Transient Surface Research Articles

Enable strong electrical coupling between the InZnP@PbS collodial quantum dots in films via the two-step ligand exchange method

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising materials for building next-generation solution-processed, high-performance, and low-cost optoelectronic devices. The photoelectric properties of the resulting films are not only determined by the intrinsic characteristics of the CQDs but are also significantly affected by the electrical coupling between them. However, enhancing the electrical coupling in CQD-based films is still a big challenge. In this work, a two-step ligand exchange strategy has been conducted to solve the above issue, where the InZnP@PbS CQDs have been used as the case. First, the Meerwein salt (Et3OBF4) solution in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) has been employed to peel off the native ligands that are strongly capped on the surface of oil-soluble CQDs, resulting in a neat surface. Second, iodide ions are linked to the neat surface of the CQDs to narrow the distance between them and passivate their defects, establishing strong electrical coupling. Transient surface photovoltage (TSPV) and photo-conductance tests confirm that the resulting InZnP@PbS–I CQDs films possess good photoelectric properties and stability. In the fabricated solid-state solar cells, 3.1 % of the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) has been achieved under 1 sun. The current results are outstanding for III-V group CQD-based all solid-state solar cells.

Non-contact targeted removal of remnant powder particles from additive manufacturing builds with nano-second laser pulsing

Post-production precision cleaning is one critical challenge in Additive Manufacturing (AM) production of high-value, critical parts/builds. A part shedding particle during its operational use could cause severe complications in critical applications such as medical devices and aerospace components. This study presents a non-contact precision particle removal procedure based on a novel Dry Laser Cleaning (DLC) framework. DLC utilizes the thermo-elastic wave generation/propagation and high-frequency surface acceleration fields to dislodge and remove remnant particles due to inertial forces from a well-defined (user-specified) cleaning zone in a non-contact manner, as opposed to cleaning the entire build surface, which could lead to undesirable re-deposition and re-location of particles as well as high cost. The removal of spherical Stainless Steel 316 L (SS316L) micro-particles commonly used in AM from polished, atomically flat Silicon (Si) wafer substrates with uniform high free surface energy using a nano-second laser pulse is experimentally and computationally investigated. In general, a rough surface has a lower average free surface energy; thus, its cleaning, compared to Si wafer, is less challenging. The data with the SS316-Si material pair offers a consistent baseline. In parallel to experiments, a fully-coupled thermo-mechanical finite element study is also conducted for transient surface acceleration simulations to predict the effectiveness of SS316L micro-particle removal from a Si wafer substrate with laser pulsation. It is observed that SS316L micro-particles with a diameter larger than 5.61 μm, 8.43 μm, and 12.24 μm can be removed entirely at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm distances from its epicenter, respectively. Accordingly, a work-of-adhesion of 990.8 mJ/m2 is selected between the SS316-Si material pair, consistent with the literature. The reported experiments and simulations demonstrate the potential of the proposed rapid precision particle removal procedure for cleaning critical powder-based AM builds, where the targeted removal of particles is essential for the safe and reliable operation of high-value builds and parts.

Transient study using LoTSS – framework development and preliminary results

ABSTRACT We present a search for transient radio sources on time-scales of seconds to hours at 144 MHz using the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS). This search is conducted by examining short time-scale images derived from the LoTSS data. To allow imaging of LoTSS on short time-scales, a modern imaging procedure and fast filtering strategy are introduced. This includes sky model source subtraction, no cleaning or primary beam correction, a simple source finder, fast filtering schemes, and source catalogue matching. This new strategy is first tested by injecting simulated transients, with a range of flux densities and durations, into the data. We find the limiting sensitivity to be 113 and 6 mJy for 8 s and 1 h transients, respectively. The new imaging and filtering strategies are applied to 58 fields of the LoTSS survey, corresponding to LoTSS-DR1 (2 per cent of the survey). One transient source is identified in the 8 s and 2 min snapshot images. The source shows 1 min duration flare in the 8 h observation. Our method puts the most sensitive constraints on/estimates of the transient surface density at low frequencies at time-scales of seconds to hours; <4.0 × 10−4 deg−2 at 1 h at a sensitivity of 6.3 mJy; 5.7 × 10−7 deg−2 at 2 min at a sensitivity of 30 mJy; and 3.6 × 10−8 deg−2 at 8 s at a sensitivity of 113 mJy. In the future, we plan to apply the strategies presented in this paper to all LoTSS data.

