Unloaded Velocity Research Articles

Bulk and fracture process zone contribution to the rate-dependent adhesion amplification in viscoelastic broad-band materials

The contact between a rigid Hertzian indenter and an adhesive broad-band viscoelastic substrate is considered. The material behavior is described by a modified power law model, which is characterized by only four parameters, the glassy and rubbery elastic moduli, a characteristic exponent n and a timescale τ0. The maximum adherence force that can be reached while unloading the rigid indenter from a relaxed viscoelastic half-space is studied by means of a numerical implementation based on the boundary element method, as a function of the unloading velocity, preload and by varying the broadness of the viscoelastic material spectrum. Through a comprehensive numerical analysis we have determined the minimum contact radius that is needed to achieve the maximum amplification of the pull-off force at a specified unloading rate and for different material exponents n. The numerical results are then compared with the prediction of Persson and Brener viscoelastic crack propagation theory, providing excellent agreement. However, comparison against experimental tests for a glass lens indenting a PDMS substrate shows data can be fitted with the linear theory only up to an unloading rate of about 100μm/s showing the fracture process zone rate-dependent contribution to the energy enhancement is of the same order of the bulk dissipation contribution. Hence, the limitations of the current numerical and theoretical models for viscoelastic adhesion are discussed in light of the most recent literature results.

Interaction between eye movements and adhesion of extraocular muscles

The contact and pull-off tests and finite element simulations were used to study the extraocular muscle-sclera adhesion and its variation with eye movement in this research. The effect of the adhesion on the eye movements was also determined using equilibrium equations of eye motion. The contact and pull-off tests were performed using quasi-static and non-quasi-static unloading velocities. Finite element models were developed to simulate these tests in cases with high unloading velocity which could not be achieved experimentally. These velocities range from the eye's fixation to saccade movement. The tests confirmed that the pull-off force is related to the unloading velocity. As the unloading velocity increases, the pull-off force increases, with an insignificant increase at the high ocular saccade velocities. The adhesion moment between the extraocular muscles and the sclera exhibited the same trend, increasing with higher eye movement velocities and higher separation angles between the two interfaces. The adhesion moment ratio to the total moment was calculated by the traditional model and the active pulley model of eye movements to assess the effect of adhesion behavior on eye movements. At the high ocular saccade velocities (about 461 deg/s), the adhesion moment was found to be 0.53% and 0.50% of the total moment based on the traditional and active pulley models, respectively. The results suggest that the adhesion behavior between the extraocular muscles and the sclera has a negligible effect on eye movements. At the same time, this adhesion behavior can be ignored in eye modeling, which simplifies the model reasonably well. Statement of Significance1. Adhesion behavior between the extraocular muscles and the sclera at different indenter unloading velocities determined by contact and pull-off tests. 2. A finite element model was developed to simulate the adhesive contact between the extraocular muscles and the sclera at different indenter unloading velocities. The bilinear cohesive zone model was used for adhesive interactions. 3. The elastic modulus and viscoelastic parameters of the extraocular muscle along the thickness direction were obtained by using compressive stress-relaxation tests. 4. The influence of the adhesion moment between the extraocular muscles and the sclera on eye movement was obtained according to the equation of oculomotor balance. The adhesion moment between the extraocular muscles and the sclera was found to increase with increased eye movement velocity and increased separation angle between the two interfaces.

Effects of Training Volume in the Bench-Press Exercise Performed With Interrepetition Rest Periods on Strength Gains and Neuromuscular Adaptations.

