Volume Fraction Ratio Research Articles

Mechanical behaviour of double lining with outer segmental lining and inner fibre reinforced concrete lining under internal water pressure

Double lining with outer segmental lining and inner reinforced concrete lining is extensively used for water conveyance tunnel with internal water pressure. In order to improve the performance of the double lining, the steel rebar and fibre reinforced concrete (R/FRC) is designed for inner lining to enhance the tensile strength of reinforced concrete (RC). Full-scale tests were conducted to compare the mechanical behaviour of double lining with inner RC and R/FRC linings. The test results showed that both types of lining failed in four stages: elastic stage, inner lining cracking stage, crack stabilization and segmental joint damage stage, and failure stage. The cracks firstly occurred in the inner lining near the segmental joints and then propagated to the whole inner lining ring. Finally, the crack width and segmental joint opening successively exceeded the thresholds, and the double lining failed until the breaking of segmental joints. Compared with inner RC lining, R/FRC lining had better performance in terms of the initial cracking load, cracking-control ability, post-cracking stiffness, service limit capacity of inner lining and waterproof capacity of segmental lining. The improvement ratios were 36.3%, 50.3%, 46.3%, 37.2% and 31.1%, respectively. The influences of fibre volume fraction, fibre aspect ratio, and reinforcement ratio of steel rebar on the mechanical performance of R/FRC lining were also investigated based on a previously proposed analytical model. The parametric analysis demonstrated that higher fibre volume fraction and fibre aspect ratio can result in more significant increase of mechanical performance of R/FRC lining. The steel fibres were found to have more significant effects on the post-cracking behaviour of the lining than same amounts of reinforcing bars. Finally, an optimized function was proposed to fulfil a balance of lining performance and economy. The experimental and analytical results indicated that R/FRC lining can substitute RC lining and perform higher mechanical performance in water conveyance tunnels.

Enhancement of carbon nanotubes/kerosene nanofluids on mixed convective heat transfer in rectangular enclosures

With the objective of understanding how the mixed convective and the geometrical parameters together influence the nanofluid behavior (enhancement or deterioration) and finding the best configuration of the moving walls for engineering purposes, this paper investigates the single lid-driven mixed convective flow of carbon nanotubes/kerosene nanofluids confined in vertical and horizontal cavities with non-uniform boundary conditions applied to the vertical walls. The findings of this paper can provide crucial conclusions into the behavior and optimization of nanofluids in mixed convective flows in enclosed systems for engineering applications. The system of the governing equations is tackled by a validated in-house code, where we compared the code accuracy with previous experimental and numerical works. The governing parameters are -50 ≤ Pe ≤ 50, 0.5 ≤ A ≤ 4, and 0 ≤ φ ≤ 3%. The effective nanofluid properties are calculated using special experimental models. The outcomes revealed that the carbon nanotube effect on heat transfer depends on the aspect ratio. The greater the aspect ratio, the more pronounced the negative impact of the nanotube concentration where Nusselt number is reduced by 4.49% and 16.17% for φ = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively, in the case of Pe = 0 and A = 4. The Peclet number also has a significant impact on the heat transfer, especially for higher aspect ratios, and diminishes the critical aspect ratio where the nanofluid's behavior changes. An augmentation in the aspect ratio and Peclet number brings about an augmentation in the Nusselt number. Additionally, the Peclet number can reverse the conjugated effect of carbon nanotube volume fraction and aspect ratio on nanofluid enhancement. When Pe = 50 in C1, heat transfer rate is 1.75% and 1.11% enhanced for φ = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively, and A = 4. Moving horizontal walls exhibits higher heat transfer enhancement compared to vertical ones.

