Volume Proportion Research Articles

Submicroscopic iron-rich grains throughout impact glasses in Chang'E-5 regolith

In lunar regolith returned by Chang'E-5, Apollo and Luna missions, submicron-sized iron-rich grains that are dominated by reduced iron and with sizes of about 10 s to 100 s nanometers are widespread on surfaces of impact glasses, such as glass spherules and glass that welds agglutinates. With flat or mound-like tops, such submicroscopic iron-rich grains typically occur in chains, nets and/or mists, and they were interpreted to be surface adherents that are mainly composed of native iron. Processes such as cooling of iron melt veneer, condensation of iron vapor, and in situ thermal reduction of regolith particles have been separately invoked to explain their origin. Meanwhile, some iron-rich grains have lower hemispheres being embedded in their host glasses, and spherical iron-rich grains with similar sizes, compositions and spatial distributions are also widespread in interiors of their host glasses. It is possible that both the surface and interior iron-rich grains were formed simultaneously during cooling of the host impact melt. However, the precise composition and crystallography of the surface and interior iron-rich grains have not been adequately constrained. In this study, we prepared focused ion beam (FIB) sections for chains of iron-rich mounds that occur on surfaces of impact glasses in the Chang'E-5 lunar regolith. Several FIB sections also exposed interior iron-rich grains that exhibit similar sizes and regular distribution patterns. High-resolution elemental mapping shows that both the surface and interior iron-rich grains are mainly composed of iron and sulfur, and crystallographic inspections reveal that the grains are similarly composed of α-Fe and troilite with varying volume proportions. As the glass spherules and agglutinate glasses are mainly melt products of local regolith materials, both the surface and interior iron-rich grains are most consistent with being formed due to liquid immiscibility between FeS and silicate melt. Troilite preferentially occurs along margins of the iron-rich grains due to heterogeneous distribution of S in the iron-rich melt and the relatively greater compatibility between troilite and silicate melt. The varying morphology of the surface iron-rich grains (e.g., flat tops, mounds) is likely caused by different surface tensions of FeS melt droplets and different wettability between the solidifying Fe-dominating melt and FeS melt with silicate melt. This interpretation predicts that iron-rich grains formed during cooling of impact melt may be dispersed in melt strips and even detached from the melt body during ejecta motion, and they could be subsequently adhered to surfaces of other lunar regolith particles. For reflectance spectra of lunar regolith at visible to near-infrared wavelength, the long-noticed darkening effect caused by submicron-sized iron may be caused by such two-phase iron-rich grains (i.e., α-Fe plus troilite).

A small-scale silica gel column chromatography method for separating carbazole compounds from highly mature crude oil

The concentration of carbazoles in highly mature crude oil is quite low, making it challenging to separate carbazole compounds for the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) detection. This study presents a small-scale column chromatography method for separating carbazoles from highly mature crude oil using silica gel as a solid phase adsorbent and a Pasteur pipette as a separation device. The carbazole-rich crude oil from the Pearl River Mouth Basin was selected to explore the impact of reagent polarity and injection mode on the separation of carbazoles. The oil sample was eluted with solvents mixed with different volume proportions of n-hexane and dichloromethane and each eluted fraction was collected for GC–MS testing. The results indicated that increasing the reagent polarity caused the aromatic hydrocarbons and carbazole compounds in crude oil to be eluted sequentially. Most aromatic compounds in the crude oil could be selectively eluted using a reagent polarity ratio of 9:1 (Vn-hexane: Vdichloromethane), with no carbazole compounds. A significant amount of carbazole compounds were eluted in the polar segments of 8:2–6:4, with the eluted carbazoles concentration accounting for more than 98 % of the total concentration. Moreover, the concentration and recovery of carbazoles eluted by direct injection mode were about 10 % higher than those after adsorption by silica gel. The standard deviation of the parameter ratio for the separated carbazole compounds in the three groups of repeatable parallel experiments was less than 0.2 %. Our method is superior to traditional two-step method and C18 column method in separation efficiency and damage to human body. This method can be applied to both highly mature crude oil and other kinds of oils including biodegradable oil. It could be a versatile method for the carbazoles separation and provide technical support in unveiling the geochemical implications of these compounds in complex areas.