To investigate the effects of 3 training volumes in the bench-press exercise performed with interrepetition rest periods, matched for fatigue, on strength gains and neuromuscular adaptations. Forty-three resistance-trained men were randomized into 3 groups: low (LOW), moderate (MOD), and high (HIG) volume. The intensities increased from 70% to 85% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM) over the 8-week training period. Each session consisted of only 1 set with short interrepetition rest periods. LOW performed only 3 repetitions per session (8-wk total: 48 repetitions); MOD completed 15, 12, 10, and 8 repetitions per session with 70%, 75%, 80%, and 85% 1RM, respectively (8-wk total: 180); and HIG performed 24, 21, 18, and 15 repetitions per session with 70%, 75%, 80%, and 85% 1RM, respectively (8-wk total: 312). Progressive loading and fatigue tests were conducted in the bench-press exercise before and after the training period. Electromyography (EMG) signals from the triceps brachii were registered during these tests. HIG and MOD showed higher velocity loss than LOW (16% vs 12%). No significant group × time interaction was observed for any variable. All groups improved significantly in all strength-related variables, except for maximal unloaded velocity, where only MOD obtained significant gains. Only LOW and MOD induced significant improvements in EMG. MOD obtained the greatest effect sizes in almost all strength variables. No significant differences were found in the performance gains obtained by each group despite the wide differences in the total volume accumulated by each group.

Simulations suggest robust microtubule attachment of kinesin and dynein in antagonistic pairs

Intracellular transport is propelled by kinesin and cytoplasmic dynein motors that carry membrane-bound vesicles and organelles bidirectionally along microtubule tracks. Much is known about these motors at the molecular scale, but many questions remain regarding how kinesin and dynein cooperate and compete during bidirectional cargo transport at the cellular level. The goal of the present study was to use a stochastic stepping model constructed by using published load-dependent properties of kinesin-1 and dynein-dynactin-BicD2 (DDB) to identify specific motor properties that determine the speed, directionality, and transport dynamics of a cargo carried by one kinesin and one dynein motor. Model performance was evaluated by comparing simulations to recently published experiments of kinesin-DDB pairs connected by complementary oligonucleotide linkers. Plotting the instantaneous velocity distributions from kinesin-DDB experiments revealed a single peak centered around zero velocity. In contrast, velocity distributions from simulations displayed a central peak around 100 nm/s, along with two side peaks corresponding to the unloaded kinesin and DDB velocities. We hypothesized that frequent motor detachment events and relatively slow motor reattachment rates resulted in periods in which only one motor is attached. To investigate this hypothesis, we varied specific model parameters and compared the resulting instantaneous velocity distributions, and we confirmed this systematic investigation using a machine-learning approach that minimized the residual sum of squares between the experimental and simulation velocity distributions. The experimental data were best recapitulated by a model in which the kinesin and dynein stall forces are matched, the motor detachment rates are independent of load, and the kinesin-1 reattachment rate is 50 s−1. These results provide new insights into motor dynamics during bidirectional transport and put forth hypotheses that can be tested by future experiments.

Speed-Related Abilities Are Similarly Improved After Sled Training Under Different Magnitudes of Velocity Loss in Highly Trained Soccer Players.

We examined the effects of two 8-week resisted-sprint training programs under different magnitudes of velocity loss (VL) on the speed-related performance of highly trained soccer players. Twenty-one soccer players (age: 25.9 [5.4]y) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1)the "moderate-load group," players who trained with sled loads that induced 15%VL relative to unloaded sprint velocity (n = 11); and (2)the "heavy-load group," players who trained with sled loads that induced 40% VL relative to unloaded sprint velocity (n = 10). Linear sprint (10m), curve sprint, change-of-direction speed, resisted-sprint performance at 15% VL and 40% VL, and vertical jumping ability were tested pretraining and posttraining. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test for differences between groups. In addition, percentage changes were calculated for speed-related abilities and compared with their respective coefficients of variation to determine whether individual changes in performance were greater than the test variance (ie,"true change"). A main effect of time was detected for 10-m sprint, curve sprint, change-of-direction speed, and 15% VL and 40% VL resisted-sprint times, with significant decreases in sprint times (P = .003, P = .004, P = .05, P = .036, and P = .019, respectively). Jump variables did not change significantly over time. There were no group-by-time interactions for any tested variable (P > .05), but the "true change" analysis revealed meaningful individual changes in both groups. Both moderate- and heavy-sled loading conditions may optimize the development of speed-related abilities in highly trained soccer players. Nevertheless, resisted-sprint training responses may differ meaningfully when assessed on an individual basis.