Study on the effect of Lorentz force on the nuclear reactor core melt stratification in electromagnetic cold crucible

To understand the effect of the Lorentz force on core melt stratification during experiments, a multi-physical field coupling model of electromagnetic induction, non-isothermal flow, and two-phase flow is established in this paper. The evolution of the layered core melt in the electromagnetic cold crucible is studied for different relative densities and phase volume fraction ratios between metal and oxide. The calculation results show that the coupling model can accurately describe the structural evolution of core melt. The Lorentz force cannot change the relative positions of the metal and oxide, but it can significantly affect the morphology of the core melt. If the density of the metal is less than that of the oxide, the Lorentz force causes the light metal with a small phase volume fraction to form a hemispherical shape in the top center of the crucible. As the phase volume fraction increases, the Lorentz force become weaker than those of gravity and buoyancy. The light metal is then flat. When the metal density is greater than the oxide density, the Lorentz force causes the heavy metal with a small phase volume fraction to appear as a hemisphere, but causes the heavy metal with a large phase volume fraction to appear as an ellipsoid in the lower part of the crucible.

Evaporation of stable microemulsion droplets

Emulsion fuels have the potential to reduce both particulate matter and NOx emissions and can potentially improve the efficiency of combustion engines. However, their limited stability remains a critical barrier to practical use as an alternative fuel. In this study, we explore the evaporation behavior of thermodynamically stable water-in-oil microemulsions. The water-in-oil microemulsion droplets prepared from different types of oil were acoustically levitated and heated using a continuous laser at different irradiation intensities. We show that the evaporation characteristics of these microemulsions can be controlled by varying water-to-surfactant molar ratio (ω) and volume fraction of the dispersed phase (ϕ). The emulsion droplets undergo three distinct stages of evaporation, namely preheating, steady evaporation, and unsteady evaporation. During the steady evaporation phase, increasing ϕ reduces the evaporation rate for a fixed ω. It is observed that the evaporation of microemulsion is governed by the complex interplay between its constituents and their properties. We propose a parameter (η) denoting the volume fraction ratio between volatile and nonvolatile components, which indicates the cumulative influence of various factors affecting the evaporation process. The evaporation of microemulsions eventually leads to the formation of solid spherical shells, which may undergo buckling. The distinction in the morphology of these shells is explored in detail using scanning electron microscopy imaging.

Flexural and Shear Strength Analysis of Kevlar/Carbon-Epoxy Composites using Finite Element Modelling

Abstract The current study aims to investigate the mechanical behavior of Kevlar/carbon-epoxy composites, specifically their response to various mechanical stresses. These materials are intended for use as aircraft wing skins, making it crucial to understand their performance under different conditions. Several tests were conducted, including Inter delamination, Double Shear and Flexural, to assess the material’s ability to withstand these stresses. The hybrid composites have been set volume fraction ratio as 0.5. The obtained results were analyzed using NASTRAN analysis software. It was found that Kevlar/carbon composites exhibit high shear strength under ambient conditions, but the presence of notches significantly affects this property. Additionally, the flexural strength and resistance to compression failure were observed to vary accordingly.

The Ratio of Baseline Ventricle Volume to Total Brain Volume Predicts Postoperative Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt Dependency after Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery.

Background/Objectives: Obstructive hydrocephalus associated with vestibular schwannoma (VS) is the most common in giant VS. Despite tumor removal, some patients may require ongoing ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) surgery. This investigation explores the factors contributing to the requirement for VP surgery following VS surgery in instances of persistent hydrocephalus (HCP). Methods: Volumetric MRI analyses of pre- and postoperative tumor volumes, cerebellum, cerebrum, ventricle system, fourth ventricle, brainstem, and peritumoral edema were conducted using Brainlab Smartbrush and 3D Slicer. The total brain volume was defined as the sum of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. ROC analyses were performed to identify the optimum cut-off values of the volumetric data. Results: Permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion after surgery was indicated in 12 patients (12/71; 16.9%). The ratio of baseline volume fraction of brain ventricles to total brain ventricle volume (VTB ratio) was found to predict postoperative VP shunt dependency. The AUC was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.51-0.91), and the optimum threshold value (</≥0.449) yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 67% and 81%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analyses of imaging data (pre- and postoperative VS volume, VTB ratio, and extent of resection (%) (EoR)) and patient-specific factors revealed that an increased VTB ratio (≥0.049, OR: 6.2, 95% CI: 1.0-38.0, p = 0.047) and an EoR < 96.4% (OR: 9.1, 95% CI: 1.2-69.3, p = 0.032) were independently associated with postoperative VP shunt dependency. Conclusions: Primary tumor removal remains the best treatment to reduce the risk of postoperative persistent hydrocephalus. However, patients with an increased preoperative VTB ratio are prone to needing postoperative VP shunt surgery and may benefit from perioperative EVD placement.

