Experimental investigation of engineered geopolymer composite for structural strengthening against blast loads

The recent increase in blast/bombing incidents all over the world has pushed the development of effective strengthening approaches to enhance the blast resistance of existing civil infrastructures.Engineered geopolymer composite(EGC)is a promising material featured by eco-friendly,fast-setting and strain-hardening characteristics for emergent strengthening and construction.However,the fiber optimization for preparing EGC and its protective effect on structural elements under blast scenarios are uncertain.In this study,laboratory tests were firstly conducted to evaluate the effects of fiber types on the properties of EGC in terms of workability,dry shrinkage,and mechanical properties in compression,tension and flexure.The experimental results showed that EGC containing PE fiber exhibited suitable workability,acceptable dry shrinkage and superior mechanical properties compared with other types of fibers.After that,a series of field tests were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of EGC retrofitting layer on the enhancement of blast performance of typical elements.The tests include autoclaved aerated concrete(AAC)masonry walls subjected to vented gas explosion,reinforced AAC panels subjected to TNT explosion and plain concrete slabs subjected to contact explosion.It was found that EGC could effectively enhance the blast resistance of structural elements in different scenarios.For AAC masonry walls and panels,with the existence of EGC,the integrity of specimens could be maintained,and their deflections and damage were significantly reduced.For plain concrete slabs,the EGC overlay could reduce the diameter and depth of the crater and spallation of specimens.

Preparation, interfacial regulation and strengthening of Mg/Al bimetal fabricated by compound casting: A review

Mg/Al bimetal combines the advantages of both aluminum and magnesium and has broad application prospects in automotive, aerospace,weapons, digital products and so on. The compound casting has the characteristics of low cost, easy to achieve metallurgical combination and suitable for the preparation of complex bimetallic parts. However, bimetallic joint strength is low due to differences of physical properties between Al and Mg, oxide film on metallic surface and interfacial Al-Mg IMCs, which is closely related to the interfacial microstructure and properties. Therefore, how to control the interface of the bimetal to achieve performance enhancement is the focus and difficulty in this field. At present, there are mainly the following strengthening methods. First, the “zincate galvanizing” and “electrolytic polishing+anodic oxidation” technology were exert on the surface of Al alloy to remove and break the oxide film, which improved the wettability between Al and Mg. Second, the undesirable Al-Mg IMCs were reduce or elimination by adding the interlayers(Zn, Ni and Ni-Cu). Thirdly, the evolution process of interfacial microstructure was changed and fine strengthening phases were formed by adding Si element to Al alloy or rare earth element to Mg alloy. Fourthly, mechanical vibration and ultrasonic vibration were applied in the process of the filling and solidification to refine and homogenize the interfacial structure. Finally, some other methods, including secondary rolling, thermal modification, heat treatment and constructing exterior 3D morphology, also can be used to regulate the interfacial microstructure and compositions. The above strengthening methods can be used alone or in combination to achieve bimetallic strengthening. Finally, the future development direction of the Mg/Al bimetal is prospected, which provides some new ideas for the development and application of the Mg/Al bimetal.

Significant strengthening of copper-based composites using boron nitride nanotubes

Nanotubes, such as boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), exhibit excellent mechanical properties. In this work, high-quality BNNTs were synthesized by ball milling and annealing. Subsequently, well-dispersed 3vol%BNNTs/Cu and 3vol%CNTs/Cu composites were successfully prepared using ball milling, spark plasma sintering, and followed by hot-rolling. Moreover, the mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms of BNNTs/Cu and CNTs/Cu composites were compared and discussed in details. At 293 K,both BNNTs/Cu and CNTs/Cu composites exhibited similar ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of~404 MPa, which is approximately 170%higher than pure Cu. However, at 873 K, the UTS and yield strength of BNNTs/Cu are 27%and 29%higher than those of CNTs/Cu, respectively.This difference can be attributed to the stronger inter-walls shear resistance, higher thermomechanical stability of BNNTs, and stronger bonding at the BNNTs/Cu interface as compared to the CNTs/Cu interface. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of BNNTs as an excellent reinforcement for metal matrix composites, particularly at high temperature.

On the strengthening and slip activity of Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy with pre-induced{1012¯}twins

{1012¯}twins were introduced into the magnesium(Mg)plate AZ31 via pre-rolling along its transverse direction.The plates,both with and without the pre-induced{1012¯}twins,were subjected to uniaxial tension along different directions.Using crystal plasticity modeling,we found that the strengthening effect of the pre-induced{1012¯}twins on the macroscopic flow stress primarily arised from the increased slip resistance caused by the boundaries,rather than the orientation hardening due to the twinning reorientation(although the latter did make its contribution in some specific loading directions).Besides,the pre-existing{1012¯}twins were found,by both experiments and simulation,to promote the activity of prismatic and pyramidal<c+a>in the parent matrix of the material.Further analysis showed that the enhanced non-basal slip activity is related to the{1012¯}twin boundaries’low micro Hall-Petch slope ratios of non-basal slips to basal slip.With the critical resolved shear stress(CRSS)obtained from crystal plasticity modeling and the orientation data from EBSD,a probability-based slip transfer model was proposed.The model predicts higher slip transfer probabilities and thus lower strain concentration tendencies at{1012¯}twin boundaries than that at grain boundaries,which agrees with the experimental observation that the strain localization was primarily associated with the latter.The present findings are helpful scientifically,in deepening our understanding of how the pre-induced{1012¯}twins affect the strength and slip activity of Mg alloys,and technologically,in guiding the design of the pre-strain protocol of Mg alloys.