Dynamic convergent shock compression initiated by return current in high-intensity laser–solid interactions

We investigate the dynamics of convergent shock compression in solid cylindrical targets irradiated by an ultrafast relativistic laser pulse. Our particle-in-cell simulations and coupled hydrodynamic simulations reveal that the compression process is initiated by both magnetic pressure and surface ablation associated with a strong transient surface return current with density of the order of 1017 A/m2 and lifetime of 100 fs. The results show that the dominant compression mechanism is governed by the plasma β, i.e., the ratio of thermal pressure to magnetic pressure. For targets with small radius and low atomic number Z, the magnetic pressure is the dominant shock compression mechanism. According to a scaling law, as the target radius and Z increase, the surface ablation pressure becomes the main mechanism generating convergent shocks. Furthermore, an indirect experimental indication of shocked hydrogen compression is provided by optical shadowgraphy measurements of the evolution of the plasma expansion diameter. The results presented here provide a novel basis for the generation of extremely high pressures exceeding Gbar (100 TPa) to enable the investigation of high-pressure physics using femtosecond J-level laser pulses, offering an alternative to nanosecond kJ-laser pulse-driven and pulsed power Z-pinch compression methods.

A continuum model of discrete granular avalanches

A simple continuum model is proposed for discrete granular avalanches, as observed in slowly rotating drums. Subject to granular transfer across the basal interface, the model evolves the transient surface inclination and mid-slope velocity profile of the avalanches, from failure to arrest. This is done using new boundary conditions that allow entrainment or detrainment contingent on the basal shear rate. For entrainment to occur, the basal shear stress must overcome the erosion resistance of the jammed deposit, while for detrainment to take place the basal shear rate must vanish. The resulting avalanche dynamics is controlled by a single dimensionless number, the ratio of excess slope at failure to excess resistance to erosion, that can be determined from inclination history data. This number provides a measure of slope brittleness, from which the peak flow rate and arrest inclination can be predicted. Analytical techniques are used to derive model solutions, and clarify the resulting behaviour. Finally, the model is tested by comparing solutions with laboratory experiments and discrete particle simulations.

Transient Superhydrophilic Surface Modification of Polyimide by Metal Ion Beam Irradiation.

Polyimide is commonly used as a substrate for flexible electronic devices because of its excellent thermal, physical, and electrical properties. To enhance the adhesion between substrates and electrodes, it is necessary to improve the hydrophilic properties of the polyimide. Various surface treatments, such as plasma treatment, laser ablation, and ultraviolet treatments, have been applied for this purpose. In this study, we demonstrated that Cu and Ti ion beam irradiation can temporarily create a superhydrophilic surface on polyimide after irradiation. When Cu or Ti ions bombarded the polyimide, the contact angle changed systematically with the beam current density and over time. We present atomic force microscopy (AFM) data for polyimide irradiated with Cu and Ti ions at different beam current densities and discuss the possible mechanisms behind the changes in the contact angle.