Thermal dynamics of nanoparticle aggregation in MHD dissipative nanofluid flow within a wavy channel: Entropy generation minimization

This paper examines how nanoparticle aggregation and a consistent magnetic field influence the peristaltic movement of a dissipative nanofluid, which is caused by the sinusoidal deformation of the boundary. The viscosity of TiO2/H2O nanofluids is accurately determined by the Krieger-Dougherty model with nanoparticle aggregation, while thermal conductivity (TC) is estimated through the Bruggeman model. The set of governing equations are modeled in a fixed frame by utilizing the conservation laws of energy, mass and momentum. Galilean transformation is utilized to transform the system of equations into a wave frame, which is then converted into a dimensionless form. The assumption of a small Reynolds number and long wavelength serve to further simplify the set of equations, which are subsequently addressed through the implementation of the differential quadrature method (DQM), a highly effective numerical technique. Quantities of interest, namely velocity, pressure gradient, temperature, trapping phenomena, heat transfer, and volumetric entropy generation are analyzed across a range of physical parameters, including the solid volume fraction (Φ=0.01−0.04), Eckert number (Ec=0.0−0.1), Hartman number (Mh=0.2−2.2), Grashof number (Gr=1.0−3.0) and temperature ratio parameter (θd=0.5−2.5). A comparative analysis is conducted between the scenario involving aggregation and the one without aggregation. It is observed that nanoparticle aggregation significantly alters these quantities.

Mechanical Properties of End-of-life Waste Tyres Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete: RSM-Based Modelling and Optimisation

The influence of fibres on the compressive strength of concrete is complex and is determined by the type, quantity, and characteristics of the fibres utilized in designing and forming the concrete. Designing fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) constituents is challenging and affects the concrete's performance and practicality. This study utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the properties of concrete containing steel fibre extracted from end-of-life tyres (ELTs). Face-cantered central composite design (FC-CCD) of RSM was used in the design of experiments (DOE) with aspect ratio (10-70) and volume fraction (0.5 % - 1.2 %) as the input variables. Three levels of each variable were used in forming the design matrix. The resulting concretes were then tested for slump and compressive strength at 7 and 28 days of curing. As the aspect ratio and volume fraction increased, slump values decreased, and 7- and 28-day compressive strength increased up to an aspect ratio of 45 and 1.0% volume fraction. Beyond an aspect ratio of 45 and 1.0% volume fraction, a declining trend in compressive strength at all curing ages was observed. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that the variables volume fraction and aspect ratio significantly affect the variability in the FRC models, with all models being statistically significant at the 95% level across all factor levels. A numerical optimization method was used to determine the optimal mix proportions for ELTFRC. The optimum response values were achieved by combining a 1.01% volume fraction and a 33.86 aspect ratio, resulting in a desirability of 0.73.

Dynamic Resistance and Energy Absorption of Sandwich Beam via a Micro-Topology Optimization

The current research of sandwich structures under dynamic loading mainly focus on the response characteristic of structure. The micro-topology of core layers would sufficiently influence the property of sandwich structure. However, the micro deformation and topology mechanism of structural deformation and energy absorption are unclear. In this paper, based on the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method and periodic base cell (PBC) technology, a topology optimization frame work is proposed to optimize the core layer of sandwich beams. The objective of the present optimization problem is to maximize shear stiffness of PBC with a volume constraint. The effects of the volume fraction, filter radius, and initial PBC aspect ratio on the micro-topology of the core were discussed. The dynamic response process, core compression, and energy absorption capacity of the sandwich beams under blast impact loading were analyzed by the finite element method. The results demonstrated that the over-pressure action stage was coupled with the core compression stage. Under the same loading and mass per unit area, the sandwich beam with a 20% volume fraction core layer had the best blast resistance. The filter radius has a slight effect on the shear stiffness and blast resistances of the sandwich beams. But increasing the filter radius could slightly improve the bending stiffness. Upon changing the initial PBC aspect ratio, there are three ways for PBC evolution: The first is to change the angle between the adjacent bars, the second is to further form holes in the bars, and the third is to combine the first two ways. However, not all three ways can improve the energy absorption capacity of the structure. Changing the aspect ratio of the PBC arbitrarily may lead to worse results. More studies are necessary for further detailed optimization. This research proposes a new topology sandwich beam structure by micro-topology optimization, which has sufficient shear stiffness. The micro mechanism of structural energy absorption is clarified, it is significant for structural energy absorption design.