A GPU-based DEM model for the pebble flow study in packed bed: Simulation scheme and validation

This study developed a GPU-based DEM (GPU-DEM) model for the pebble flow in the packed bed. The details of the GPU-DEM scheme have been illustrated. The uniform mesh neighbor-search method, unified memory addressing (UMA), and special boundary conditions were incorporated in the GPU-DEM model. Cases of the direct impact of two identical particles, the angle of repose of particles drained from a lifted hopper, and the circulating hopper to mimic a pebble flow in High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) reactors were carried out to systematically verify the applicability, computational efficiency, and accuracy of the GPU-DEM model. Related results, like the unloading speed, porosity, and velocity distribution, obtained by the GPU-DEM model have been validated too. In addition, the effects of single-precision floating-point number computation on GPU were discussed. The results demonstrated that the GPU-DEM can achieve 18– 20 times acceleration while maintaining accuracy, even when single-precision floating-point numbers were used for calculation. Therefore, it is a powerful tool to explore the particle flows in chemical engineering applications.

Impact Force Analysis in Inertia-Type Piezoelectric Motors

In an inertia-type motor, a piezoelectric multilayer actuator is espoused to a transient vibration velocity as high as 1.0 m/s during slip time. This vibration velocity makes the inertia-type motors dynamic but not quasi-static. We propose a kinetic model to describe the condition under which slippage can occur between a slider and a stator. The transient current absorbed by the multilayer actuators in a stator during slip time defines the slippage behavior of the slider. A new thickness-mode force factor expression (A33), which is a relation between the transient current and the transient vibration velocity, is described in electrical domain. Impact force acting on a friction coupler produced by the actuators in the stator is proportional to the rate of change in the transient current during the sliding time. Additionally, we present the structure and characteristics of a two-phase inertia-drive-type piezoelectric motor, on which the proposed model was evaluated. Driving the multilayer actuators with truncated and mirrored sawtooth signals enhances the system dynamics. As one actuator expands and the other shrinks, their respective hysteretic nonlinearities are canceled. The motor operating frequency can be as great as 30 kHz and typically load characteristics are unloaded velocity greater than 16.0 mm/s and generated force higher than 3.0 N.

Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties and Stability Analysis of Structural Plane under Unloading Normal Stress

Excavation in rock induces the unloading of stress in excavation-disturbed zones and can cause the structural plane to reach shear failure due to the unloading of normal stress. Unloading normal stress tests of a regular sawtooth structural plane were conducted in this study to investigate the influence of the unloading velocities (v) and asperity angles (θ) on mechanical properties and the stability of the structural plane. The average value of normal displacement (Du1) and the shear displacement of unloading (Dsu) gradually increases with an increase in θ and Du1 accounts for 59.70%, 31.81%, and 18.60% of the height of a single asperity under different θ. However, Du2, Ds, and the unloading capacity (Δσn) gradually decreased. Moreover, Ds account for 24.52%, 11.61%, and 7.4% of the length of a single asperity, respectively. With an increase in θ and v, three-dimensional (3D) morphology parameters and normal deformation energy (Un) decreased gradually, indicating that the damage degree of the structural plane increases. The analysis of the evolution of the gap width of the structural plane at the initial point, unloading point, and instability point indicates that the greater the θ or the smaller the v, the lower would be the likelihood for the structural plane to be damaged. Concurrently, its instability is more sudden and the impact tendency is stronger.

Force generation of KIF1C is impaired by pathogenic mutations

Intracellular transport is essential for neuronal function and survival. The most effective plus-end-directed neuronal transporter is the kinesin-3 KIF1C, which transports large secretory vesicles and endosomes.1-4 Mutations in KIF1C cause hereditary spastic paraplegia and cerebellar dysfunction in human patients.5-8 In contrast to other kinesin-3s, KIF1C is a stable dimer and a highly processive motor in its native state.9,10 Here, we establish a baseline for the single-molecule mechanics of Kif1C. We show that full-length KIF1C molecules can processively step against the load of an optical trap and reach average stall forces of 3.7 pN. Compared with kinesin-1, KIF1C has a higher propensity to slip backward under load, which results in a lower maximal single-molecule force. However, KIF1C remains attached to the microtubule while slipping backward and re-engages quickly, consistent with its super processivity. Two pathogenic mutations, P176L and R169W, that cause hereditary spastic paraplegia in humans7,8 maintain fast, processive single-molecule motility invitro but with decreased run length and slightly increased unloaded velocity compared with the wild-type motor. Under load in an optical trap, force generation by these mutants is severely reduced. In cells, the same mutants are impaired in producing sufficient force to efficiently relocate organelles. Our results show how its mechanics supports KIF1C's role as an intracellular transporter and explain how pathogenic mutations at the microtubule-binding interface of KIF1C impair the cellular function of these long-distance transporters and result in neuronal disease.

