthermore, PDMS is used to fill the pores, which improves the fatigue performance of the A-LIG sensor. To obtain clear monitoring results, a data conversion algorithm is provided to convert the electrical signal obtained by the sensor into a strain field contour cloud map. The impact test of the A-LIG/PDMS sensor on the carbon fiber panel of the aircraft wing box segment verifies the effectiveness of its strain sensing. This work introduces a novel approach to fabricating flexible sensors with improved sensitivity, extended strain range, and cost-effectiveness. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity (gauge factor, GF ≈ 387), is low hysteresis (∼53 ms), and has a wide working range (up to 47%), and a highly stable and reproducible response over multiple test cycles (>18 000) with good switching response. It presents a promising and innovative direction for utilizing flexible sensors in the field of aircraft structural health monitoring.

Optimizing an integrated biovigilance toolbox to study the spatial distribution and dynamic changes of airborne mycobiota, with a focus on cereal rust fungi in western Canada.

In the face of evolving agricultural practices and climate change, tools towards an integrated biovigilance platform to combat crop diseases, spore sampling, DNA diagnostics and predictive trajectory modelling were optimized. These tools revealed microbial dynamics and were validated by monitoring cereal rust fungal pathogens affecting wheat, oats, barley and rye across four growing seasons (2015-2018) in British Columbia and during the 2018 season in southern Alberta. ITS2 metabarcoding revealed disparity in aeromycobiota diversity and compositional structure across the Canadian Rocky Mountains, suggesting a barrier effect on air flow and pathogen dispersal. A novel bioinformatics classifier and curated cereal rust fungal ITS2 database, corroborated by real-time PCR, enhanced the precision of cereal rust fungal species identification. Random Forest modelling identified crop and land-use diversification as well as atmospheric pressure and moisture as key factors in rust distribution. As a valuable addition to explain observed differences and patterns in rust fungus distribution, trajectory HYSPLIT modelling tracked rust fungal urediniospores' northeastward dispersal from the Pacific Northwest towards southern British Columbia and Alberta, indicating multiple potential origins. Our Canadian case study exemplifies the power of an advanced biovigilance toolbox towards developing an early-warning system for farmers to detect and mitigate impending disease outbreaks.

Development of a highly sensitive ampicillin sensor utilizing functionalized aptamers.

To develop a sensitive and simple ampicillin (AMP) sensor for trace antibiotic residue detection, the influencing factors of the modification effect of nanogold-functionalized nucleic acid sequences (Adenine: A, Thymine: T) were comprehensively analyzed in this study, including the modification method, base length and type. It was found that under the same base concentration, longer chains are more likely to reach saturation than shorter chains; and when the base concentration and length are both the same, A exhibits a higher saturation modification level compared to T. Based on these research findings, a highly sensitive fluorescence aptamer sensor for detecting ampicillin was constructed using the optimized functionalized sequence (ployA6-aptamer) and experimental conditions (6 hours binding time between nucleic acid aptamer and complementary strand, pH 7 working solution, 20 minutes detection time) based on the principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The sensor has a detection range of 0.18 ng ml-1 to 3.11 ng ml-1 for ampicillin, with a detection limit of 0.04 ng ml-1. It exhibits significant selectivity and achieves an average recovery rate of 98.71% in tap water and 91.83% in milk. This method can be used not only for residual ampicillin detection, but also for highly sensitive detection of various antibiotics and small biological molecules by replacing the aptamer type. It provides a research basis for the design of highly sensitive fluorescence aptamer sensors and further applications of nanogold@DNA composite structures.

Improving resonant ice protection systems with substrate optimization

Electro-mechanical de-icing systems are low-energy ice protection solutions based on ice fracture mechanisms. This article focuses on resonant electro-mechanical de-icing systems that actuate modes of flexion, which require low energy compared to extension modes. However, fracture propagation limits are encountered when using such flexural modes, preventing the ice from being completely detached from the substrate. This study demonstrates the feasibility of extending the ice detachment area by optimizing the thickness of the substrate. First, the interest and the limits of flexural resonant modes are discussed. Then the de-icing of a simple metallic beam in free conditions using a flexural mode is improved owing to the parametric optimization of the substrate thickness. The optimization is verified by tests on aluminum prototypes. The optimization results are then extended to a clamped composite plate and then to a NACA profile, showing interest in the approach to fully de-ice structures with modes of flexion, even in the case of complex geometries. With this last example, the study also demonstrates the feasibility of electro-mechanical ice protection systems for carbon fiber reinforced Polymer composite structures.

