Uniform Cross-section Research Articles

Valved Microwell Array Platforms for Stepwise Liquid Dispensing.

The fabrication of microarray chips and the precise dispensing of nanoliter to microliter liquids are fundamental for high-throughput parallel biochemical testing. Conventional microwells, typically featuring a uniform cross section, fill completely in a single operation, complicating the introduction of multiple reagents for stepwise and combinatorial analyses. To overcome this limitation, we developed an innovative valved microwell array. Using ultraviolet (UV)-curing resin three-dimensional (3D) printing, these multilayer configurations can be rapidly fabricated through direct template printing and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) casting. Each microwell incorporates a microvalve structure, truncating fluids within the upper metering well and allowing transfer to the bottom reservoir well under centrifugal force. Sequential operations enable the introduction of multiple reagents, facilitating orthogonal combinations for complex assays. We explored four types of valving methods: DeepWell, Expansion, Bottleneck, and Membrane valve, each offering varying degrees of design complexity, operational efficiency, robustness, and precision. These methods constitute a versatile toolkit to accommodate a broad spectrum of analytical requirements. Our innovative approach redefines microwell architecture, direct manufacturing techniques, and stepwise fluid dispensation in microarrays.

Steady flow of couple stress fluid through a rectangular channel under transverse magnetic field with suction

In this work, we have analysed the impact of a transverse magnetic field on the steady flow of an incompressible conducting couple stress fluid within a rectangular channel of uniform cross-section, incorporating suction or injection at the lateral walls. In order to get the velocity ‘w’ along the axis of the rectangular tube, we ignore the induced electric and magnetic fields. To find w, we apply the standard hyper stick and no slip boundary conditions. The velocity w and temperature θ were calculated using Fourier series. The velocity distribution compared for various magnetic parameter values by taking suction velocity zero and the results are in good agreement (99.99 %) with the existing results. The volumetric flow rate and skin friction are obtained and the effects of physical parameters like magnetic parameter, Reynolds number and couple stress parameter on this are studied through graphs.

Phaseless inverse scattering with a parametrized spatial spectral volume integral equation for finite scatterers in the soft x-ray regime

Soft x-ray wafer-metrology experiments are characterized by low signal-to-noise ratios and lack phase information, which both cause difficulties with the accurate three-dimensional profiling of small geometrical features of structures on a wafer. To this end, we extend an existing phase-based inverse-scattering method to demonstrate a sub-nanometer and noise-robust reconstruction of the targets by synthetic soft x-ray scatterometry experiments. The targets are modeled as three-dimensional finite dielectric scatterers embedded in a planarly layered medium, where a scatterer’s geometry and spatial permittivity distribution are described by a uniform polygonal cross section along its height. Each cross section is continuously parametrized by its vertices and homogeneous permittivity. The combination of this parametrization of the scatterers and the employed Gabor frames ensures that the underlying linear system of the spatial spectral Maxwell solver is continuously differentiable with respect to the parameters for phaseless inverse-scattering problems. In synthetic demonstrations, we demonstrate the accurate and noise-robust reconstruction of the parameters without any regularization term. Most of the vertex parameters are retrieved with an error of less than λ/13 with λ=13.5nm, when the ideal sensor model with shot noise detects at least five photons per sensor pixel. This corresponds to a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.5 dB. These vertex parameters are retrieved with an accuracy of λ/90 when the signal-to-noise ratio is increased to 10 dB, or approximately 100 photons per pixel. The material parameters are retrieved with errors ranging from 0.05% to 5% for signal-to-noise ratios between 10 dB and 3.5 dB.

Modelling and Characterisation of Orthotropic Damage in Aluminium Alloy 2024.

