Reduction Of Vibration Amplitude Research Articles

Experimental investigation of particle impact dampers: Vibration reduction and noise levels with varied particle numbers

Structural vibrations present significant challenges in engineering systems, and particle impact dampers (PIDs) have emerged as a promising solution for vibration control. This paper presents a comprehensive experimental investigation on the damping performance of PIDs with varying numbers of particles. The experimental setup involves subjecting a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure to base motion excitations. Frequency response analysis is conducted to assess the dynamic behavior of the primary system using different PID designs. PIDs with one mass, two masses, three masses and multiple particles are designed and analyzed using the same mass ratio. Additionally, time domain displacement responses of the top of the structure and the base are measured to capture the system's response characteristics. The frequency response analysis reveals the influence of different particle configurations on the system's response amplitude at various frequencies. Interestingly, the results show that a PID with multiple particles exhibits reduced damping performance due to excessive particle-particle collisions. These collisions decrease the energy of the particles, leading to lower velocity before impact. This highlights that the impact itself is the primary source of damping in PIDs, and any other phenomena, such as particle-particle collisions, directly affect the relative velocity before impact. The outcomes demonstrate that an optimal design of PID can reduce vibration amplitude by approximately 85 % with single mass, two masses, and three masses configurations. Conversely, the best-case scenario of PID with multiple particles provides a vibration amplitude reduction of 75 % compared to the absence of a damper. Furthermore, noise data is recorded for all cases, as noise generation is a significant concern associated with PIDs. The results indicate noise magnitudes of 62.5 dB, 70.60 dB, 73.24 dB and 78.64 dB for PIDs with single mass, two masses, three masses, and multiple particles, respectively. Overall, the relationship between the number of particles and damping performance provides valuable insights for optimizing PID designs and ensuring comfortable operation. The findings have broad implications for diverse engineering systems, leading to improved structural performance, reduced noise, and enhanced safety. This study could serve as the basis for several potential applications of PID in structural vibration control with enhanced performance and reduced noise.

Modeling of railway track integrating a shock-absorbing mat at the sleepers-ballast interface using eigenfunctions of displacement

Damage caused to railway tracks and the surrounding environment during trains passage have become a real concern for those involved in the railway sector over the years. To find a solution for this problem, several approaches have already been implemented on railway tracks in some countries. Despite the efforts made in this area, the problem of ground vibration induced by railway traffic still remains a concern. Therefore, many studies have been focused on solutions to attenuate, even cancel vibrations effects on the track and nearby environment. This work has presented a modeling of a ballasted railway track with a shock-absorbing mat or Under Sleepers Rubber Mat (USRm) at the sleepers/ ballast interface. Using the equation of wave propagation in the ground and the constitutive law, the eigenfunctions of the displacement vector were determined. By coupling the equations of the track and those of the ground, the displacement, the velocity, and the acceleration of each track component, as well as the stress on the ground surface were expressed. The Newmark numerical method was used to represent these variables and to highlight the (USRm) influence on the dynamic behavior of the different track component. Comparison of the results obtained with the proposed railway model shows a reduction in vibration amplitudes of 64.9% and 94%for the rail, 86.5% and 56.25% for the sleepers. At the ground surface, the attenuation of vibration is evaluated at 53% and 6.85%, respectively for linear and nonlinear cases. The insertion of the shock-absorbing mat (USRm) in the railway track structure also reduces stress at the ground surface. The configuration of the railway track with a damping mat (USRm) therefore significantly reduces the transmitted vibration to the ground and to the nearby structures. It also contributes to the stability of the track and the improvement of its performance. The proposed railway track model with a shock-absorbing mat can be considered as a solution to reduce vibrations generated on track and the ground during trains passages.