Mechanical degradation mechanism of rock under seismic disturbance stress

During the action of periodic seismic disturbance stress, the rock mass surrounding buried structures will show fatigue damage owing to cyclic loading. To explore the fatigue characteristics and mechanical degradation mechanism of this process, fatigue loading and uniaxial compression tests were carried out on gypsum samples. The conclusions are as follows. With increasing seismic wave amplitude, the stress loading and unloading velocity gradually increases, and the opening of the stress–strain hysteresis loop gradually increases. With increasing seismic wave frequency, the dip angle of hysteresis loops gradually inclines to the σ -axis (where σ is stress), and the variation amplitude of hysteresis loops on the ε -axis (where ε is strain) decreases gradually. This shows that the greater the amplitude of the seismic wave and the lower the frequency, the greater the damage to rock. Under seismic wave disturbance, with increasing number of disturbances, the original cracks in the sample gradually spread and infiltrate the rock, and secondary cracks gradually develop, indicating that the physical and mechanical properties of the rock gradually deteriorate. There is a strong correlation between the acoustic emission of samples and the stages of the stress–time curve for uniaxial compression. According to the acoustic emission characteristics, the stress–time curve can be divided into four stages: the initial loading stage, the stable crack growth stage, the unstable crack growth to failure stage and the post-peak stage. Compared with the sample before fatigue, the peak strain decreases significantly and the impact energy index increases significantly after fatigue loading. This indicates that some original cracks in the sample are compressed under seismic disturbance, the brittleness of the sample is enhanced and the rockburst tendency is greatly enhanced.

A novel equation that incorporates the linear and hyperbolic nature of the force-velocity relationship in lower and upper limb exercises.

The purpose of this study is to provide a force-velocity (F-V) equation that combines a linear and a hyperbolic region, and to compare its derived results to those obtained from linear equations. A total of 10 cross-training athletes and 14 recreationally resistance-trained young men were assessed in the unilateral leg press (LP) and bilateral bench press (BP) exercises, respectively. F-V data were recorded using a force plate and a linear encoder. Estimated maximum isometric force (F0), maximum muscle power (Pmax), and maximum unloaded velocity (V0) were calculated using a hybrid (linear and hyperbolic) equation and three different linear equations: one derived from the hybrid equation (linearhyb), one applied to data from 0 to 100% of F0 (linear0-100), and one applied to data from 45 to 100% of F0 (linear45-100). The hybrid equation presented the best fit to the recorded data (R2 = 0.996 and 0.998). Compared to the results derived from the hybrid equation in the LP, significant differences were observed in F0 derived from linear0-100; V0 derived from linearhyb, linear0-100 and linear45-100; and Pmax derived from linearhyb and linear45-100 (all p < 0.05). For the BP, compared to the hybrid equation, significant differences were found in F0 derived from linear0-100; and V0 and Pmax derived from linearhyb, linear0-100 and linear45-100 (all p < 0.05). An F-V equation combining a linear and a hyperbolic region showed to fit adequately recorded F-V data from ~ 20 to 100% of F0, and overcame the limitations shown by linear equations while providing relevant results.