The aim of the work presented in this paper was development of a thermodynamically consistent constitutive model for orthotopic metals and determination of its parameters based on standard characterisation methods used in the aerospace industry. The model was derived with additive decomposition of the strain tensor and consisted of an elastic part, derived from Helmholtz free energy, Hill's thermodynamic potential, which controls evolution of plastic deformation, and damage orthotopic potential, which controls evolution of damage in material. Damage effects were incorporated using the continuum damage mechanics approach, with the effective stress and energy equivalence principle. Material characterisation and derivation of model parameters was conducted with standard specimens with a uniform cross-section, although a number of tests with non-uniform cross-sections were also conducted here. The tests were designed to assess the extent of damage in material over a range of plastic deformation values, where displacement was measured locally using digital image correlation. The new model was implemented as a user material subroutine in Abaqus and verified and validated against the experimental results for aerospace-grade aluminium alloy 2024-T3. Verification was conducted in a series of single element tests, designed to separately validate elasticity, plasticity and damage-related parts of the model. Validation at this stage of the development was based on comparison of the numerical results with experimental data obtained in the quasistatic characterisation tests, which illustrated the ability of the modelling approach to predict experimentally observed behaviour. A validated user material subroutine allows for efficient simulation-led design improvements of aluminium components, such as stiffened panels and the other thin-wall structures used in the aerospace industry.

Implementation of variable cross-section curved beam in train-turnout dynamic interactions

The abundance of variable cross-section curved rails in railway turnouts emphasizes the necessity of intricately modeling them, which facilitates a more accurate evaluation of train-turnout interactions. This study presents a general formulation for analyzing both free and forced vibrations of a variable cross-section curved Timoshenko beam and its implementation in train-turnout dynamic interactions. First, the natural frequencies and mode shapes for in-plane and out-of-plane free vibrations of the beam are determined through eigenvalue analysis, taking into careful consideration the characteristics of variable cross-section and curvature. Then, the forced vibration solution is derived using modal superposition and orthogonality. Furthermore, comparative analyses using finite element method (FEM) validate the natural frequencies and dynamic responses of a beam under various boundary conditions, confirming the reliability and accuracy of the proposed method. Finally, the developed beam model is then applied to simulate the switch rail and point rail under train-turnout interactions, revealing the differences from existing methods that modeled these components as uniform cross-section straight beams. Numerical analyses provide new insights by comparing wheel-rail forces and rail acceleration. Considering curve and variable cross section characteristics could contribute to a more accurate evaluation of train-turnout dynamic interactions.

A novel approach for zero material loss (zero flash) and uniform cross-section during friction stir welding of dissimilar thickness Cu and Al alloys

A novel approach for getting a uniform weld cross-section and flash-free joint with the help of friction stir welding (FSW) is implemented. The influence of the tool tilt angle and rotational speed on the macrostructure, microstructure, and mechanical properties was investigated. Mechanical characterization techniques like an optical microscope, FESEM, profilometer, tensile test, bent test, and XRD analysis were used to evaluate the joint properties. A maximum tensile strength of 108.91 MPa was achieved, which led to a joint efficiency of 96.38 %. A maximum bending angle of 107° was achieved for samples S5 and S6. The Al/Cu mixed region in the stir zone displayed a maximum micro-hardness of 152.26 HV whereas a minimum micro-hardness of 33.57 HV was achieved in the HAZ along aluminium side. Welds prepared at a rotational speed of 540 RPM and a tool tilt angle of 4.5°results in an almost flash-free joint.

Investigating rheological characteristics of nonlinear fluid model in an asymmetric channel: A peristaltic pumping of blood with curvature and hydrodynamic impacts

Theoretical research is investigated for the steady rheology of incompressible blood from an asymmetric (penetrable) channel in the presence of curvature and non-linear hydrodynamic impacts. The motion takes place in an asymmetric channel due to a train of sinusoidal (complex nature) waves along the channel boundaries having different phases. In this study, the Casson fluid is used as blood. The governing equations are modeled in terms of Cartesian coordinates. The impacts of non-linear curvature become significant on the transportation of biological fluid in a complex domain such as the non-pregnant uterus at a higher Reynolds number. An approximate solution of flow models is obtained to the second order in the wavenumber (giving the curvature effect). A domain transformation is used to transform the variable cross-sectional of the flow regime into the uniform cross-section. This transformation helps to find the closed-form solution of transformed rheological equations in higher order. The physical impacts of the curvature parameter, Casson parameter, phase difference, flow rate, Reynolds number, and permeability parameter on the axial velocity, pressure gradient, stress tensor, trapping phenomena, and pressure rise are investigated. The velocity of blood is smaller as it is associated with the viscous fluid. The number of boluses was reduced by increasing the Casson parameter and Reynolds number in the trapping phenomenon. The stress tensor is an increasing function of the permeability parameter and the Reynolds number. The pressure gradient is affected by the permeability parameter. The comparison between viscous fluid and blood is also addressed in the current study. The outcomes of the current study arise in the medical domains, blood study, manufacturing of nano-blood pumps, bio-physical food processing, and chemical industry.