AI-driven optimization of dynamic vibration absorbers with hydraulic amplifier and mechanical inerter integration

Dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) have been widely employed in vibration suppression applications for decades. While DVAs offer an effective solution, they are limited by the need for a high mass ratio between the DVA and the primary system to achieve significant vibration attenuation. To overcome this, researchers have introduced lever mechanisms, allowing for enhanced vibration suppression without increasing the mass ratio. However, levers, commonly used as amplification mechanisms, suffer from high inertia and limited amplification, particularly in larger applications. Another limitation is when DVAs are employed for energy harvesting as a secondary objective, they exhibit high sensitivity to system parameter variations, requiring extensive optimization. Various optimization techniques have been applied to DVAs for multi-objective optimization, including fixed-point theory, which is complex and requires intensive mathematical derivation, and simple metaheuristic techniques such as genetic algorithms (GA). This study proposes four novel DVAs using a hydraulic amplifier (HA) to address the limitations of traditional lever mechanisms and a mechanical inerter to improve the vibration damping. Also, multi-objective optimization was performed using particle swarm optimization (PSO) which is considered innovative in this application and compared with commonly used genetic algorithms (GA). The governing equations were derived using Newton’s second law and solved numerically with the Runge-Kutta method. An AI-based approach was utilized for HA design. The results show that integrating HA and mechanical inerters significantly enhances vibration attenuation and broadens the frequency response. Additionally, the location of the mechanical inerter is critical in reducing vibration amplitude. Also, the multi-objective PSO outperforms GA in solution diversity and quality. The proposed integration of HA in DVAs offers potential applications across various engineering fields.

The Impact of the Nonlinear Integral Positive Position Feedback (NIPPF) Controller on the Forced and Self-Excited Nonlinear Beam Flutter Phenomenon

This article presents a novel approach to impact regulation of nonlinear vibrational responses in a beam flutter system subjected to harmonic excitation. This study introduces the use of a Nonlinear Integral Positive Position Feedback (NIPPF) controller for this purpose. This technique models the system as a three-degree-of-freedom nonlinear system representing the beam flutter, coupled with a first-order and a second-order filter representing the NIPPF controller. By applying perturbation analysis to the linearized system model, the authors obtain analytical solutions for the autonomous system with the controller. This study aims to reduce vibration amplitudes in a nonlinear dynamic system, specifically when 1:1 internal resonance occurs. The Routh–Hurwitz criterion is utilized to evaluate the system’s stability. Furthermore, the frequency–response curves (FRCs) exhibit symmetry across a range of parameter values. The findings highlight that the effectiveness of vibration suppression is directly related to the product of the NIPPF control signal after comparing with different controllers. Numerical simulations, conducted using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method, validate the analytical solutions and demonstrate the system’s amplitude response. The strong correlation between the analytical and numerical results highlights the accuracy and dependability of the proposed method.

A study of soft and hard impact effects in single-particle impact dampers

Single-particle impact dampers (SPIDs) are simple, yet impactful devices that mitigate vibrations in various applications such as high-rise structures, machinery, and satellites. However, the high-intensity impact forces transmitted to the host structure pose a risk to older and vulnerable structures. Therefore, this study investigates the performance of SPIDs with soft impacts, employing viscoelastic materials to minimize the impact forces and noise levels without degrading the damping performance. Four different materials (rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, acrylic and poly-urethane foams) exhibiting different viscoelastic properties are studied and compared with hard impact. An approximate Voigt model for the stiffness and damping coefficient of viscoelastic material is used to conduct numerical simulations and to evaluate the damping performance of SPIDs. Dynamic mechanical analyser (DMA) tests are conducted to determine the dynamic properties of viscoelastic materials. An experimental rig which includes a single-degree-of-freedom host structure, and a prototype SPID is designed and manufactured. Experiments are conducted to determine the damping performance, impact force, and noise level with soft impacts and the results are compared with hard impacts. The results reveal a 40% reduction in vibration amplitude at resonance frequency, an impressive 96% reduction in impact force at resonance, an 11.55 dB reduction in the noise level using poly-urethane foam (softest impact) compared to steel (hard impact). Although viscoelastic materials may not be suitable in harsh environmental conditions, this study demonstrates that introducing a viscoelastic material in SPID can resolve its major drawbacks such as impact forces and noise leading to a simple, cost-effective, and safe SPID.