A model-based study of the evolution of gravel layer permeability under the synergistic blockage effect of sand particle transport and secondary hydrate formation

When using gravel-packed completions to exploit hydrates, the synergistic blockage of gravel filling layer by sand and hydrate often arises. In this paper, we completed two kinds of permeability measurement experiments: experiments with different volume proportions of sand particles and experiments with different hydrate saturations in the pores of gravel filling layer. The variation in the permeability of a gravel filling layer under the simultaneous blockage due to small sand particles invasion and hydrate formation was studied experimentally. Based on the different assembly forms of spherical particles and classic permeability theory models, this paper first established an experimental model of the permeability of gravel filling layer formed by the secondary formation of hydrates under different sand volume proportions. Second, this paper analyzed the permeability measurement data. A modified permeability model based on the synergistic blockage mechanism of sand and hydrate in the gravel filling layer was obtained. Finally, this study revealed the permeability evolution of the gravel filling layer under sand intrusion and hydrate formation. The experimental data and permeability theory model results supported the following conclusions: (1) The assumption of sand particles gathering in clusters in the pores has a similar impact on permeability as the formation of hydrates at the center of the pores, resulting in an exponential decrease in permeability as the proportion of sand particles increases. (2) Based on the changes in the surface areas of pores in a gravel filling layer during the processes of sand intrusion and hydrate growth, a theoretical model of the relative permeability of gravel filling layer was established. (3) Analyzing the permeability measurement experimental data revealed that the presence of small sand particles in the experiment was more conducive to the formation of hydrates, and a high saturation of hydrates may have formed in some areas, leading to more serious blockages in the gravel filling layer. This study validated the effectiveness of the theoretical model of relative permeability through permeability measurement experiments and explored the mechanism of cooperative sand and hydrate plugging, providing a theoretical basis for the safe and efficient exploitation of hydrate reservoirs.

Phase behavior of gas condensate in porous media using real-time computed tomography scanning

The phase behavior of gas condensate in reservoir formations differs from that in pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) cells because it is influenced by porous media in the reservoir formations. Sandstone was used as a sample to investigate the influence of porous media on the phase behavior of the gas condensate. The pore structure was first analyzed using computed tomography (CT) scanning, digital core technology, and a pore network model. The sandstone core sample was then saturated with gas condensate for the pressure depletion experiment. After each pressure-depletion state was stable, real-time CT scanning was performed on the sample. The scanning results of the sample were reconstructed into three-dimensional grayscale images, and the gas condensate and condensate liquid were segmented based on gray value discrepancy to dynamically characterize the phase behavior of the gas condensate in porous media. Pore network models of the condensate liquid ganglia under different pressures were built to calculate the characteristic parameters, including the average radius, coordination number, and tortuosity, and to analyze the changing mechanism caused by the phase behavior change of the gas condensate. Four types of condensate liquid (clustered, branched, membranous, and droplet ganglia) were then classified by shape factor and Euler number to investigate their morphological changes dynamically and elaborately. The results show that the dew point pressure of the gas condensate in porous media is 12.7 MPa, which is 0.7 MPa higher than 12.0 MPa in PVT cells. The average radius, volume, and coordination number of the condensate liquid ganglia increased when the system pressure was between the dew point pressure (12.7 MPa) and the pressure for the maximum liquid dropout, Pmax (10.0 MPa), and decreased when it was below Pmax. The volume proportion of clustered ganglia was the highest, followed by branched, membranous, and droplet ganglia. This study provides crucial experimental evidence for the phase behavior changing process of gas condensate in porous media during the depletion production of gas condensate reservoirs.

Macroscopic and Microscopic Characteristics of Strength Degradation of Silty Soil Improved by Regenerated Polyester Fibers under Dry-Wet Cycling.

The structural stability of silt foundations, particularly sensitive to moisture content, can be severely compromised by recurring wetting and drying processes. This not only threatens the foundational integrity but also raises grave concerns about the long-term safety of major civil engineering endeavors. Addressing this critical issue, our study delves into the transformative effects of reclaimed polyester fiber on subgrade silt exposed to such environmental stressors. Through rigorous wet-dry cycle tests on this enhanced soil, we evaluate shifts in shear strength across varying confining pressures. We also dissect the interplay between average pore diameter, particle distribution, and morphology in influencing the soil's microstructural responses to these cycles. A detailed analysis traces the structural damage timeline in the treated soil, elucidating the intertwined micro-macro dynamics driving strength reduction. Key discoveries indicate a notably non-linear trajectory of shear strength degradation, marked by distinct phases of rapid, subdued, and stabilized strength attrition. Alterations within the micropores induce a rise in both their count and size, ultimately diminishing the total volume proportion of the reinforced soil. Intriguingly, particle distribution is directly tied to the wet-dry cycle frequency, while the fractal dimension of soil particles consistently wanes. This research identifies cement hydrolysis and pore expansion as the dominant culprits behind the observed macroscopic strength degradation due to incessant wet-dry cycles. These revelations hold profound implications for risk management and infrastructural strategizing in areas dominated by silt foundations.