Inertial particle focusing in fluid flow through spiral ducts: dynamics, tipping phenomena and particle separation

Small finite-size particles suspended in fluid flow through an enclosed curved duct can focus to points or periodic orbits in the two-dimensional duct cross-section. This particle focusing is due to a balance between inertial lift forces arising from axial flow and drag forces arising from cross-sectional vortices. The inertial particle focusing phenomenon has been exploited in various industrial and medical applications to passively separate particles by size using purely hydrodynamic effects. A fixed size particle in a circular duct with a uniform rectangular cross-section can have a variety of particle attractors, such as stable nodes/spirals or limit cycles, depending on the radius of curvature of the duct. Bifurcations occur at different radii of curvature, such as pitchfork, saddle-node and saddle-node infinite period (SNIPER), which result in variations in the location, number and nature of these particle attractors. By using a quasi-steady approximation, we extend the theoretical model of Harding et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 875, 2019, pp. 1–43) developed for the particle dynamics in circular ducts to spiral duct geometries with slowly varying curvature, and numerically explore the particle dynamics within. Bifurcations of particle attractors with respect to radius of curvature can be traversed within spiral ducts and give rise to a rich nonlinear particle dynamics and various types of tipping phenomena, such as bifurcation-induced tipping (B-tipping), rate-induced tipping (R-tipping) and a combination of both, which we explore in detail. We discuss implications of these unsteady dynamical behaviours for particle separation and propose novel mechanisms to separate particles by size in a non-equilibrium manner.

An investigation of the thermo-hydraulic performance of a novel double tube heat exchanger with variable cross-section inner tube for trans-critical CO2 cycle

Double tube heat exchangers (DTHE) is one of the most significant components in the trans-critical CO2 cycle system, whose performance significantly affects the efficiency and compactness of the system. This work aims to improve the heat transfer performance of CO2 at supercritical pressure in DTHE. In this paper, the cylindrical inner tube of traditional DTHE is changed into the diverging/converging tube as an innovative design without increment of its heat transfer areas. The thermal–hydraulic performance of traditional DTHE with uniform cross-section inner tube (UIT), DTHE with diverging (DIT)/converging (CIT) inner tube were numerically investigated by using SST k-ω turbulence model. The results show that under the same operating conditions, the DIT and CIT can effectively enhance the heat transfer compared with the UIT. Utilization of DIT and CIT instead of UIT, the maximum increase of the total heat transfer coefficient are 27.3 % and 24.2% can be obtained, respectively. However, the pressure drop of DIT and CIT also increases accordingly. The performance evaluation criterion (PEC) of DIT is always greater than 1, and the maximum is 1.16. In most cases, the PEC of CIT is greater than 1, but with the increase of SCO2-side mass flow rate, it gradually decreases to less than 1. The comprehensive performance of DIT is the best. The heat transfer mechanism is analyzed from the aspects of flow field distribution, thermos-physical property and field synergy theory. The large turbulent kinetic energy near the wall, high thermal conductivity and large specific heat of SCO2 in the tube are the main reasons for the enhanced heat transfer of DIT and CIT. Finally, the influence of SCO2-side pressure and mass flow rate on local heat transfer coefficient hCO2 in DIT are also further studied. This study can provide some guidance for the design and optimization of DTHE.

A multifractal model for predicting the permeability of dual-porosity media with rough-walled fractures and variable cross-sectional pore channels

The seepage of rock strata is greatly influenced by the pore network and fracture network; however, the prediction of permeability becomes challenging due to the changes in the cross section of pore channels and the morphology of fractures. In this study, a novel pore-fracture permeability model based on a fractal theory is proposed, and the analytical solutions of the model are given. In contrast to the traditional smooth parallel plate and uniform cross section straight capillary, this model not only considers the roughness of the fracture surface, but also the cross section variation and tortuosity of the pore channel. The comparisons between the calculated results and the experimental data verify the reliability of this model. The quantitative analyses of microscopic parameters indicate a positive correlation between the permeability and the fractal dimension, size, and proportion of pores and fractures. Conversely, there is a negative correlation with roughness, tortuosity, and cross-sectional changes. The range in which the seepage contribution of pores cannot be ignored is determined. Two logarithmic relationship expressions for permeability are presented. This study contributes to explore the effects of the geometry and morphology of the pore-fracture media on seepage and supplements the studies on the permeability models.