Pip5k1γ promotes anabolism of nucleus pulposus cells and intervertebral disc homeostasis by activating CaMKII-Ampk pathway in aged mice.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) represents a significant global health challenge, yet its underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of type 1 phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (Pip5k1) in intervertebral disc (IVD) homeostasis and disease. All three Pip5k1 isoforms, namely Pip5k1α, Pip5k1β, and Pip5k1γ, were detectable in mouse and human IVD tissues, with Pip5k1γ displaying a highest expression in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. The expression of Pip5k1γ was significantly down-regulated in the NP cells of aged mice and patients with severe DDD. To determine whether Pip5k1γ expression is required for disc homeostasis, we generated a Pip5k1γfl/fl; AggrecanCreERT2 mouse model for the conditional knockout of the Pip5k1γ gene in aggrecan-expressing IVD cells. Our findings revealed that the conditional deletion of Pip5k1γ did not affect the disc structure or cellular composition in 5-month-old adult mice. However, in aged (15-month-old) mice, this deletion led to several severe degenerative disc defects, including decreased NP cellularity, spontaneous fibrosis and cleft formation, and a loss of the boundary between NP and annulus fibrosus. At the molecular level, the absence of Pip5k1γ reduced the anabolism of NP cells without markedly affecting their catabolic or anti-catabolic activities. Moreover, the loss of Pip5k1γ significantly dampened the activation of the protective Ampk pathway in NP cells, thereby accelerating NP cell senescence. Notably, Pip5k1γ deficiency blunted the effectiveness of metformin, a potent Ampk activator, in activating the Ampk pathway and mitigating lumbar spine instability (LSI)-induced disc lesions in mice. Overall, our study unveils a novel role for Pip5k1γ in promoting anabolism and maintaining disc homeostasis, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for DDD.

Tailoring the extension-bending-twisting coupling in composite laminates using carbon nanotube hybridization

The existence of extension-bend-twist coupling of deformations in composites is a complex problem. Ability to tailor the coupling response as per the requirement is desirable to harness the high strength-to-weight ratio of composites in many structural applications. Here we report a feasible design strategy to tune the extent of deformation coupling in composite laminates. To this end, carbon nanotube (CNT) grafted lamina is incorporated in the lay-up of conventional composites. Classical laminate theory (CLT) and finite element analysis show that the coupling extent of extension-twist, extension-bending and extension- bending-twist can be suitably designed by varying the number, location and distribution of CNT grafted lamina in a laminate configuration. Theoretical and computational results reveal maximum extension-twist coupling when a single CNT grafted lamina is placed closer to the mid-plane in a 16 ply antisymmetric laminate. Symmetrical placement of CNT grafted lamina avoids the extension-bend coupling. Finite element analysis shows that the lateral bending of composite cantilever beam under combined axial and bending loads can be designed by suitably choosing the configuration of the modified laminate. These findings will significantly contribute in designing structural composites for advanced applications.

Platinum-Particle-Assisted Etching of Low-, Moderately-, and Highly-Doped p-Type Silicon: Change of Composite Porous Structure

Metal-assisted etching (metal-assisted chemical etching) is an efficient method to fabricate porous silicon (Si). When using platinum (Pt) particles as metal catalysts in metal-assisted etching, a composite porous structure of straight macropores formed beneath the Pt particles and a mesoporous layer formed on the entire surface of Si can be fabricated. The formation mechanism of the composite structure is still open to discussion. We previously demonstrated that the ratio of mesoporous layer thickness to macropore depth showed a large value (approximately 1.1) in the case of highly-doped p-Si. In this study, we investigated the composite structure formation by using p-Si substrates with different doping densities and etching solutions with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). There was not significant difference in the structures formed on low- and moderately-doped Si, despite the large difference in doping density. The ratio of mesoporous layer thickness to macropore depth increased within the range approximately from 0.1 to 0.4 with increasing the H2O2 concentration in the case of low- and moderately-doped Si, but it did not change in the case of highly-doped Si. We discussed the observation results based on the spatial distribution of hole consumption and the band structures at Pt/Si and Si/electrolyte interfaces.