A new wake superposition model and its application in collision prevention control of tri-riser array system

In the field of offshore oil exploitation, the compact multi-riser arrangement increases the risk of collision and has an adverse impact on production and the marine environment. The solution to this problem involves accurate motion prediction and collision prevention control under the effect of flow field superposition between risers, but there is little research on this related theory. This paper improves the traditional wake shielding effect model and further proposes a wake shielding superposition effect model for the mutual influence between risers, in order to establish a comprehensive accurate motion control model for tri-riser array system. A solution method is introduced for this model, both vibration and collision analysis are conducted for the system. The study revealed that solely augmenting the spacing inadequately mitigates system collisions, and active control is an inevitable choice. Based on this, this paper further designs an active boundary controller that is easy to implement in engineering, to achieve collaborative collision prevention control for three risers, and verifies its stability. Compared with traditional PD control, the proposed control method exhibits significant superiority, which can effectively reduce vibration amplitude, significantly increase dynamic spacing, and thus effectively prevent collisions between risers.

Nonlinear dynamics of cantilevered hyperelastic pipes conveying fluid: Comparative study of linearelasticity and hyperelasticity

In light of the softness and lightweight characteristics, hyperelastic pipes are prone to large deformation. Intending to provide accurate predictions of their large deformation vibrations, the present study aims to establish a rotation-angle-based geometrically exact model for cantilevered pipes conveying fluid composed of hyperelastic materials. Additionally, given the presence of nonlinear geometric relations, it is imperative to assess the role of hyperelasticity in the nonlinear dynamics of fluid-conveying pipes in comparison to linearelastic pipes. The modeling process integrates the Mooney-Rivlin hyperelastic model with a geometrically exact description of the pipe. And the final governing equation is developed through energy analysis and the extended Hamilton's principle. Subsequently, Galerkin's method and the finite difference method are employed to address the governing equation. Following the verification of the proposed model, parametric studies are conducted in the form of planar oscillation diagrams, time histories, phase trajectories, and bifurcation diagrams. The findings of the present study highlight three critical insights. Firstly, the hyperelastic model introduces numerous complicated nonlinear terms as function of the rotation angle with high-order nonlinearity. In the present study, at least fifth-order nonlinear terms should be preserved to adequately predict large deformation vibrations. Secondly, the Mooney-Rivlin hyperelastic model imparts a hardening effect in comparison to the linearelastic model, significantly reducing vibration amplitudes. Lastly, the third-order approximate model is demonstrated to be inadequate in predicting large deformation vibrations at high flow velocity, as it contains the approximation on not only the geometric description but the hyperelasticity-related terms.

Viscoelastic modelling and analysis of two-dimensional woven CNT-based multiscale fibre reinforced composite material system

Carbon nanotube (CNT) has fostered research as a promising nanomaterial for a variety of applications due to its exceptional mechanical, optical, and electrical characteristics. The present article proposes a novel and comprehensive micromechanical framework to assess the viscoelastic properties of a multiscale CNT-reinforced two-dimensional (2D) woven hybrid composite. It also focuses on demonstrating the utilisation of the proposed micromechanics in the dynamic analysis of shell structure. First, the detailed constructional attributes of the proposed trans-scale composite material system are described in detail. Then, according to the nature of the constructional feature, mathematical modelling of each constituent phase or building block’s material properties is established to evaluate the homogenised viscoelastic properties of the proposed composite material system. To highlight the novelty of this study, the viscoelastic characteristics of the modified matrix are developed using the micromechanics method of Mori–Tanaka (MT) in combination with the weak viscoelastic interphase (WI) theory. In the entire micromechanical framework, the CNTs are considered to be randomly oriented. The strength of the material (SOM) approach is used to establish mathematical frameworks for the viscoelastic characteristics of yarns, whereas the unit cell method (UCM) is used to determine the viscoelastic properties of the representative unit cell (RUC). Different numerical results have been obtained by varying the CNT composition, interface conditions, agglomeration, carbon fibre volume percentage, excitation frequency, and temperature. The influences of geometrical parameters like yarn thickness, width, and the gap length to yarn width ratio on the viscoelasticity of such composite material systems are also explored. The current study also addresses the issue of resultant anisotropic viscoelastic properties due to the use of dissimilar yarn thickness. The results of this micromechanical analysis provide valuable insights into the viscoelastic properties of the proposed composite material system and suggest its potential applications in vibration damping. To demonstrate the application of developed novel micromechanics in vibration analysis, as one of the main contributions, comprehensive numerical experiments are conducted on a shell panel. The results show a significant reduction in vibration amplitudes compared to traditional composite materials in the frequency response and transient response analyses. To focus on the aspect of micromechanical behaviour on dynamic response and for the purpose of brevity, only linear strain displacement relationships are considered for dynamic analysis. These insights could inform future research and development in the field of composite materials.