Microsimulation Study on Energy Release and Rock Block Ejection Force of Granite under Different Unloading Conditions

Rock burst is one typical dynamic disaster caused by excavation in deep underground engineering. High-stress unloading test is a common research method for rock bursts. Due to the limitation of laboratory test conditions, it is difficult to monitor the energy release and dissipation information during rock bursts in the unloading test. But the study of energy evolution law is more helpful to reveal the essential characteristics of rock burst. Therefore, the energy evolution process and ejection failure characteristics of granite after unloading were analyzed through the unloading simulation test in this paper, and the influence of unloading velocity, lateral stress, and axial stress were researched. The microstructure numerical model of the granite was established by using digital image processing technology and PFC2D software, aiming to match the real granite. The energy evolution process of unloading granite can be divided into three stages, namely the whole energy rapid release stage, sidewall energy slow-release stage, and rock block ejection stage. The area near the unloading sidewall is the main energy release and rock block ejection area. In the whole energy rapid release stage, the energy release velocity and dissipation velocity show similar law, i.e., a positive power function correlation with unloading velocity, a negative power function correlation with lateral stress, and a positive linear function correlation with axial stress. In the rock block ejection stage, with increasing the unloading velocity and axial stress, the rock block ejection force increases as a power function, while it decreases with increasing lateral stress. This research is an important supplement to the laboratory unloading test. It has theoretical guiding significance for rock burst hazard assessment during excavation in deep underground engineering.

Differences in Force-Velocity Profiles During Countermovement Jump and Flywheel Squats and Associations With a Different Change of Direction Tests in Elite Karatekas.

The force-velocity (F-v) relationship has been proposed as a biomechanical characteristic to comprehensively evaluate neuromuscular capabilities within different tasks such as vertical jumping, sprinting and bench pressing. F-v relationship during flywheel (FW) squats was already validated, however, it was never compared to F-v profile of vertical jumps or associated with change of direction (CoD) performance. The aims of our study were (1) to compare F-v profiles measured during counter movement jumps (CMJs) and FW squats, (2) to determine correlations of F-v mechanical capacities with different CoD tests, (3) to investigate the portion of explained variance in CoD tests with the F-v outcome measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 39 elite karatekas. They performed CMJs and FW squats using progressive loads to calculate F-v profile outcome variables and different CoD tests (CoD at 90°, CoD at 180°, t-test, short karate specific test (KST) and long KST). Our results showed significantly higher values in all F-v outcome variables (F0—theoretical maximal force, V0—maximal unloaded velocity, Pmax—maximal power output, F-vslope—the slope of F-v relationship) calculated from CMJs compared to FW squats (all p < 0.01). Significant positive moderate correlations between the tasks were found for F0 and Pmax (r = 0.323–0.378, p = 0.018–0.045). In comparison to F-v outcome variables obtained in FW squats, higher correlations were found between F-v outcome variables calculated from CMJs and CoD tests. The only significant correlation in F-v outcome variables calculated from FW squats was found between Pmax and short KST time. For all CoD tests, only one F-v predictor was included; more specifically—CMJ-F0 for CoD 90°, CoD 180° and t-test, and FW-Pmax for short KST performance. To conclude, our results showed that F-v relationship between CMJs and FW squats differed significantly and cannot be used interchangeably for F-v profiling. Moreover, we confirmed that high force and power production is important for the successful performance of general and karate specific CoD tasks.

On the Long and Short-Range Adhesive Interactions in Viscoelastic Contacts

Recently, tribologists have shown increasing interest in rate-dependent phenomena occurring in viscoelastic fractures. However, in some cases, conflicting results are obtained despite the use of similar theoretical models. For this reason, we try to shed light on the effects that long and short-range adhesion has on the pull-off force in the contact of viscoelastic media by exploiting a recently developed numerical model. We find that, in the limit of long-range adhesion, the unloading velocity has little effect on the pull-off force, which is close to the value predicted by Bradley for rigid bodies. In such case, the detachment process is characterized by a uniform bond-breaking of the contact area, and viscous dissipation involves the bulk material. For medium(short)-range adhesion, the pull-off force is instead a monotonic increasing function of the pulling velocity and, at high speeds, reaches a plateau that is a function of the adiabatic surface energy. In this case, the detachment process is similar to the opening of a circular crack, and viscous dissipation is localized at the contact edge.

Bridging the muscle genome to phenome across multiple biological scales.