Structural and Physicochemical Properties of Common Buckwheat Starch in Response to Different Fertilization Levels

AbstractBuckwheat is a typical medicinal and edible crop with high nutritional value, and the application of appropriate fertilizer can improve the quality of buckwheat starch. The changes of internal structure and physicochemical characteristics of common buckwheat grain starch under low, medium, and high fertilization levels are investigated. With increasing fertilizer amount, the volume proportion is increased, while the granule size distribution is reduced significantly. All of the common buckwheat starch samples show a typical A‐type pattern in X‐ray diffraction detection. Furthermore, with the increase of fertilization level, the amylose content, retrogradation, and the ratio of 1045/1022 cm−1 reduce and then raise, but the relative crystallinity, the ratio of 1022/995 cm−1, light transmittance, solubility, and swelling power increase and then decrease. In comparison to other fertilization levels, common buckwheat starch at the medium level has greater pasting temperatures and gelatinization enthalpy but lower pasting viscosities. These results indicate the medium fertilization level of 180 (N), 115.2 (P), and 84.6 (K) kg h−1 m−2 is more suitable for buckwheat starch quality, which can give information for buckwheat cultivation.

CO2 assisted Ca-based additives on pyrolytic characteristics and products from the co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and biomass

In this study, the CO2-looping system was firstly attempted to build for exploring the effect of calcium-based (Ca-based) additives on pyrolytic characteristics and products in co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge (SS) and biomass. Then, an innovation method for the consumption of CO2 (CPCO2) evaluation was proposed and carried out in the CO2-looping system, in which it was evaluated based on the syngas volume and CO2 proportion. The results revealed that the addition of CaO and Ca(OH)2 could significantly improve CPCO2 by 21.2% in the co-pyrolysis of 500 ℃, while the CaCO3 addition decreased the CPCO2 by 1.0%. Besides, the co-pyrolysis temperature more than 700 ℃ would play more significant role on the CPCO2 than the addition of Ca-based additives. Then the effect of Ca-based types on biochar characteristics was also identified accompanied by the bio-oil composition. Results showed that the CaO and Ca(OH)2 additives not only increased biochar mass and pH, but also enhanced the dissolved organic carbon content and the variety of dissolved organic matter, and reduced the total HMs content. Meanwhile, it was 15 types of components that was identified in bio-oil by NIST mass spectral library, found that the intensity of heptadecanenitrile and estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17 beta-ol was influenced by Ca-based additives. Moreover, the CaO and Ca(OH)2 played important roles for improving the CPCO2 in the CO2-looping system, which was further verified by Fact Sage. Finally, the mechanism for the Ca-based additives on CPCO2 was proposed at different co-pyrolysis temperatures. These findings can widen paths for biochar application and development of CO2 capture materials.

Experimental study on the influence of ultrasonic excitation duration on the pore and fracture structure and permeability of coal body

The study aims to explore the effect of ultrasonic duration on the pore structure and seepage characteristics of coal. Herein, we adopted a self-developed ultrasonic excitation experiment system using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology and NM-4B non-metallic ultrasonic wave velocity detector. The study investigated NMR relaxation time T2 patterns and the number of pores of each size, internal structural damage, and seepage characteristics of the coal body before and after ultrasonic fracturing. Based on the Warren-Root model, the permeability model of coal under ultrasonic fracturing was established, revealing the changing law of ultrasonic fracturing at different times on the change of pore scale, connectivity, and nuclear magnetic permeability of the coal body. The mechanism of ultrasonic fractured coal body evolution at different times was clarified. The results showed that the ultrasonic fracturing at different times improved the number and volume of all size pores in the coal body, expanded primary fractures, and developed newborn fractures. The rate of change in pore size, porosity, wave velocity, and coal permeability had a linear relationship with the fracturing time. The growth rate of seepage pore volume proportion was positively correlated to the decreased rate of adsorption pore volume proportion. The fracturing duration leads to the interconnection of micropores within the coal body, forming medium and large pore fractures. This transformation between pores and fractures enhances the pore structure and seepage characteristics of the coal body. The coal rock permeability model can be used to calculate the permeability of a coal body, which follows the same change law as nuclear magnetic permeability. When evaluating the index using absolute and relative errors, the range of relative error is 0.97%–7.91%. The error variation range is small, indicating that the established model can effectively reflect the change law of porosity and permeability of the coal body responding to ultrasonic fracturing. The ultrasonic fracturing rendered the ultrasonic cavitation takes micropores as fracturing units, developed pores of all sizes, connected closed pores, increased free fluid space proportion, and improved the coal permeability.