Suppression of horizontal vibrations in high-speed elevators using active shock absorber to assist traditional damping systems

PurposeThis paper aims to design an active shock absorber scheme for use in conjunction with a passive shock absorber to suppress the horizontal vibration of elevator cars in a smaller range and shorter time. The developed active shock absorber will also improve the safety and comfort of passengers driving in ultra-high-speed elevators.Design/methodology/approachA six-degree of freedom dynamic model is established according to the position and condition of the car. Then the active shock absorber and disturbance compensation-based adaptive control scheme are designed and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink. The results are analysed and compared with the traditional shock absorber.FindingsThe results show that, compared with traditional spring-based passive damping systems, the designed active shock absorber can reduce vibration displacement by 60%, peak acceleration by 50% and oscillation time by 2/3 and is more robust to different spring stiffness, damping coefficient and load.Originality/valueThe developed active shock absorber and its control algorithm can significantly reduce vibration amplitude and converged time. It can also adjust the damping strength according to the actual load of the elevator car, which is more suitable for high-speed elevators.

A novel method of suppressing machining vibration in robotic milling using magneto-rheological foam damper

Owing to their remarkable flexibility and favorable cost-effectiveness, industrial robots have found extensive applications to cutting of materials across sophisticated manufacturing fields. However, the structurally low rigidity of these robots renders the tool tip prone to substantial oscillations during machining processes, significantly impacting product fabrication quality. The objective of this study is to present a novel methodology employing magnetorheological dampers for mitigating vibrations during robotic milling operations. Specifically, a new type of ring nested Magneto-Rheological Foam Damper (MRFD) working in the squeeze mode is developed. Firstly, the MRFD's structure is designed considering the vibrational characteristics of robotic milling. Subsequently, a damping force model of the MRFD is derived. The feasibility of the MRFD’s structural design is validated by the finite element analyses, which is instrumental in comprehending the influence of structural parameters on the electromagnetic characteristics of the MRFD. Next, a prototype of the MRFD is fabricated selecting appropriate parameters. Finally, a series of excitation and milling experiments are conducted on a KUKA KR500 robot. The outcomes demonstrate a substantial reduction (37%-69%) in radial vibration amplitude at the tool tip during robotic milling, highlighting the effectiveness of the developed MRFD. This research endeavor has introduced a pioneering avenue and framework for vibration control in robotic milling, offering a novel paradigm for enhancing the precision of robotic machining.

Study on Nonlinear Dynamic Characteristics of RV Reducer Transmission System

Rotate vector (RV) reducers have widely been used in high-performance precision drives for industrial robots. However, the current nonlinear dynamic studies on RV reducers are not extensive and require a deeper focus. To bridge this gap, a translational–torsional nonlinear dynamic model for an RV reducer transmission system is proposed. The gear backlash, time-varying mesh stiffness, and comprehensive meshing errors are taken into account in the model. The dimensionless vibration differential equations of the system were derived and solved numerically. By means of bifurcation diagrams, phase trajectories, Poincaré sections, and the power spectrum, the motion state of the system was studied with the bifurcation parameters’ variation, including excitation frequency and meshing damping. The results demonstrate that this system presents enriched nonlinear dynamic characteristics under different parameter combinations. The motion state of the system is more susceptible to change at lower frequencies. Increasing the meshing damping coefficient proves effective in suppressing the occurrence of chaos and reducing vibration amplitudes, significantly enhancing the stability of the transmission system.