Investigating Proppant Transport in Slickwater Fractures using Direct Numeriacl Simulations (DNS) and Two-Fluid Models (TFM)

Proppant / fracturing fluid two-phase separation always occurs in proppant-slickwater systems, especially in fractures with small width created by low-viscosity slickwater. Forces acting on the proppant include drag from the fluid, body force and force due to inter-particles impede / improve proppant settling. In this paper, lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) using direct numerical simulation (DNS) scheme presented is motivated to resolve lightweight and regular-weight proppant carried by slickwater. DNS simulations have investigated Archimedes number (Ar), proppant volume fraction (ϕ), wall effect (W/dp), horizontal crossflow (Rex) and proppant-slickwater density ratio (ρp/ρf). It is observed that Rex and ρp/ρfhave little effect on proppant settlement as the balance between proppant weight and slickwater viscosity is fixed at a constant Ar. Thus, the proppant carried by slickwater relevant drag correlation series have been derived using small-scale DNS, which is a look-up table that takes fracture aperture, amount of proppant and rheology of fracturing fluid into account. Furthermore, the performances of proppant transport were evaluated by the rate of formation of proppant bank quantitatively and the length and height of proppant bank formed in fractures qualitatively. The drag correlations derived from DNS and Beestra Van der Hoef Kuipers (BVK) were then substituted into MFIX Two Fluid Model (TFM). Proppant bank propagation and equilibrium height in the experiments have validated this DNS derived drag model. Finally, it is to apply DNS-derived drag correlations to characterize proppant settling and transport by slickwater.

Non-linear finite element analysis of SFRC beam-column joints under cyclic loading: enhancing ductility and structural integrity

Brittle shear failure of beam-column joints, especially during seismic events poses a significant threat to structural integrity. This study investigates the potential of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) in the joint core to enhance ductility and overcome construction challenges associated with traditional reinforcement. A non-linear finite element analysis (NLFEA) using ABAQUS software was conducted to simulate the behavior of SFRC beam-column joints subjected to cyclic loading. Ten simulated specimens were analyzed to discern the impact of varying steel fiber volume fraction and aspect ratio on joint performance. Key findings reveal that a 2% volume fraction of steel fibers in the joint core significantly improves post-cracking behavior by promoting ductile shear failure, thereby increasing joint toughness. While aspect ratio variations showed minimal impact on load capacity, long and thin steel fibers effectively bridge cracks, delaying their propagation. Furthermore, increasing steel fiber content resulted in higher peak-to-peak stiffness. This research suggests that strategically incorporating SFRC in the joint core can promote ductile shear failure, enhance joint toughness, and reduce construction complexities by eliminating the need for congested hoops. Overall, the developed NLFEA model proves to be a valuable tool for investigating design parameters in SFRC beam-column joints under cyclic loading.

Experimental Investigation of the Behavior of SlFCON Column under Eccentric Monotonic Load

Abstract This research delves into the performance of Slurry Infiltrated Fibrous Concrete (SIFCON) columns when subjected to eccentric monotonic loading, through the examination of twenty columns until their point of failure. The research addresses gaps in existing literature by examining the effects of various parameters, including fiber type, volume fraction, and eccentricity ratio, on SIFCON column performance. Results reveal significant correlations between the studied parameters and the structural behavior of SIFCON columns. The investigation shows how the ultimate load affect by the eccentricity ratio, for instance, the hook end steel fiber with a volume fraction of 6%, where the ultimate load decreased by a factor of 0.25 when the eccentricity ratio changed from 0.1 to 0.5. Furthermore, increasing the volume fraction of steel fibers significantly enhances the energy absorption of SIFCON columns. For instance, with the hook-end steel fiber and an eccentricity ratio of 0.3, the energy absorption increased by a factor of 2.76 when the volume fraction of steel fiber changed from 4% to 9%. The type of fibers used plays a pivotal role in the material behavior of SIFCON, with the straight micro fiber exhibiting an ultimate load 2.17 times greater than flat crimped steel fiber types when the volume fraction was 9% and the eccentricity ratio was 0.3. Finally, based on the experimental results, an interaction diagram has been established for three types of SIFCON: straight micro steel fiber with a volume fraction of 12%, hook end steel fiber with volume fractions of 6% and 4%.