Coherent lamellar intergrowth in alkali feldspar

A thermodynamic analysis of coherent lamellar intergrowth resulting from the exsolution of initially homogeneous alkali feldspar is presented. In contrast to earlier treatments, where the simplifying assumption of zero strain in the lamellar interfaces was used, our treatment is more general. The elastic stresses and strains associated with coherent lamellar intergrowth of Na-rich and K-rich alkali feldspar are calculated by minimising the overall elastic energy of the lamellar microstructure. At given pressure and temperature, the elastic energy depends on the volume proportions of the two lamellar types, and thus on the composition of the homogeneous precursor feldspar. As a consequence, there is no single coherent solvus for alkali feldspar, but coherent solvi are different for different compositions of the homogeneous precursor phase. Experimentally observed lamellar orientations agree with those predicted by minimising the strain energy on a set of all possible lamellar orientations.

Deformation evolves from shear to extensile in rocks due to energy optimization

Determining how fracture network development leads to macroscopic failure in heterogeneous materials may help estimate the timing of failure in rocks in the upper crust as well as in engineered structures. The proportion of extensile and shear deformation produced by fracture development indicates the appropriate failure criteria to apply, and thus is a key constraint in such an effort. Here, we measure the volume proportion of extensile and shear fractures using the orientation of the fractures that develop in triaxial compression experiments in which fractures are identified using dynamic in situ synchrotron X-ray imaging. The fracture orientations transition from shear to extensile approaching macroscopic, system-size failure. Numerical models suggest that this transition occurs because the fracture networks evolve in order to optimize the total mechanical efficiency of the system. Our results provide a physical interpretation of the empirical internal friction coefficient in rocks.

Reciprocal relationships between stress and depressive symptoms: the essential role of the nucleus accumbens.

Stress and depression have a reciprocal relationship, but the neural underpinnings of this reciprocity are unclear. We investigated neuroimaging phenotypes that facilitate the reciprocity between stress and depressive symptoms. In total, 22 195 participants (52.0% females) from the population-based UK Biobank study completed two visits (initial visit: 2006-2010, age = 55.0 ± 7.5 [40-70] years; second visit: 2014-2019; age = 62.7 ± 7.5 [44-80] years). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the longitudinal relationship between self-report stressful life events (SLEs) and depressive symptoms. Cross-sectional data were used to examine the overlap between neuroimaging correlates of SLEs and depressive symptoms on the second visit among 138 multimodal imaging phenotypes. Longitudinal data were consistent with significant bidirectional causal relationship between SLEs and depressive symptoms. In cross-sectional analyses, SLEs were significantly associated with lower bilateral nucleus accumbal volume and lower fractional anisotropy of the forceps major. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with extensive white matter hyperintensities, thinner cortex, lower subcortical volume, and white matter microstructural deficits, mainly in corticostriatal-limbic structures. Lower bilateral nucleus accumbal volume were the only imaging phenotypes with overlapping effects of depressive symptoms and SLEs (B = -0.032 to -0.023, p = 0.006-0.034). Depressive symptoms and SLEs significantly partially mediated the effects of each other on left and right nucleus accumbens volume (proportion of effects mediated = 12.7-14.3%, p < 0.001-p = 0.008). For the left nucleus accumbens, post-hoc seed-based analysis showed lower resting-state functional connectivity with the left orbitofrontal cortex (cluster size = 83 voxels, p = 5.4 × 10-5) in participants with high v. no SLEs. The nucleus accumbens may play a key role in the reciprocity between stress and depressive symptoms.