Silica nanoparticle-reinforced polyurethane plastic immobilized with strontium aluminate nanofiller: Ultraviolet protection, superhydrophobicity and photoluminescence

A simple strategy was reported toward a possible industrial preparation of smart plastic materials with persistent afterglow, ultraviolet protection, superhydrophobic properties and photochromism. Nanoparticles of rare-earth doped aluminate (NREA) were embedded into a polyurethane plastic composite. A combination of polyurethane (bulk material), silica nanoparticles (nanofiller), and NREA (luminous agent) was prepared. Achieving a uniform distribution of NREA in a polyurethane fluid allows for the manufactured plastic to be colorless. NREA showed diameters between 12 nm and 26 nm. When excited at 365 nm, the produced photoluminescent polyurethane composite demonstrated an emission band at 519 nm. NREA contents more than 1 % were found to exhibit persistent photoluminescence, whereas pigment concentrations less than 1 % were found to exhibit fluorescence emission. The created plastic concrete exhibited photochromism, as shown by the coloration parameters and photoluminescence spectra, which proved a change in color between transparent during daylight, green under ultraviolet rays, and greenish-yellow in darkness. The static contact angle tests demonstrated effective superhydrophobic properties. Significant improvements were detected ultraviolet protection and photostability. The hardness properties, structural compositions, and morphology of the developed polyurethane plastics were also explored.

Effect of composite fin structure on phase change heat storage tank: A numerical investigation

This study investigates the phase change heat storage process in the hot water displacement system. The PCHS unit incorporates V-shaped fins and straight fins to enhance heat transfer, with the additional enhancement of annular fins. Numerical simulation is used to examine the impact of fin structure and quantity on the evolution of internal flow rate, liquid phase, and temperature during the heat charging process. The response of different fin structures to parameters such as melting time, heat storage rate, storage capacity, and dimensionless temperature is analyzed. The results indicate that Model-6 (4 V-shaped fins + annular fins) exhibits the shortest melting time, reduced by 52.13 % compared to Model-1 (initial structure). The melting time of Model-4 (4 straight fins + annular fins) and Model-6 shows little difference, during the final melting stage, attributed to the good heat transfer performance of the bottom fin in Model-4. Furthermore, the total heat absorption of Model-4 and Model-6 is decreased by 3.92 % and 3.20 % respectively compared to Model-1, while the mean rate of heat storage is increased by 100.20 % and 102.21 % compared to Model-1, demonstrating the significant improvement in heat storage performance with annular fins. Additionally, the same number of V-shaped fins and straight fins, when paired with annular fins, exhibit minimal differences in their strengthening effects, with V-shaped fins enhancing pre-melting and mid-melting, and straight fins showing advantages for end-melting.

Understanding Performance Limitation of Liquid Alkaline Water Electrolyzers

Liquid alkaline water electrolyzers (LAWEs), being the most commercially mature electrolysis technology, play a pivotal role in large-scale hydrogen production. However, LAWEs suffer from low operational efficiency, primarily due to un-optimized electrode structure and chemical compositions. Thus, we investigated how various electrode configurations could impact LAWE performance. Our results show that Ni felt electrodes outperform the conventional Ni foam thanks to improved electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) and preferred electrode surface structure that minimizes the micro-gaps in between the electrode and separator. By comparing the stainless steel (SS) felt electrodes with Ni felt electrodes, SS not only shows better oxygen evolution reaction activity but also improved hydrogen evolution reaction activity, which is less studied in the literature. We also show that a bilayer structure with small pore radius facing the separator could further improve LAWE performance by further optimizing interfacial contact between electrode and separator. These findings enable LAWEs to sustain 2 A cm−2 at 2.2 V and operate steadily at 1 A cm−2 for nearly 600 h with negligible performance decay. Our studies establish criteria for selecting electrodes to achieve high-performance LAWE and, in turn, expedite the adoption of LAWEs in hydrogen production and the transition towards low-carbon economies.