Experimental investigation of flexural and punching behavior for plain PE-ECC slabs with different fiber volume fractions and span-depth ratios

Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) exhibits superior tensile ductility, shear capacity, and crack-control ability in comparison to traditional concrete and fiber reinforced concrete. These attributes render ECC a suitable candidate for addressing the brittle punching shear behavior commonly observed in reinforced concrete (RC) flat slabs. To verify the feasibility of using ECC for strengthening the punching shear capacity of concrete slabs, an investigation on the punching behavior of plain ECC slabs was conducted to ascertain their crack patterns, failure mode, strength and energy absorption capacity by means of experiments on twenty-seven 400 mm×400 mm square slabs. The plain ECC slabs were simply supported on a bespoke steel framework with eight supports, centrically loaded with a concentrated load. The fiber volume fraction (FVF) and span-depth ratio (SDR) are the two variables to be examined for their effects on the punching behavior of ECC slabs. Test results revealed that the incorporation of fibers significantly improved the load-bearing capacity, ductility and energy absorption capacity, while it altered the failure mechanism from brittle to ductile. The critical punching shear angles of all tested plain ECC slabs ranged from 40° to 50°. The ECC specimens possessing an FVF of 2 % exhibited markedly superior tensile capabilities compared to those with a 1 % FVF, as evidenced by direct tensile tests. Nevertheless, the ECC slabs with an FVF of 2 % did not demonstrate commensurate improvements in load-bearing capacity relative to their counterparts containing 1 % FVF. The span-depth ratio significantly impacted the failure mode of plain ECC slabs, yielding to punching shear failure at an SDR of 1, and to flexural failure at SDRs of 2 and 3. Moreover, an increase in the SDR value led to a reduction in both the initial cracking load and the ultimate load, concurrently increasing the associated deflection. In addition, a preliminary theoretical analysis was conducted to estimate the bearing capacity of plain ECC slabs. Flexural strength was estimated by yield line theory (YLT) and punching shear resistance was estimated by the model based on theory of plasticity in slab-column systems. The experimental and theoretical investigations could provide insights into the punching and flexural behavior of ECC slabs, laying a groundwork for the design and development of flat systems strengthened with ECC.

Optimizing heat transport in a permeable cavity with an isothermal solid block: Influence of nanoparticles volume fraction and wall velocity ratio

Abstract This study examines the influence of wall velocity ratio on mixed convective heat transport in a permeable cavity containing an isothermal solid block at its center. The analysis considers the characteristics of various flow variables, i.e., Darcy number, wall velocity ratio, Richardson number, and volume fraction of suspended nanoparticles, on heat transport and material flow characteristics. The principal equations are solved implementing the semi-implicit method for pressure linked equations algorithm, and the outcomes are compared with existing literature. The study shows that rising estimations of Darcy number, velocity ratio, Richardson number, and nanoparticles volume fraction lead to improved heat transfer rates. For example, at high Richardson number (100) and solid volume fraction (0.05), increasing the velocity ratio from 0.5 to 1.5 results in a 6% (5%) upsurge in heat transport rate. Conversely, at smaller Richardson number (0.01), the heat transport rate upsurges by 29% (28%). Similarly, at high Darcy numbers and low wall velocity ratios, a 3% (4%) escalate in heat transport rate is observed with an increase in nanoparticles concentration from 0 to 0.05, while a 9% (8%) increase in thermal performance is achieved at low Darcy numbers. The study emphasizes the importance of optimizing the combination of nanoparticles volume fraction, Darcy number, velocity ratio, and Richardson number to maximize thermal performance in the porous cavity.