Muscle is highly hierarchically organized, with functions shaped by genetically controlled expression of protein ensembles with different isoform profiles at the sarcomere scale. However, it remains unclear how isoform profiles shape whole-muscle performance. We compared two mouse hindlimb muscles, the slow, relatively parallel-fibered soleus and the faster, more pennate-fibered tibialis anterior (TA), across scales: from gene regulation, isoform expression and translation speed, to force-length-velocity-power for intact muscles. Expression of myosin heavy-chain (MHC) isoforms directly corresponded with contraction velocity. The fast-twitch TA with fast MHC isoforms had faster unloaded velocities (actin sliding velocity, Vactin; peak fiber velocity, Vmax) than the slow-twitch soleus. For the soleus, Vactin was biased towards Vactin for purely slow MHC I, despite this muscle's even fast and slow MHC isoform composition. Our multi-scale results clearly identified a consistent and significant dampening in fiber shortening velocities for both muscles, underscoring an indirect correlation between Vactin and fiber Vmax that may be influenced by differences in fiber architecture, along with internal loading due to both passive and active effects. These influences correlate with the increased peak force and power in the slightly more pennate TA, leading to a broader length range of near-optimal force production. Conversely, a greater force-velocity curvature in the near-parallel fibered soleus highlights the fine-tuning by molecular-scale influences including myosin heavy and light chain expression along with whole-muscle characteristics. Our results demonstrate that the individual gene, protein and whole-fiber characteristics do not directly reflect overall muscle performance but that intricate fine-tuning across scales shapes specialized muscle function.

Validity of a simple sit-to-stand method for assessing force-velocity profile in older adults.

Lower limb muscle strength is an important determinant of physical function in older adults. However, its measure in clinical settings is limited because of the requirement for large-scale and costly equipment. A new simple protocol based on sit-to-stand test (STS) is developed to measure force velocity (F-v) and power velocity (P-v) profile in the community-dwelling older adults. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of this new methodology for measuring F-v and P-v profile compared to the gold standard isokinetic BIODEX. 46 older people aged 65-85years (M=73.7; SD=7.7). F-v and P-v profiles were assessed in participants on their dominant leg. The concurrent validity of STS was tested using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Passing Bablok: maximal power output Pmax, optimal velocity and force Vopt and Fopt, maximal force at null velocity F0, maximal unloaded velocity V0 and coefficient of F-v (SFV) and P-v equation (a_poly, b_poly). No proportional difference for F0 and b_poly and a low significant correlation for Pmax (r=0.314), Sfv (r=0.229), a_poly (r=0.335) and b_poly (r=0.226) whereas the other parameters were non correlated significantly. STS method is moderately reliable on force and power parameters whereas further improvements are needing for velocity parameters. However, its feasibility, portability and lower cost compared to other methods makes it very affordable in clinical context and will allow easy investigation of aging population.

Neuromuscular adaptations after 12 weeks of light- vs. heavy-load power-oriented resistance training in older adults.

This study aimed to determine the specific adaptations provoked by power-oriented resistance training using light (LL-PT, 40% 1-RM) vs. heavy (HL-PT, 80% 1-RM) loads in older adults. Using a randomized within-subject study design, 45 older adults (>65years) completed an 8-week control period (CTR) followed by 12weeks of unilateral LL-PT vs. HL-PT on a leg press. The 1-RM, theoretical force at zero velocity (F0 ), maximal unloaded velocity (V0 ), and maximal muscle power (Pmax ) were determined through a force-velocity relationship test. Isometrically, the rate of force development (RFD) and the corresponding muscle excitation of the knee extensor muscles were assessed. In addition, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and architecture of two quadriceps muscles were determined. Changes after CTR, LL-PT and HL-PT were compared using linear mixed models. HL-PT provoked greater improvements in 1-RM and F0 (effect size (ES)=0.55-0.68; p<0.001) than those observed after LL-PT (ES=0.27-0.47; p≤0.001) (post hoc treatment effect, p≤0.057). By contrast, ES of changes in V0 was greater in LL-PT compared to HL-PT (ES=0.71, p<0.001 vs. ES=0.39, p<0.001), but this difference was not statistically significant. Both power training interventions elicited a moderate increase in Pmax (ES=0.65-0.69, p<0.001). Only LL-PT improved early RFD (ie, ≤100ms) and muscle excitation (ES=0.36-0.60, p<0.05). Increased CSA were noted after both power training programs (ES=0.13-0.35, p<0.035), whereas pennation angle increased only after HL-PT (ES=0.37, p=0.004). In conclusion, HL-PT seems to be more effective in improving the capability to generate large forces, whereas LL-PT appears to trigger greater gains in movement velocity in older adults. However, both interventions promoted similar increases in muscle power as well as muscle hypertrophy.