Non-preoxidation synthesis of MXene integrated flexible carbon film for supercapacitors

Although the flexible carbon film integrated with MXene has been proven to be a new generation of supercapacitor material with good energy storage prospects, the MXene oxidation and the lack of active sites during the preparation of the carbon film can lead to irreversible capacity loss. Herein, a flexible carbon film constructed by MXene-integrated N-doped cavity-interconnected porous carbon nanofibers was prepared by a non-pre-oxidation synthesis strategy combining electrospinning and metal–organic framework derivatization. This flexible carbon film overcomes the oxidation problem of MXene during the stabilization of polyacrylonitrile, and the derived porous structure of cavity interconnection exposes more active sites. Due to its unique structural characteristics and ideal chemical composition, this independent flexible carbon film exhibits significantly enhanced electrochemical performance as an electrode material for supercapacitors. It exhibits an energy density of 26.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 500 W kg−1, and a capacitance retention rate of 96.3 % after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. This study provides a unique strategy for the preparation of high-performance flexible carbon films, and this technology can also be extended to other integrated CNF composites for the design of high-performance supercapacitor electrodes.

The use of X-Ray computed tomography for the diagnosis of composite structures in the energy sector

RELEVANCE In modern Russia, an important condition for the development of the Far North and Far Eastern regions is to provide these regions with electricity. In remote areas with increased wind potential, the use of wind power plants, the main structural elements of which are made of polymer composite materials (PCM), is promising. The most dangerous operational defect of the PCM is shock damage: due to hail strikes or pieces of ice that broke off during heating of the blades, as well as lightning strikes. Such defects, which are difficult to detect during visual inspection, can significantly reduce the strength and service life of the structure. At the stages of technology development and design certification, the use of modern methods of non-destructive testing is required.PURPOSE. To evaluate the possibilities of X-ray computed tomography for the diagnosis of structural elements made of PCM with impact damage.METHODS. After applying a low-speed impact to fragments of the blades of the wind turbine, a visual inspection and measurement of the size of internal injuries are carried out on a Phoenix V |Tome|X X-ray computed tomograph.RESULTS The nature of the damage inflicted with different impact energies on the most critical areas of fragments of the airfoil blades and the stringer panel is investigated. The depth and area of damage have been determined. The nature and size of internal injuries were studied using an X-rayCOMPUTED tomograph. conclusion. The results obtained allow us to estimate with high accuracy the size and location of impact damage, which can be used in strength calculations.

Acid wet blasting method for fabricating superhydrophobic aluminum surface with micro-nano composite structures

Acid wet blasting method for fabricating superhydrophobic aluminum surface with micro-nano composite structures

Multilayered cork-STF composite structures enhanced with laser texturing for impact mitigation

AbstractCork and its composites have shown great potential to be employed in protective equipment, damping, and crashworthy systems. Their sustainability is far more positive than that of the solutions currently used. Recent advances in the development of cork composites with shear thickening fluids (STFs) have demonstrated promising results for impact mitigation, mainly focusing on layered structures. This study investigates disruptive configurations of cork-based multilayered structures strategically enhanced with shear-thickening fluid interfaces. In addition, laser texturing of the cork surface to enhance the STF interaction was also investigated. The samples were then subjected to low-energy impact tests with a hemispherical impactor. Additionally, samples were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to investigate the interactions with STF and modifications caused by the interaction with the laser beam. Some of the explored configurations substantially reduced the impact force, achieving a maximum reduction of 19.7%, mainly benefiting from the STF incorporation between cork layers and enhanced with laser texturing.

Intelligent Computational Methods for Damage Detection of Laminated Composite Structures for Mobility Applications: A Comprehensive Review

Intelligent Computational Methods for Damage Detection of Laminated Composite Structures for Mobility Applications: A Comprehensive Review

Miniature snapshot midinfrared spectrometer based on metal-insulator-metal metasurface

Abstract Metasurfaces showcase the performance of light field manipulation at the subwavelength scale, which brings forth the tremendous applications in the field of optical imaging and sensing, especially in the spectroscopic detection. Here, we demonstrate a spectral detector composed of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) composite structures working in midinfrared band, which can effectively collect and restore target spectral characteristics in the midinfrared band with trained reconstruction algorithm. The proposed device consists of snapshot multichannel detection and spectral reconstruction, showing the average spectral reconstruction accuracy approaching 80% of the system. Moreover, we discuss the feasibility of applying this structural design into a miniature spectrometer over a wider infrared wavelength range by proposing a feasible design strategy. Our result provides a new approach for low-cost and portable midinfrared spectroscopic detection in ultracompact midinfrared spectral imaging and sensing elements.