Maximum spanning capacity of a catenary arch under self-weight against buckling

ABSTRACT This paper is concerned with a novel problem of determining the maximum spanning capacity of an elastic catenary arch under its own weight against in-plane buckling. The arch supports may be fixed or pinned or rotationally restrained. The arch is assumed to have a uniform cross-section throughout its entire length and the arch length is assumed to be inextensible. Additionally, catenary arches with a crown hinge are considered. The specific shape of a family of catenary curves is specified by the height-to-span ratio (or the horizontal force) which is to be determined for maximum buckling capacity of the arch. The Hencky bar-chain model is adopted for the elastic buckling analysis as it avoids the need to formulate the governing equation for buckling and it is also a simple model to understand and for coding. From the maximum in-plane buckling load of the optimal arch solution, the maximum spanning capacity of the arch can then be derived. Presented herein are the maximum spanning capacities, optimal arc length to span ratios and maximum buckling loads of catenary arches with various support and crown conditions.

Analysis of compliant mechanisms with series and parallel substructures through the ellipse of elasticity theory

Compliant mechanisms with complex hybrid configurations have been designed to meet the requirements of specific applications demanding high performance. Kinetostatic analysis, fundamental at the early stage of design, can become difficult for compliant systems characterized by series and parallel substructures. In the present paper, the ellipse of elasticity method is implemented for the analysis of a compliant mechanism with hybrid topology. Firstly, the ellipses associated to the different flexure hinges, characterized by uniform or non-uniform cross-sections, and by constant or variable initial curvature, are determined. Then, the unique ellipse representing the compliant mechanism is obtained by means of series and parallel compositions. By exploiting the antiprojective polarity properties of the ellipse, the kinetostatic analysis of the compliant system is reduced to a geometric problem with a straightforward solution. Linear and nonlinear finite element analyses and experimental tests are performed to verify the theoretical results.

Reliability, sustainability, resiliency, and performance investigation of an embedded splice-sleeve connector at high velocity semi-trailer impact

Presently, dynamic impacts occurrences caused by car crashes have been frequently reported. Statistical results from different articles indicate that vehicle crashworthiness of bridge pier supersedes the other events. However, majority of the published articles focusses on sustainability and finding severity of distressed pier due to impact correlating faster construction methods, like accelerated bridge construction (ABC). This article is an attempt to examine post impacted behavior of a commonly used connector in ABC for resisting short duration shock. Static and dynamic performance analyses of a connector embedded within a coupler system has been examined. A representative ABC pier with the standardized and selected material properties collected from manufacturer’s data has been utilized. Coupler composite materials consisting of a hollow uniform cross-section cast iron cylinder filled up with specified concrete grout conforms higher strength. The performance examination has been conducted by numerical modeling using finite element method (FEM). A commercially used software ANSYS has been utilized for carrying out the simulations. To investigate the post impact dynamic behavior, mesh-independent studies seems inevitable and hence are executed to evaluate dynamic impact factor (DIF). Sensitivity studies are carried out for validating results in precision. The DIF of the main reinforcing tensile steel embedded into the grout placed inside the connector has been determined. Results captured from simulations to identify material properties at plastic stage in sustaining such load have been conducted. The results provide significant information that aids opting for selecting suitable connectors for attaining help the design offices.