Synchrotron EDXRD strain-temperature measurement during laser welding

Synchrotron EDXRD strain-temperature measurement during laser welding

Transient simulation of conjugate heat transfer of kerosene with thermal oxidative and surface coking reactions at a supercritical pressure

The regenerative cooling technology in aerospace applications often involves supercritical-pressure heat transfer of a hydrocarbon fuel, in which thermal oxidative reactions of the fuel would lead to surface coke accumulation on the cooling channel wall. In this paper, the long-term transient conjugate heat transfer of kerosene has been numerically investigated in a circular mini tube at a supercritical pressure of 3 MPa. The modified chemical mechanism and kinetics of thermal oxidative and surface coking reactions of kerosene are proposed, which, with an additional surface reaction, are capable of treating large coke deposition in regions with sharp temperature gradients. Transient surface coke accumulation and its effect on heat transfer are handled by a dynamic mesh technique. A series of numerical studies are conducted to elucidate the influences of surface heat flux, dissolved oxygen mass fraction, inlet fuel mass flow rate, and coke layer thermal conductivity on the supercritical-pressure heat transfer and thermal oxidative reactions. The effects of different reaction pathways on surface coke accumulation are analyzed comprehensively, and it is revealed that the oxygen-consuming surface coke deposition is initiated only at the high fuel temperature at around 590 K. The present numerical results would enhance fundamental understanding of the long-term transient heat transfer process of a hydrocarbon fuel at supercritical pressures in the regenerative cooling applications.

Quenching extinction of solid sphere diffusion flames induced by a sudden removal of gravity

The response of a diffusion flame around a PMMA solid sphere to a sudden transition to zero-gravity is investigated both experimentally and numerically. The initial flame is established in normal gravity with a low speed forced flow in a 17% oxygen by volume atmosphere. An abrupt (step change) normal-to-zero gravity transition occurs when the test package is released in the drop tower. The dynamic flame response is recorded by video and modeled numerically. By the end of the 5.18-s drop, the flame tip retreats, and the flame base may either remain stabilized near the forward stagnation region or extinguish depending on several parameters. The two parameters investigated are: forced flow velocity and the degree of preheating in the surface layer of the solid sample. The amount of preheating or equivalently the conductive flame heat loss rate to the solid interior is varied by controlling the duration of the normal gravity burning before releasing to microgravity. The heat loss is quantified by using embedded thermocouples to measure the solid subsurface temperature gradient near the stagnation point. The detailed numerical model reveals details of the flow field and flame structure including oscillatory extinction and quantifies the various transient gas-solid surface energy balance terms.

Stable MOF-In2S3/ZnFe layered dioxide heterostructures for improving photocatalytic degradation: Degradation pathways, kinetics, and charge migration

In this paper, MOF-In2S3 were modified by ZnFe-layered dioxides (LDO) with strong stability to obtain high catalytic performance composite. The successful preparation of ZnFe-LDO/MOF-In2S3 not only retains the advantages of large specific surface area of MOF-In2S3 and the stability of ZnFe-LDO, but also improves its charge separation efficiency and the light absorption region through the construction of heterojunctions. As expected, the experimental results show that ZnFe-LDO/MOF-In2S3 has superior photo-electrocatalytic properties. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnFe-LDO/MOF-In2S3 for TCH and OTC reach 92.92% and 80%, respectively, within 25 min. And the corresponding degradation rate constants are up to 1.41332 and 0.45451 L·mg−1·min−1, respectively, which are accord with the pseudo-second-order kinetic constants. The intermediate of 0.6LDO/M-I degradation of TCH was proposed by liquid mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Notably, a special transient surface photovoltage (TPV) technique was used for discussing the charge transfer kinetics and the lifetime of photogenerated carriers. Based on Mott-Schottky (M-S), Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum (UV), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) results, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results, and active substance capture experiment results, a Z-scheme heterojunction system was proposed. The above research work proposed a new approach to enhance the stability of catalytic materials by using the aid of layered dioxides. In addition, the characterization of surface photovoltage provides a new way to study charge transfer.