The oxide-layer configuration alteration and pseudo-ductile crack propagation mechanisms in composites induced by different relative thicknesses of CVI HfC-SiC multiphase matrix

Carbon fiber-reinforced HfC-SiC ceramic matrix composites (Cf/HfC-SiC) with different HfC-SiC matrix thicknesses were prepared by the chemical vapor infiltration method. The microstructure, ablation, and pseudo-ductile fracture behaviors of the composites were studied. The results proved that with the change of the HfC-SiC layer relative thickness, the oxide-layer configuration changed to promote its densification, which improved the ablative protection and mechanical properties of Cf/HfC-SiC composites. After ablation, when the relative volume proportion of the HfC-SiC matrix was the utmost (24.7/15.5), the composites had the best ablation resistance due to the tubular lamination configuration HfO2 layer. This caused the composite to have the highest residual bending strength (215.8 MPa) and strength retention rate (79.7%). In addition, a pseudo-ductile crack propagation model was established to determine the influence of the induction of residual stress and the relative HfC-SiC layer thickness on the fracture behavior in the composites. Results suggested that in the real crack deflection mechanism, due to the induction of residual stress, the stress state in the HfC-SiC matrix with the increase of the HfC layer thickness changed to form more ring deflection cracks at the HfC/SiC interface. It provides a way to study the pseudo-ductility behavior of multiphase matrix composites and explain the improvement of its predictability and failure.

Mechanism of gas-phase passivation inhibition during FeS self-ignition based on pore structure and fractal characteristics

Reactive FeS that spontaneously combusts was prepared under field conditions and subjected to gas-phase passivation using various atmospheres and durations. The goal was to uncover how gas-phase passivation inhibits the spontaneous combustion of reactive FeS. The surface characteristics and elemental composition of FeS were analyzed at different gas-phase passivation levels using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The effect of gas-phase passivation on the evolution of the FeS pore structure was investigated using low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption, and the FHH fractal theory was employed to address changes in the fractal properties of the FeS surface. The results highlighted the intricate and densely dispersed pore structure of reactive FeS, along with its pronounced surface roughness. With increased levels of gas-phase passivation, the FeS surface became smoother and more regular, the number of oxidation-expanding pores increased, most sulfur elements were converted into sulfur dioxide gas, and iron trioxide passivation films formed on the FeS surface. Gas-phase passivation significantly reduced the specific surface area and cumulative pore volume of reactive FeS. Specifically, the cumulative pore volume decreased by approximately 20.9%, while the specific surface area decreased by 28.5% as gas-phase passivation deepened. The passivation process transformed more micropores into transition pores, with resulting iron-oxygen compounds adhering to the FeS surface. This reduced the number of reactive adsorption sites and substantially slowed down spontaneous combustion. As gas-phase passivation deepened, the volume proportion of FeS micropores decreased to 16.5%, and the micropore area decreased by around 6%. Gas-phase passivation had a significant impact on reducing the spatial fractal dimension and complexity of FeS, with a greater influence on spatial complexity than surface complexity. The passivation effect was initially enhanced by higher oxygen concentrations within the first 6-hours of passivation, but its effectiveness diminished thereafter.

Topology Structural Design and Thermal Characteristics Analysis of High-Efficiency Heat Conductive Path for the Spindle System

In order to enhance the heat dissipation of the spindle under working condition, thermal conductivity paths were designed based on the topology optimization method. The heat conductive path was proposed to be constructed in the bearing housing and the spindle housing, which was simplified as a toroidal model. Taking the heat dissipation weakness as the optimization objective, the topological structure with the highest thermal conductivity was obtained based on the OC and IPTO algorithms. In order to analyze the influence of the heat conductive path on the circumferential heat distribution of the spindle, the thermal characteristic of the model with heat conductive paths filled with copper was investigated. Compared with the general model, the heat conductive path could reduce the temperature of the spindle from 47 °C to 33 °C when the volume proportion of the high thermal conductivity material was 40%. At the same time, the strength of the heat conductive path was analyzed, and the size of the stress was not more than 3MPa, which verified the effectiveness of the heat conductive path for efficient heat conduction.