Nonlinear analysis of unimorph piezoelectric nanobeam with a variable cross-section and flexoelectric effect

An analytical method is presented to investigate the nonlinear electromechanical coupling response of an unimorph piezoelectric nanobeam with a variable cross-section, taking into account the flexoelectric effect. Considering the geometric nonlinearity, strongly nonlinear governing equation with variable coefficients is derived using the energy variation method and solved by the differential quadrature method. The nonlinear effects of geometric nonlinearity, electromechanical loadings, flexoelectric effect and width ratio on the electromechanical coupling response are analyzed in detail. The results show that under different loadings, the flexoelectric parameter and width ratio have distinct effects on the electromechanical response of the piezoelectric variable cross-section nanobeam. When the mechanical loads are applied on the nanobeam, a larger flexoelelctric parameter results in a greater bending deflection and higher output of electric field and polarization. The width ratio of variable cross-section can also influence the bending deflection, but its impact on the output of electric field and polarization is limited. When the applied voltage loads are applied to the nanobeam, the bending direction can be controlled by the applied voltage, flexoelectric parameter or width ratio. Due to the strongly nonlinear governing equation, these results in this study differ significantly from those of piezoelectric nanobeam with uniform cross-section. This study can contribute to the understanding of electromechanical coupling response in piezoelectric variable cross-section nanobeam with flexoelectric effect. Additionally, it can be helpful in guiding the structure optimization of piezoelectric nanodevices.

Investigating peristaltic flow of Newtonian fluid in a permeable channel: Effects of nonlinear curvature and wall properties

This investigation delves into the peristaltic flow characteristics of a Newtonian fluid within a permeable channel, emphasizing the influence of nonlinear curvature and wall properties. The study employs wave trains of varying amplitudes and phases to induce an asymmetric configuration along the channel boundaries. The curvature effects are contingent upon the ratio of channel width to wavelength, and the accuracy of results is maintained up to the second order in δ. To facilitate the derivation of closed-form solutions at higher levels, a domain transformation is executed, converting a channel with a variable cross section into one with a uniform cross section. To impose constraints on parameters and achieve a singular flux in the presence of a specified pressure gradient, a distinctiveness criterion is formulated. This study investigates the interplay of inertia and curvature on pumping and trapping, examining both symmetric and asymmetric channels. The pressure difference escalates with wave number in both channel configurations. Moreover, in the absence of inertial forces and flux, the impact of curvature on the pressure difference demonstrates a direct proportionality. Conversely, an augmentation in the permeability of the porous channel correlates with a reduction in the pressure difference. An intriguing observation arises as phase differences increase: the visibility of the bolus diminishes, and the streamlines become more prominent. This establishes a favorable environment for fluid flow, enhancing our understanding of the intricate dynamics at play in peristaltic flow within permeable channels.

Accurate free and forced vibration behavior prediction of functionally graded sandwich beams with variable cross-section: A finite element assessment

The current investigation proposes an enhanced finite element beam model to assess the dynamic behavior of functionally graded sandwich beams with variable cross-sections. By integrating the shear effect, this beam model integrates both C0 and C1 continuities to generate elementary matrices using an efficient three-unknown shear deformation beam theory. The model focuses on advanced sandwich beams with functionally graded material face-sheets and metallic cores, exploring various geometric arrangements. The originality of this study addresses variable cross-sections in sandwich beams, evaluating the influence of material composition and geometric configurations on free and forced vibration responses, including different boundary conditions. The methodology uses the eigenvalue method for examining free vibration and applies Newmark’s algorithm for solving forced vibration problems. The current model expands the scope of analysis compared to previous models that primarily focus on uniform cross-sections and conventional material distributions. The developed model incorporates non-uniform geometrics, material gradient parameters, and advanced finite element analysis to enhance precision and efficacy through detailed parametric investigations and comparisons with existing literature. This contribution significantly improves the mechanical modeling of composite sandwich structures, particularly those incorporating functionally graded materials and complex geometrical aspects.

Stability capacity design of shuttle-shaped restrained-buckling braces with uniform cross-section at mid-span

This paper proposes a shuttle-shaped buckling restraint brace (SS-BRB) with the uniform core and the peripheral restraint system that consists of uniform cross-section tube at its mid span and tapering sections at its two ends. This type of BRB maned as SS-BRB-UCS adopts circular steel tubes in the core and the peripheral restraint system. An isolation system is strategically positioned between the core and the peripheral restraint system to effectively transmit lateral loads. Obviously, this type of the optimizing peripheral restraint system could reduce material utilization with an economic design and beautiful appearance. First, the finite element (FE) model of the SS-BRB-UCS is established, then the elastic buckling performance investigation is carried out to determine the elastic buckling load formula through fitting techniques of numerical results, so as to obtain the formula of the restraint ratio. Additionally, an elastic-plastic stability bearing capacity analysis is conducted for the SS-BRB-UCS to assess its load-bearing capabilities, and the corresponding relationships between stability coefficient (φ) and the restraint ratio (ζ) is established to determine the lower restraint ratio (namely threshold) for static load-bearing capacity BRB design. Finally, the hysteretic responses of SS-BRB-UCSs subjected to axial compressive-tensile cyclic loads are studied numerically, and the corresponding lower limit of restraining ratio of SS-BRB-UCSs is proposed for their energy-dissipation design. Those two lower limits of restraining ratios of the SS-BRB-UCSs obtained in this study provide fundamentals for preliminary static and seismic designs of SS-BRB-UCSs.