Effective nitrogen doping of TiO2 polymorphs at mild temperatures for visible-light-responsive hydrogen evolution

Herein, a mild-temperature nitrogen doping route with the urea-derived gaseous species as the active doping agent is proposed to realize visible-light-responsive photocatalytic hydrogen evolution both for the anatase and rutile TiO2. DFT simulations reveal that the cyanic acid (HOCN), derived from the decomposition of urea, plays a curial role in the effective doping of nitrogen in TiO2 at mild temperatures. Photocatalytic performance demonstrates that both the anatase and rutile TiO2 doped at mild temperatures exhibit the highest hydrogen evolution rates, although the ones prepared at high temperatures possess higher absorbance in the visible range. Steady-state and transient surface photovoltage characterizations of these doped TiO2 polymorphs prepared at different temperatures reveal that harsh conditions (high temperature reaction) typically result in the formation of intrinsic defects that are detrimental to the transport of the low-energy visible-light-induced electrons, while the mild-temperature nitrogen-doping could flatten the pristine upward band bending without triggering the formation of Ti3+, thus achieving enhanced visible-light-responsive hydrogen evolution rates. We anticipate that our findings will provide inspiring information for shrinking the gap between the visible-light-absorbance and the visible-light-responsiveness in the band engineering of wide-bandgap metal-oxide photocatalysts.

Investigating the transition from high to low spatial frequency periodic nanoripples on TiO2 (0 0 1) oriented surface upon irradiation with UV-femtosecond pulses

The formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on a TiO2 (001) oriented surface upon irradiation with UV-fs laser pulses was analyzed. Two systems of low spatial frequency LIPSS (LSFL) perpendicular to the direction of laser polarization are observed after N = 5 laser pulses. One was developed on the edges of the crater created by the first laser pulse, while the other appeared in the center of crater and spread towards the edges. When N was greater than 10, the two LIPSS systems merge. Both LSFL systems have a spatial period of approximately 200 nm and are due to the coherent superposition of surface waves scattered on inhomogeneities of a transient metallic surface. However they differ by the type of defects involved in the excitation process of surface waves. While a pronounced and localized rim triggered LSFL on the edge of the laser spot, LSFL in the central part nucleated at the shallow high spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL), which are parallel to the laser polarization. A mechanism is proposed to explain the role of the HSFL in the formation of LSFL. Numerical simulations of the absorbed laser power density support the evolution from HSFL to LSFL as the number of laser pulses increased.

Evaluation by Liquid Crystal Thermography of Transient Surface Temperature Distribution in Radiant Floor Cooling Applications and Assessment of Analytical and Numerical Models

Abstract The purpose of our study is to evaluate the surface temperature distribution on a radiant floor, particularly focusing on space cooling operations, to assess the presence of nonuniformities. In fact, knowing the temperature difference between the average superficial temperature and the coldest spot can be a useful indication for condensation prevention. Primarily, we performed an experimental campaign in test rooms using temperature sensors and liquid crystal thermography. This allowed us to evaluate the floor temperature distribution both on a local scale, influenced by the discontinuous presence of buried water pipes, and on a macroscale, influenced by internal use, objects, and boundary conditions of the surrounding space. Then, the experimental temperature field on the radiant floor surface has been compared with analytical and numerical models in steady-state and transient phases, respectively. The results indicate limited superficial temperature variations that become more significant at larger tube spacings and under transient conditions. In particular, the numerical transient analysis showed that shortly after a step change in the pipe's temperature boundary condition, a larger variation is locally observable on the floor, which then decays to the new steady-state conditions, presenting more uniformity. However, local effects are generally overshadowed by macro-effects, especially for practical scenarios where many objects, furnishings, and different boundary conditions are present. Finally, as a conservative guideline for the cooling system control, we recommend maintaining the average superficial floor temperature at least 1 °C above the dew point, to account for the described nonuniformities.

Theoretical modeling and dynamic analysis of designable grillages for repairing material surface defect

Designing structural grillages is an innovative solution to repair material surface defects. The grillages have advantages as lightweight and directionally enhanced, but their stability and stress concentration under dynamic loads may pose significant risks. Three analytical models of grillages above a semicircular defect are constructed. The analytical solution of the frequency-domain wave field around the semicircular defect under SH wave incidence is solved. The complex variable function method is introduced to simplify the wave field expression. The accuracy is verified by comparing it with classic examples. Applying the Modified Time-Frequency Transform to obtain the time-domain wave field. Based on the Multipoint Transient Input Method (MTIM), the transient surface displacement response of the grillage above the defect is derived, mainly discussing the superposition behavior of input waves in the grillage. MTIM is based on the analytical solution of local time-domain wave field and takes the time histories of the surface characteristic points as the wave input. It has been validated as an effective method for studying the dynamic response of structures. The numerical results show that grillage form, incident angle, and wave velocity ratio are important factors affecting the structural responses of grillage above the defect. This research aims to reveal the propagation characteristics of waves in grillages in filling material defects, providing theoretical guidance for the design and application of grillages in this field.