Assessment of Photocatalytic Nano-TiO2 Mortars’ Behavior When Exposed to Simulated Indoor Conditions of Glazed Buildings

The application of nano-TiO2 as a photocatalytic agent in buildings’ internal surfaces has recently attracted attention to mitigate microorganism growth, soiling, and contamination in indoor environments. This work aimed at comparing the Rhodamine B (RhB) dye degradation efficiency of three different mortar compositions subjected to simulated internal radiation, in which nano-TiO2 (10 wt% of binder mass) was dispersed by ultrasonic and mechanical methods. Mortar specimens were produced with white Portland cement, hydrated lime, sand, and water in different volume proportions of 1:1:6 (cement:lime:sand), 1:3 (cement:sand), and 1:4 (cement:sand). The first stage of the research evaluated samples exposed to the natural outdoor environment and proved the efficiency of specimens’ photoactivity when covered by a glass layer. The second and principal phase of the study simulated indoor conditions in glazed buildings through artificial weathering in which the composition of 1:1:6 was mechanically dispersed and exhibited the highest global color change (ΔE) values for RhB staining. The main finding of the study was that the mortars exposed to simulated indoor conditions presented high ΔE grades, classified as easily perceived by the human eye. This demonstrates the photocatalytic efficiency in an internal building environment that receives radiation through a glass surface.

Mechanical behaviour of fiber-reinforced grout in rock bolt reinforcement

Grouted rock bolts subject to axial loading in the field exhibit various failure modes, among which the most predominant one is the bolt-grout interface failure. Thus, mechanical characterization of the grout is essential for understanding its performance in ground support. To date, few studies have been conducted to characterize the mechanical behaviour of fiber-reinforced grout (FRG) in rock bolt reinforcement. Here we experimentally studied the mechanical behaviour of FRG under uniaxial compression, indirect tension, and direct shear loading conditions. We also conducted a series of pullout tests of rebar bolt encapsulated with different grouts including conventional cementitious grout and FRG. FRG was developed using 15% silica fume (SF) replacement of cement (by weight) and steel fiber to achieve high-strength and crack-resistance to overcome drawbacks of the conventional grout. Two types of steel fibers including straight and wavy steel fibers were further added to enhance the grout quality. The effect of fiber shape and fiber volume proportion on the grout mechanical properties were examined. Our experimental results showed that the addition of SF and steel fiber by 1.5% fiber volume proportion could lead to the highest compressive, tensile, and shear strengths of the grout. The minimum volume of fiber that could improve the mechanical properties of grout was found at 0.5%. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that steel fibers act as an excellent bridge to prevent the cracks from propagating at the interfacial region and hence to aid in maintaining the integrity of the cementitious grout. Our laboratory pullout tests further confirmed that FRG could prevent the cylindrical grout annulus from radial crack and hence improve the rebar's load carrying capacity. Therefore, FRG has a potential to be utilized in civil and mining applications where high-strength and crack-resistance support is required.

Modelling the viscoplastic behaviour of Callovo-Oxfordian claystone with consideration of damage effect

In order to evaluate the performance of deep geological disposal of radioactive waste, an underground research laboratory (URL) was constructed by Andra in the Callovo-Oxfordian (COx) claystone formation at the Meuse/Haute-Marne (MHM). The construction of URL induced the excavation damage of host formations, and the ventilation in the galleries desaturated the host formation close to the gallery wall. Moreover, it is expected that the mechanical behaviour of COx claystone is time-dependent. This study presents a constitutive model developed to describe the viscoplastic behaviour of unsaturated and damaged COx claystone. In this model, the unsaturation effect is considered by adopting the Bishop effective stress and the van Genuchten (VG) water retention model. In terms of the viscoplastic behaviour, the nonstationary flow surface (NSFS) theory for unsaturated soils is used with consideration of the coupled effects of strain rate and suction on the yield stress. A progressive hardening law is adopted. Meanwhile, a non-associated flow rule is used, which is similar to that in Barcelona basic model (BBM). In addition, to describe the damage effect induced by suction change and viscoplastic loading, a damage function is defined based on the crack volume proportion. This damage function contains two variables: unsaturated effective stress and viscoplastic volumetric strain, with the related parameters determined based on the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests. For the model validation, different tests on COx claystone under different loading paths are simulated. Comparisons between experimental and simulated results indicated that the present model is able to well describe the viscoplastic behaviour of damaged COx claystone, including swelling/shrinkage, triaxial extension and compression, and triaxial creep.