Theoretical predictions and experimental measurements of novel aerostatic bearing with multi-inclined-orifice restrictors for the improvement of stability

This paper introduces a novel design featuring a multiple-inclined-orifice restrictor (MIOR) to address the challenge of turbulent vortices and the reduction of nano-vibrations in aerostatic bearings. This design optimizes the angle configuration to alter the dynamic airflow patterns within the chamber, suppress turbulent vortices, and mitigate nano-vibrations. Three-dimensional transient vortical structures, pressure fluctuation, and dynamic load-carrying capacity of aerostatic bearings with varying orifice angles were investigated through large eddy simulations. Additionally, load-carrying capacity and vibration tests were conducted on aerostatic bearings equipped with MIORs to validate the proposed model's accuracy and assess the effectiveness of MIOR. Remarkably, the experimental results were consistent with the simulation results, highlighting the exceptional stability and reduced vibration amplitude exhibited by MIORs with an angle of 110° while maintaining static performance.

WITHDRAWN: Detection of myofascial trigger points in the masseter muscle using ultrasonography in patients with myogenous temporomandibular disorder

We aimed to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography (US) using gray scale B-mode and ultrasound elastography (UE) in detecting myofascial trigger points (MTPs) in the masseter muscles of patients with myogenous temporomandibular disorder (TMD). A diagnostic cross-sectional study of patients with MTPs in the masseter muscles using US was conducted. The diagnostic results from the US examinations were compared with the clinical examination reference standard to determine the diagnostic efficacy of US. MTPs were detected as band-like hypoechoic localized areas with reduced vibration amplitude (stiffer) under US B-mode and UE imaging. In total, 116 sites from 29 patients (3 males, 26 females) with a mean age of 39.4 years were examined. US exhibited sensitivity of .946 (95% CI: .851-.989) and specificity of .900 (95% CI: .795-.962) in detecting MTPs when compared to the clinical examination. Diagnostic accuracy ranged from .902 to .950 when assuming 3 levels of myogenous TMD prevalence. US B-mode and UE imaging exhibited diagnostic accuracy comparable to the standard clinical examination carried out by a trained specialist. It can be a reliable technique in the detection and localization of MTPs for the diagnosis of myogenous TMD and localization of MTPs for therapeutic purposes.

Metamaterial-based vibration control for offshore wind turbines operating under multiple hazard excitation forces

Wind energy holds growing investment perspectives due to its renewable and sustainable energy production potential. The harvesting capability of wind turbines is directly related to their size. Therefore, those wind energy generators still encounter challenges related to excessive vibrations aggravated by environmental factors, compromising energy generation and resulting in fatigue damage and downtime. Various vibration control strategies have been explored to address these issues, with passive control emerging as a preferred choice due to its ease of manufacture, cost-effectiveness, and simple installation. Nevertheless, the limitations of these controls lie in their substantial size and weight associated with optimal installation positions for achieving a good performance. Recently, mechanical metamaterials have demonstrated tremendous advancements in efficiency regarding band isolation and vibration mitigation, coupled with enhanced manufacturing possibilities. Hence, this paper proposes a novel approach to control the vibration of wind turbines employing mechanical metamaterials in their design. A spectral approach is used to model the metamaterial turbine and its interaction with external excitations, such as wind, waves, and blade rotation. The numerical results show the efficiency of the metamaterial turbine by its tunable stopband features and vibration amplitude reduction under multiple hazard excitations, emphasising its superior suppressing vibrations compared to conventional tuned mass damper. Thus, the proposed wind turbine metastructures offer a compelling combination of effective vibration attenuation while reducing dynamic resonators’ overall stiffness, mass, and size. The outcome advances wind turbine design and energy technology for reliable wind energy production.