A new method for short-duration transient detection in radio images: searching for transient sources in MeerKAT data of NGC 5068

ABSTRACT Transient surveys are a vital tool in exploring the dynamic Universe, with radio transients acting as beacons for explosive and highly energetic astrophysical phenomena. However, performing commensal transient surveys using radio imaging can require a significant amount of computing power, data storage, and time. With the instrumentation available to us, and with new and exciting radio interferometers in development, it is essential that we develop efficient methods to probe the radio transient sky. In this paper, we present results from a commensal short-duration transient survey, on time-scales of 8 s, 128 s, and 1 h, using data from the MeerKAT radio telescope. The data set used was obtained as part of a galaxy observing campaign, and we focus on the field of NGC 5068. We present a quick, wide-field imaging strategy to enable fast imaging of large data sets, and develop methods to efficiently filter detected transient candidates. No transient candidates were identified on the time-scales of 8 s, 128 s, and 1 h, leading to competitive limits on the transient surface densities of $6.7\, {\times }\, 10^{-5}$, $1.1\, {\times }\, 10^{-3}$, and $3.2\, {\times }\, 10^{-2}$ deg−1 at sensitivities of 56.4, 19.2, and 3.9 mJy following primary beam correction for the respective time-scales. We find one possible candidate that could be associated with a stellar flare, which was rejected due to strict image quality control. Further short time-scale radio observations of this candidate could give definite results about its origin.

Transient behavior of liquid film deposition and surface heat transfer upon cryogen-spray cooling coupled with cold air jet

Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) has become a promising auxiliary-cooling technique for laser dermatology, which recently enhanced by cold air jet (CSC-CAJ). However, the CAJ-to-spray interactions could worsen the CSC performance and associated liquid film behavior. In this study, the transient behavior of liquid film deposition and surface heat transfer of CSC-CAJ was investigated. A high-speed camera was used to capture the film intensity through Mie-scattering technique. Fast-response TFTC thermocouple was used to measure the transient surface temperature. The large eddy simulation (LES) was used to extract the vortical structure, while the discrete-phase model (DPM) and Eulerian wall film (EWF) were coupled for the spray process and the transient film modeling. The results showed that the CAJ significantly enhanced CAJ-to-spray mixing and mitigated the film thickness (i.e., 32 % reduction). The CSC-CAJ had asymmetric film coverage due to induced counter-rotating vortex-pairs (CRVP) from the CAJ-to-spray interaction, which laterally clustered the spray. It permitted fast evaporation with dominant CAJ at the spray-periphery while permitting fast evaporation with dominant spray at the spray-core. Consequently, the CSC-CAJ showed 75 % temperature increment at the windward side and 15 % temperature reduction with 60 % heat transfer coefficient enhancement at the impingement point. The experimental film intensity and simulated film thickness were linearly correlated and significantly influenced the surface temperature. The combined results affirmed the significant impact of the CAJ on the transient film deposition, which potentially helps promote advanced cooling technology.