Investigations on the Adhesive Contact Behaviors between a Viscoelastic Stamp and a Transferred Element in Microtransfer Printing

Microtransfer printing is a sophisticated technique for the heterogeneous integration of separately fabricated micro/nano-elements into functional systems by virtue of an elastomeric stamp. One important factor influencing the capability of this technique depends on the adhesion between the viscoelastic stamp and the transferred element. To provide theoretical guidance for the control of adhesion in the transfer printing process, a finite element model for the viscoelastic adhesive contact between a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp and a spherical transferred element was established, in which the adhesive interaction was modeled by the Lennard-Jones surface force law. Effects of the unloading velocity, preload, and thermodynamic work of adhesion on the adhesion strength, characterized by the pull-off force, were examined for a loading-dwelling-unloading history. Simulation results showed that the unloading path deviated from the loading path due to the viscoelastic property of the PDMS stamp. The pull-off force increased with the unloading velocity, and the increasing ratio was large at first and then became low. Furthermore, the influence of the preload on increasing the pull-off force was more significant under larger unloading velocity than that under smaller unloading velocity. In addition, the pull-off force increased remarkably with the thermodynamic work of adhesion at a fixed maximum approach.

Shape optimization of a three-dimensional membrane-structured solar sail using an angular momentum unloading strategy

A shape of the satellite’s solar sail membrane is essential for unloading angular momentum in the three-axis stabilized attitude control system because the three-dimensional solar sail can receive solar radiation pressure from arbitrary directions. In this paper, the objective is the shape optimization of a three-dimensional membrane-structured solar sail using the angular momentum unloading strategy. We modelled and simulated the solar radiation pressure torque, for unloading angular momentum. Using the simulation system, since the unloading angular momentum rate is maximized, the shape of the three-dimensional solar sail was optimized using a Genetic algorithm and Sequential Quadratic Programming. The unloading velocity in the optimized shaped solar sail was greatly improved with respect to a conventional flat or pyramid solar sail.

Mining‐Induced Pressure‐Relief Mechanism of Coal‐Rock Mass for Different Protective Layer Mining Modes

The protective layer mining method of the traditional deep coal seam in has been confronted with great challenges, and it is difficult for coal and gas to be extracted together. Taking the occurrence conditions of III1 mining area of Luling Coal Mine located at Huaibei, China, as engineering background, the influence law of the lithology on stress environment in front of the stope was analyzed by theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. The mining‐induced mechanical effect of coal‐rock mass was studied under different protective layer mining modes. The results showed that the peak value of the advanced abutment pressure decreased with the decrease of lithologic strength under the same mining conditions. For simulated geological conditions, the stress concentration coefficient of soft rock and coal seam protective layer mining modes was 1.9 and 1.7, respectively. Under the mining stress path of different protective layers, the ratio of axial stress increase and confining pressure unloading in secondary unloading phase were 2 : 1 and 1.5 : 1, respectively. The axial stress‐strain curves of different protective layer mining modes had similar trends, and they had a volume expansion at the end of unloading (failure stage). In addition, it revealed the pressure‐relief antireflection mechanism of the protective layer mining. Under the same confining pressure condition, the peak stress and peak strain increased with the increase of loading and unloading velocity ratio. The reduced value of the confining pressure increased, while the volume expansion decreased at failure. The results were applied to III1 mining area in soft rock protective layer mining, which created the mining way of traditional coal seam protective layer. Furthermore, the gas control technology of soft rock protective layer working face was put forward for deep coal seam with low permeability and high gas, enriching the pressure‐relief mining theory of protective layer.