Hybrid Technique for Vibration Control using Synchronized Switch Damping on Inductor Modal Approach and Shape Memory Alloy Integration

Vibration control is a critical aspect of various engineering applications, including automotive and aerospace systems. This research paper presents a novel approach to enhance the performance of the Synchronized Switch Damping on Inductor (SSDI) technique by incorporating Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs). SSDI has proven effective in managing energy dissipation during electronic switching transitions, mitigating voltage spikes and reducing electromagnetic interference. However, the method consumes a substantial amount of energy. In this study, we propose a hybrid approach that combines the benefits of SSDI with the unique properties of SMAs to achieve improved vibration control. The integration of SMAs introduces a semi-passive element to the system, exploiting the inherent properties of these alloys to undergo reversible shape changes in response to external stimuli. By strategically placing SMAs within the vibration-prone components of the system, we aim to harness the mechanical forces generated during shape recovery to counteract and dampen vibrations. This innovative approach aims to capitalize on the efficient energy conversion capabilities of SMAs, thus minimizing the additional energy consumption associated with traditional semi-passive methods. The research involves theoretical modeling and simulation studies to assess the effectiveness of the proposed technique. Preliminary results demonstrate a significant reduction in vibration amplitudes and enhanced damping capabilities, validating the potential of the integrated SSDI-SMA system. The findings of this study not only contribute to advancements in vibration control methodologies but also provide insights into the broader applications of SMA-enhanced semi-passive techniques in improving the overall performance and efficiency of systems.

Vision based control strategy to suppress residual vibration of flexible beams for robotic assembly using wrist motion

Automated assembly tasks require industrial robots to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process. Most rigid or flexible objects handled by robots vibrate due to motion and transient disturbance. This work proposes an active vision-based vibration suppression strategy for flexible beams by providing motion to the wrist of a robot during robotic assembly process, which reduces the time to suppress vibration. The proposed method uses a cheap monocular camera to identify objects through a virtual marker and measure their dimensions. Subsequently, finite element method based mathematical model of a flexible beam predicts the maximum error. The proposed second stage controller determines the controller input in terms of wrist motion based on the predicted maximum error. The performance of the controller is assessed through simulations and experiments on metallic beams with different material characteristics and dimensions. The controller suppresses vibration amplitude within a safe limit so that object is inserted into the slot. It was observed from experiments that the controller can reduce vibration amplitude by ~96% in less than 2 s and decrease suppression time up to ~97%. These improvements were achieved without disturbing the internal robot controller.

Electrical and mechanical response of spin-coated PVDF-TrFE formed from MIBK and DMSO solvents under external excitations

Flexible polymer piezoelectric materials are of interest in electro-mechanical applications; however, the mechanical and electrical properties of these materials can be affected by their formation. In this study vibrational analysis was performed to explore the mechanical and electrical properties of piezoelectric PVDF-TrFE polymer using external excitations. Frequency response study of cantilever cantilevers was used to explore the natural mechanical response of a flexible KAPTON cantilever coated with PVDF-TrFE of different concentrations, and with different solvent formations. It is found that the mechanical response of the PVDF-TrFE coated KAPTON cantilever has reduced vibration amplitude when a combined Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is used, but it is not affected with only MIBK is used. When using a combined MIBK and DMSO solvent, the 1.25%w/v PVDF-TrFE material was easily mixed, and it possessed a higher piezoelectric electrical response to the MIBK solutions. The piezoelectrical coefficients were also calculated by applying a dynamic force to the cantilevers and found that q31 of cantilever coated with the PVDF formed using the mixture of DMSO and MIBK solution is higher than that formed using MIBK.

Research on nonlinear dynamic characteristics of high-speed gear in two-speed transmission system

The working performance and service life of the two-speed transmission system directly affects the performance and service life of helicopters and other equipment. One of the main tasks of the two-speed transmission system research is to improve its dynamic characteristics. For the two-speed transmission system in high-speed gear, a purely torsional nonlinear dynamic differential equation set considering the number of planetary gears, backlash, and clutch dynamic load is established by using the lumped parameter method, and the equations are dimensionless. Then the dimensionless differential equation set is solved by using the variable step-size fourth-order Runge–Kutta method, and the phase diagram and Poincare diagram of high-speed gear are obtained. By changing the dynamic friction coefficient of the friction clutch and the backlash of the gear pair, the influence of parameter change on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the system is analyzed. The results show that, with the increase of excitation frequency, the system has experienced single cycle, quasi-cycle, chaos, and double cycle, then changed from double cycle to chaotic motion, and then changed from chaotic motion to double cycle and single cycle motion in turn, and found the path to chaos. In the low-frequency band, reducing the friction coefficient of the friction clutch can reduce vibration amplitude; In the middle-frequency band, reducing the friction coefficient will make the system tend to unstable vibration. In the high-frequency band, it is a single-cycle movement, which is not affected by friction coefficient.