Imaging a solvent‐swollen polymer gel network by open liquid transmission electron microscopy

AbstractVisualizing the network of a solvent‐swollen polymer gel remains problematic. To address this challenge, open transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied to thin gel films permeated by a nonvolatile ionic liquid. The targeted physical gels were prepared by cooling concentrated solutions of poly(ethylene glycol) in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium ethyl sulfate [EMIM][EtSO4]. During the cooling, gelation occurred by a frustrated crystallization of the dissolved polymer, leading to a percolated, solvent‐permeated semicrystalline network in which nanoscale polymer crystals acted as crosslinks. Crystalline features ranging from ~5 to ~200 nm were observed, with the visible network strands dominantly consisting of long curvilinear crystallites of ~15–20 nm diameter. Nascent spherulites irregularly decorated the network, creating a complex structural hierarchy that complicated analyses. Lacking diffraction contrast, TEM did not visualize the many disordered, fully solvated PEG chains present in the voids between crystals. Recognizing that a network's three dimensionality is ambiguous when assessed through two‐dimensional microscopy projections, a small gel region was studied by TEM tomography, revealing a nearly isotropic three‐dimensional arrangement of the curvilinear crystallites, which displayed remarkably uniform cylindrical cross sections.

Research on the Law of Affecting the Quality of forging Metallurgy Quality on the Quality of Wedge Horizontal Rolling Mold

Drawing on the traditional and mature cross wedge rolling forming technology for stepped shaft parts, it is innovatively applied to the high-efficiency and low-cost manufacturing of blade preforms with special-shaped sections. Under the action of the rollers, the material undergoes radial compression deformation and axial extension deformation, and the blank changes from a uniform cross-section to a variable cross-section, which is in the shape of a stepped shaft. Forming, to prepare a blade preform with deformed cross-section characteristics. Then, the cooled blade preform is heated again and placed in a precision forging die. Under the action of the unidirectional compressive stress of the upper and lower dies, the blade preform is compressed and deformed, filling the die cavity with the smallest volume, thereby realizing precision forming of blade forgings. In the process parameters of the horizontal wedge rolling mold, the effect of forming angle has the greatest impact on center damage.

Changes in Cooking Characteristics, Structural Properties and Bioactive Components of Wheat Flour Noodles Partially Substituted with Whole-Grain Hulled Tartary Buckwheat Flour

The whole-grain, hulled Tartary buckwheat flour (HTBF) with outstanding bioactive functions was prepared, and the effects of partial substitution ratios (0, 30%, 51% and 70%) of wheat flour with HTBF on the characteristics of TB noodles (TBNs) were investigated, mainly including the cooking characteristics, sensory analysis, internal structure, bioactive components, and in vitro starch digestibility. With an increasing replacement level of HTBF, the water absorption index of the noodles decreased, whereas the cooking loss increased. A sensory analysis indicated that there were no off-flavors in all TBN samples. The scanning electron microscope images presented that the wheat noodles, 30% TBNs and 70% TBNs had dense and uniform cross sections. Meanwhile, the deepest color, V-type complexes, and lowest crystallinity (13.26%) could be observed in the 70% TBNs. A HTBF substitution increased the rutin content and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the TBNs, and higher values were found in the 70% TBNs. Furthermore, the lowest rapidly digestible starch content (16%) and highest resistant starch content (66%) were obtained in the 70% TBNs. Results demonstrated that HTBF could be successfully applied to make TBNs, and a 70% substitution level was suggested. This study provides consumers with a good option in the realm of special noodle-type products.