Preparation and mechanism analysis of nanocrystalline cellulose-tricalcium silicate paste composite with high electromagnetic transmission performance

The tricalcium silicate (C3S) paste with high electromagnetic transmission performance is prepared by addition of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), and the enhancement mechanism of electromagnetic transmission performance is revealed. The water to cement ratio (W/C) and the contents of NCC are 0.5 and 1 wt%-4wt%, respectively. The results show that the electromagnetic transmissivity of the C3S paste improves with an increase in NCC content. At the frequency of 3.94 GHz, when the NCC contents are 3 wt% and 4 wt%, the electromagnetic transmission coefficient increases by 113.85% and 153.6%, respectively. The enhancement mechanisms of electromagnetic transmission performance of NCC-C3S pastes are as follows: (1) the polymerization degree of C–S–H and the Van der Waals force between the globules increase; (2) the total volume proportions of low electromagnetic loss C3S and Ca(OH)2 increase; (3) the conductivity of C3S pore solution and the volume proportions of water decrease; (4) the pore volume proportion of the non-harmful pores for electromagnetic energy loss increases.

Experimental study and mechanism analysis of functional nanocrystalline cellulose to improve the electromagnetic transmission performance of ordinary Portland cement

5G signal transmission can be seriously blocked by cement-based materials, so it is very important to improve the electromagnetic transmission performance (ETP) of cement-based materials. Carboxylated nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is used to prepare Ordinary Portland cement paste with high ETP. The water-cement ratio and NCC content of the cement paste are 0.5 and 0–4% respectively. The test results show that the ETP of cement paste increases by 13.9%–90.6%, but the compressive strength of the sample decreases by 7.3%–87.6%. The 2% of NCC content causes the ETP of cement paste increases by 75.6%, while the compressive strength only decreases by 14.6%. The reasons for improvement of ETP are that the electrostatic force between the globule, the polymerization degree and mean chain length of C–S–H, the total volume proportion of phases (calcium hydroxide, ettringite and unhydrated cement) with low dielectric loss and the volume proportion of the no harmful pore for electromagnetic energy loss are increased, the conductivity of cement pore solution and the content of water are decreased.

Milk production and anatomical udder capacity changes of udder halves subjected to increased milking frequency at two stages of lactation

This study aimed to characterize the effects of increased milking frequency (IMF) at early and mid-lactation on milk yield and its association with changes in cistern and alveolar capacity. Fourteen multiparous Holstein cows were subjected to IMF using the unilateral frequent milking method from 3 to 24 d in milk (DIM). At mid-lactation, cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: control or repeated. From 150 to 170 DIM, IMF treatment was reimposed in the repeated group. During IMF, left udder halves were milked 2× and right udder halves were milked 4× daily. To separate individual milk yields of udder halves, separate buckets were used to collect samples from each udder half. Milk samples and milk yield from right and left udder halves were collected on d 150, 170, 200, 230, 260, and 290 of lactation. Alveolar and cistern capacity were measured 26 h after the last milking at 140 and 172 DIM using an oxytocin inhibitor. Cistern and alveolar capacity were measured by evaluating the milk harvested after oxytocin inhibitor and oxytocin administration, respectively. Udder half difference yields were calculated by subtracting left half yield from right half yield. At 170 DIM, the udder half difference in repeated was 2.27 kg greater than the udder half difference in control. Udder halves milked 4× produced more milk and protein than 2× udder halves in the repeated group at 170, 200, 230, and 260 DIM. Cumulative (150 to 290 DIM) and carry over (200 to 290 DIM) udder half differences in milk yield were similar between the control and repeated treatments. Alveolar volume was similar between udder halves milked 2× or 4× at 140 DIM, while cistern volume was larger for udder halves milked 4× than 2× in early lactation. There was no difference between alveolar or cistern volume proportion in udder halves milked 2× or 4× before mid-lactation IMF. After 20 d IMF for the repeated group, alveolar volume was similar between control and repeated independent of udder half milking frequency. However, repeated held 4.9 kg more cistern milk than control. Control treatment udder halves had a greater alveolar proportion than repeated treatment udder halves. As expected, the cistern proportion was smaller in control and larger in repeated after mid-lactation IMF. IMF at early and mid-lactation enhances milk and protein yield largely during differential milking frequency regimens. The lack of enhancement in milk yield after IMF might be associated with a different response to IMF in the mammary gland at early versus mid-lactation. Based on our results, we conclude that udder halves subjected to early and mid-lactation IMF had increased cistern volume capacity.