Reproductive investment and gonad development in triploid mussels, Mytilus Edulis

The production of triploid bivalves has elicited great interest because their reproductive investment is known to be lower than that of diploids. Reduced reproductive investment is expected to improve the survival and growth of triploid bivalves compared to diploids as the energy spared from reproduction could be used for other metabolic needs. However, the reduction of triploid fertility varies among species, therefore, its impacts on survival and growth are variable. In this study, we compared the reproductive investment of diploid and triploid mussels between two age and size groups (1-year-old ˂ 30 mm, and 2-years-old ˃ 50 mm). We measured gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonad volume fraction (GVF), gonad maturation, and sex ratio. Results demonstrated that while triploid mussels do invest part of their energy in reproduction, they had lower GSI and GVF than diploids. In all tested groups, triploid gonads were less mature than those of diploids, and their sex ratio was significantly altered, with the absence of female triploids. Furthermore, triploid gonads showed signs of gamete resorption, suggesting that the gametes of triploid mussels could serve as energy reserves. This study reveals that triploid mussels invest less energy in reproduction which suggests that the spared energy could be used to improve other metabolic need and survival. We conclude that triploid mussels could be of great interest for aquaculture because they may have better resistance to post-spawning weakness and better recovery due to gametes resorption.

Effect of Si and Holding Time on Ti2Al20La Phase in Al-Ti-La Intermediate Alloy.

The effects of holding time and Si on the content, shape size and structure of Ti2Al20La phase in Al-Ti-La intermediate alloy were investigated by an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The results show that the volume fraction and aspect ratio of Ti2Al20La phase in Al-Ti-La intermediate alloy decrease significantly, from 21% and 2.3 without Si addition to 4% and 2.0 with the addition of 2.3 wt.% Si at a holding time of 15 min at 750 °C, respectively. The Si element will attach to the Ti2Al20La phase and form La-Si binary phase at the grain boundary of α-Al. With the increase of holding time from 15 min to 60 min, the content of Ti2Al20La phase in the alloy gradually decreases and the size decreases significantly. Meanwhile, Al11La3 will dissolve and disappear, while the content of La-Si binary phase increases, and part of Ti2Al20La phase transforms into Ti2(Al20-x,Six)La phase.

Cracking behavior of brittle materials under eccentric decoupled charge blasting

The decoupled charge structure is often used in controlled blasting. However, in actual engineering scenarios, boreholes are typically horizontal or inclined. The explosive is close to the borehole wall because of gravity action, resulting in an eccentric charge structure. In this study, concentric and eccentric decoupled charge blasting tests were conducted on 250 mm × 250 mm × 150 mm cuboid concrete specimens. The blast-induced fracture propagation behavior was evaluated using digital image correlation (DIC) technology, and surface fracture networks were extracted by image processing to investigate the fractal characteristics. A three-dimensional finite element model was established and verified using experimental data to reveal the influencing mechanism of the coupling medium and eccentricity coefficient on concrete fractures from the energy perspective. Finally, the borehole wall pressure (BWP) and displacement distribution with different charge structures and coupling media are analyzed theoretically, and the application of an eccentric charge structure in smooth blasting is discussed. The results reveal that nonequivalent BWP and displacement are produced in eccentric charge blasting, with a more evident crushed zone appearing on the coupled side owing to the higher energy utilization efficiency of the explosive. Sand had the largest fracture volume fraction ratio between the coupled and decoupled sides, effectively controlling the damage level on the decoupled side. The proposed eccentric decoupled charge-blasting scheme produced directional damage effects in the field test, maximizing the failure of the excavation rock while reducing the damage level to the reserved rock.

Reinforcement Effects on Tensile Behavior of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) with Low Steel Fiber Volume Fractions.