Reliability analysis and inverse optimization method for floating wind turbines driven by dual meta-models combining transient-steady responses

This study introduces an innovative framework aimed at enhancing the reliability, lifespan, and cost-effectiveness of floating wind turbines. By seamlessly integrating transient and steady-state response surface methods, this approach reduces the dimensionality of high-cost, high-fidelity simulation data for floating wind turbines. It effectively utilizes time-domain stochastic response history samples, addressing two critical aspects in reliability analysis, including statistical properties related to maximum loads relevant for static strength design and the distribution characteristics of vibration amplitudes pertinent to fatigue damage design. The processed data is used to construct a forward 1st metamodel, which is integrated into a multi-objective optimization algorithm. This algorithm determines optimal hyperparameters based on stochastic environmental conditions. Subsequently, an inverse 2nd metamodel is established, working in conjunction with the 1st metamodel, forming a dual structure for reliability analysis. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations and probability density analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of the adaptive flexible controller frequency strategy, obtained using the proposed framework, in reducing vibration-induced blade-tip-tower collision risks and long-term vibration damage, particularly at low to medium wind speeds. This significantly improves turbine stability and safety, enhancing overall performance. The proposed methodology provides valuable insights into the design, manufacturing, and operation of floating wind turbines.

Soft Computing Model for Inverse Prediction of Surface Heat Flux from Temperature Responses in Short-Duration Heat Transfer Experiments

Abstract Aerodynamic experiments in high speed flow domain mainly rely on precise measurement transient surface temperatures and subsequent quantification of heat flux. These experiments are mainly simulated in high enthalpy short-duration facilities for which test flow duration are in the order of few milliseconds and the thermal loads resemble the nature of step/impulse. This study focuses on a specially designed fast-response coaxial surface junction thermal probe (CSTP) with capability of capturing transient temperature signals. The short-duration calibration experiments are realized to mimic the simulated flow conditions of high enthalpy test facilities. The classical one-dimensional heat conduction modelling has been used to deduce surface heat flux from the acquired temperature responses. It demonstrates a commendable accuracy of 2.5% when compared with known heat loads of calibration experiment. An advanced soft computing technique, the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), is introduced for short-duration heat flux predictions. This methodology successfully recovers known (step or ramp) heat loads within a specific experimental time frame (0.2s). The results exhibit excellent agreement in prediction of trend and magnitude, carrying uncertainties of 3% for radiative and 5% for convective experiments. Consequently, the CSTP appears as a rapidly responsive transient heat flux sensor; for real-time short-duration experiments. The soft computing approach (ANFIS) offers an alternative means of heat flux estimation from temperature history irrespective of mode of heat transfer and nature of heat load, marked by its prediction accuracy, diminished mathematical intricacies, and reduced numerical requisites.

Charge Carrier Dynamics at Carbon/Perovskite Interface: Implications on Carbon‐Based HTM‐Free Solar Cell Stability

Carbon‐based hole transport material (HTM)‐free perovskite solar cells (CPSCs) are an innovative device architecture that mitigates inherent challenges associated with record‐breaking perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which rely on metal/HTMs, including instability, manufacturing intricacy, and elevated costs. The photovoltaic efficiency and stability of CPSCs are profoundly influenced by the charge carrier dynamics at the interfaces. Herein, the charge carrier dynamics at the carbon(C)–perovskite interface in CPSCs and its implications on photovoltaic performances and stability, an aspect that has received limited exploration thus far are probed, are investigated using transient surface photovoltage (Tr‐SPV) and transient photoluminescence measurements. The study reveals that the C‐electrode effectively acts as a selective barrier, impeding electrons while facilitating the extraction of holes at the C–perovskite interface. This selective blocking mechanism holds significant implications for improving the performance and stability of CPSCs over HTM‐free PSCs with gold(Au) electrodes. The stability of CPSCs is evaluated by measuring shelf life, maximum power point tracking, Tr‐SPV, and X‐Ray diffraction measurements. By delving into these pivotal aspects, this work aims to contribute to the advancement and understanding of CPSCs for sustainable and efficient energy conversion.

Probing Intersystem Crossing in Multi-brominated Eumelanin through Transient Absorption and Surface Hopping Dynamics

Achieving intersystem crossing (ISC) through structural tuning in biological systems is an evolving area for therapeutic and materials research. Eumelanin, a natural pigment, offers huge potential for bio-inspired material design,...