Investigation of vibration of carbon nanotube and quality factor with confined and submerged fluid under hammer impact Test: A molecular dynamics study

Because of their unique dynamic properties and high-quality factors, one and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) materials have been increasingly in favorin recent years for the construction of a new generation of nano sensors. While numerous research has explored these qualities in vacuum, there is a need to analyze the influence of van der Waals interaction on their vibrational properties when they are exposed to fluids such as water which is significant as it plays a vital role in defining the stability of CNT-based nano-fluidic systems. Using molecular dynamics approach, the behavior of a single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) affected by water environment inside or around the structure is investigated. Moreover, the influence of nanotube dimensions and water density are examined using the newly presented method called hammer impact test in nanoscale, which is a conventional modal analysis method in macroscale. The findings show thatthe presented hammer impact test can predict the frequencies and quality factor with high precision and at a far reduced computational cost. The results show that the presence of fluid reduces the natural frequency of the nanotube, and that the natural frequency of the nanotube drops as fluid density increases. In addition, increasing the diameter of fluid carrier nanotubes leads to a rise in the natural frequency of the nanotubes in varied chiralities. At a constant density of water, comparing the results of interior fluid CNT with those of submerged CNT, the results show a meaningful reduction in natural frequency, quality factor, and vibration amplitudes, which makes the interior fluid CNT an ideal case for future investigation on CNT-based nano-fluidic systems. Our resultsreveal a novel aspect offluid-CNTinteraction and examines its impact to design high performance nano sensors.

Mitigation of PWR fuel assembly vibrations using bio-inspired nozzles

Jet flows injected in a transverse flow need rapid and effective mixing for various applications ranging from medicine injection into bloodstreams to nuclear pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Inspired by marine organisms, spiral snails, and sharks, bio-inspired nozzles are proposed and experimentally investigated to explore their advantages in suppressing nuclear fuel assembly vibrations. It has been observed that a combination of axial flow and jet cross-flow causes vibrations of fuel rods and potential wear at spacer grid supports. Marine biomimetics is used to improve the mixing between the jet flow and surrounding fluid flows. Inspired by the structure of gastropod shells, a variable whorl spacing nozzle is proposed to induce a swirling jet flow to enhance the mixing rate with the flow inside the reactor cores. In addition, the smooth maneuverability of the sharks highlights the importance to include gill slits structure into nozzles. This work focuses on mitigating PWR fuel assembly vibrations using two biomimetic nozzles, a snail nozzle and a shark nozzle. These two nozzles are proposed to improve the mixing rate between the injected flow and the primary coolant flow, resulting in a reduced jet flow effect on fuel rods. A single-span mock-up PWR array is designed, fabricated, and instrumented to mimic the real nuclear fuel assembly. The array is experimentally tested under combined axial flow and jet cross-flow to investigate its dynamical behavior. Three different nozzles, a basic circular nozzle, a snail nozzle, and a shark nozzle, are tested. The research investigates the ability of the proposed marine biomimetic nozzles to suppress the vibration of the rod bundle by comparing the results from the three tested nozzles. The obtained results suggest that the proposed snail-inspired biomimetic nozzle is significantly better than the circular nozzle since it reduces rod bundle vibration by increasing flow mixing. A 50% reduction was achieved by implementing it instead of the circular nozzle. More importantly, the shark-inspired nozzle delays the critical jet flow rate, at which the unstable vibration occurs in the rod bundle, by 20%. In addition to delaying instability, a vibration amplitude reduction of 87.5% was obtained using the proposed shark-inspired nozzle compared to the circular nozzle. The results are promising for various applications including gas burners, combustion chambers, and chemical reactors for providing efficient and rapid mixing between two fluid streams.