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with a low steel fiber volume fraction offers lower material costs than UHPC with typical steel fiber volume fractions, and has the potential to mitigate the ductility degradation of rebar-reinforced UHPC (R-UHPC). This study explores the reinforcement effect on the tensile behavior of UHPC with a low fiber volume fraction with the aim of facilitating more cost-efficient UHPC applications. The axial tensile behavior of 30 UHPC specimens with low fiber volume fractions at different reinforcement ratios was tested through direct tensile tests. The findings indicate that adopting UHPC with a low fiber volume fraction can significantly mitigate the ductility deterioration of rebar-reinforced UHPC (R-UHPC), and both increasing the reinforcement ratio and decreasing the fiber volume fraction contribute to the improvement in ductility. The failure modes of R-UHPC are determined by the ratio of reinforcement ratio and fiber volume fraction, rather than a single parameter, which also means that R-UHPC with different parameters may correspond to different methods to predict tensile load-bearing capacity. For UHPC with a fiber volume fraction low to 0.5%, incorporating steel rebars gives superior multi-crack cracking behavior and excellent capacity to restrict the maximum crack width. Increasing the fiber volume fraction from 0.5% to 1.0% at the same reinforcement ratio will yield little benefit other than an increase in tensile load-bearing capacity.

Numerical analysis of non-linear radiative Casson fluids containing CNTs having length and radius over permeable moving plate

Abstract Casson fluids containing carbon nanotubes of various lengths and radii on a moving permeable plate reduce friction and improve equipment efficiency. They improve plate flow dynamics to improve heat transfer, particularly in electronic cooling and heat exchangers. The core objective of this study is to investigate the heat transmission mechanism and identify the prerequisites for achieving high cooling speeds within a two-dimensional, stable, axisymmetric boundary layer. This study considers a sodium alginate-based nanofluid containing single/multi-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs/MWCNTs) and Casson nanofluid flow on a permeable moving plate with varying length, radius, and nonlinear thermal radiation effects. The plate has the capacity to move either parallel to or perpendicular to the free stream. The governing partial differential equations for the boundary layer, which are interconnected, are transformed into standard differential equations. These equations are then numerically solved using the Runge–Kutta fourth-order scheme incorporated in the shooting method. This research analyses and graphically displays the effects of factors including mass suction, nanoparticle volume fraction, Casson parameter, thermal radiation, and temperature ratio. Additionally, a comparison is made between the present result and the previous finding, which presented in a tabular format. The coefficient of skin friction decreases in correlation with an increase in Casson fluid parameters and Prandtl number. Heat transfer rate decreases with a variation in viscosity parameter, while it is increasing with an increase in Prandtl number. In addition, this study demonstrates that heat transfer rate for MWCNT is significantly higher than that of SWCNT nanoparticles. Thermal radiation and temperature ratio reduce the heat transfer rate, whereas nanoparticle volume fraction and Casson parameter enhance it over a shrinking surface.

Investigation of the influence of morphology on thermal conductivity in hexagonal honeycomb structures and computational models with varied volume fraction and conductivity ratio

The effective thermal conductivity (ETC) is a critical parameter for simulating macroscopic heat transfer processes in composite materials, which estimation is particularly critical where the thermal conductivity of the composite phases is completely different. The huge difference in thermal conductivity of the composite phases makes their volume fraction modulation a classical way to reach the desired thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, the typical manufacturing process of honeycomb cellular structures allows various degrees of stretching of the structure, leading to various honeycomb geometries. In these ‘real’ structures some of the honeycomb wall sides are twice as thick as other parts, modifying the symmetry of the system with respect to honeycomb with uniform wall side thickness. A noticeable example of these composites is that of a hexagonal metallic honeycomb structure filled with phase change material (PCM) which is a widely utilized material in the field of thermal storage and thermal management by exploiting the heat absorbed/released by the PCM phase during its melting/solidification. While the thermal response of a PCM composite during a thermal cycle is not only defined by thermal conductivity (but also by cell size), this represents the basis for the with the optimization of a system based on a composite PCM.For this reason, in this study, steady-state simulations of heat transfer in unit honeycomb cells in different directions perpendicular to the cell axis are conducted to quantify the impact of morphology on the thermal property of the different wall types within honeycomb structures. The results demonstrate that in both SHS and DHS, the porosity exhibiting maximum anisotropy of ETC decreases as the thermal conductivity ratio increases. Moreover, simple predictive models for calculating the ETC in all directions are proposed for each type of honeycomb, considering a wide range of porosity and thermal conductivity ratio, with a relative error limited to 2 %.