Quantifying Solid Solution Strengthening in Nickel-Based Superalloys via High-Throughput Experiment and Machine Learning

Solid solution strengthening(SSS)is one of the main contributions to the desired tensile properties of nickel-based superalloys for turbine blades and disks.The value of SSS can be calculated by using Fleischer’s and Labusch’s theories,while the model parameters are incorporated without fitting to experimental data of complex alloys.In thiswork,four diffusionmultiples consisting of multicomponent alloys and pure Niare prepared and characterized.The composition and microhardness of singleγphase regions in samples are used to quantify the SSS.Then,Fleischer’s and Labusch’s theories are examined based on high-throughput experiments,respectively.The fitted solid solution coefficients are obtained based on Labusch’s theory and experimental data,indicating higher accuracy.Furthermore,six machine learning algorithms are established,providing a more accurate prediction compared with traditional physical models and fitted physical models.The results show that the coupling of highthroughput experiments and machine learning has great potential in the field of performance prediction and alloy design.

Shear Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete (RC) with FRP Sheets Using Different Guidelines

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of fiber reinforcement polymer (FRP) on shear behavior of reinforcement concrete (RC) beams with various guidelines. The FRP thickness, beam depth and concrete strength at ultimate load are considered as main strength parameters. A finite element (FE) by using ANSYS computer program was used to analyze the reinforced concrete beams. The numerical models were used to investigate the effect of beam depth, concrete strength, CFRP sheet configuration, and CFRP sheet thickness on the behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with CFRP sheets compared with different guidelines. The results from ACI guideline show little difference compared with FE, which make it suitable for RC beams strengthened with FRP sheets.

Research on Practical Pathways of Strengthening Labor Education for College and University Students in the New Era

Labor education is an essential component of college and university education that can help students to develop a strong work ethic,acquire practical skills,and better understand the value of work.Strengthening labor education for college and university students is an urgent need of the high-quality development of the society and the internal requirement of promoting the all-round development of individuals.This study analyzes the importance of strengthening labor education for college and university students in the new era and proposes four practical pathways which draw on labor courses and campus activities,social practices,scientific research projects,and internships.After implementing these pathways,a survey of 967 students showed that students’understanding and awareness of labor was deepened,their hands-on skills and interests in science and labor practices were improved,and they became more cordially respectful to the working class.Taken together,the exploration and practice of these pathways helps college and university students to recognize their abilities,strengths,and interests,and guides them to form good labor habits that permeate all aspects of their studies and lives.

Assessing the predictive capabilities of precipitation strengthening models for deformation twinning in Mg alloys using phase-field simulations

Precipitation strengthening is a key strategy for improving the overall mechanical properties of Mg alloys. In Mg-Al alloys, basal precipitates are known to strengthen against twinning, resulting in an increase in the critical resolved shear stress(CRSS) necessary for continued deformation. Although several models have been proposed to quantify the influence of precipitate shape, size, and distribution on the CRSS, the accuracy, scope, and applicability of these models has not been fully assessed. Accordingly, the objectives of this study are:(i)to analyze the accuracy of analytical models proposed in the literature for precipitation strengthening against twin thickening and propagation(in Mg-Al alloys) using phase-field(PF) simulations,(ii) to propose modifications to these model forms to better capture the observed trends in the PF data, and(iii) to subsequently test the predictiveness of the extended models in extrapolating to experimental strengthening data.First, using an atomistically-informed phase-field method, the interactions between migrating twin boundaries(during the propagation and thickening stages) and basal plates are simulated for different precipitate sizes and arrangements. In general, comparison of the increase in CRSS determined from the PF simulations and the predictions from four precipitation strengthening models reveals that modifications are necessary to the model forms to extend their applicability to precipitation strengthening against both twin thickening and propagation. A subsequent comparison between predictions from the extended models and experimental strengthening data for peak age-hardened samples reveals that the(extended) single dislocation and dislocation wall models provide reasonably accurate values of the increase in CRSS.Ultimately, the results presented here help elucidate the fidelity and applicability of the various hardening models in predicting precipitation strenghtening effects in technologically important alloys.

The Ultimate Anti-Seismic Design Method

The design mechanisms and methods of the invention are intended to minimize problems related to the safety of structures in the event of natural phenomena such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and strong winds. It is achieved by controlling the deformations of the structure. Damage and deformation are closely related concepts since the control of deformations also controls the damage. The design method of applying artificial compression to the ends of all longitudinal reinforced concrete walls and, at the same time, connecting the ends of the walls to the ground using ground anchors placed at the depths of the boreholes, transfers the inertial stresses of the structure in the ground, which reacts as an external force in the structure’s response to seismic displacements. The wall with the artificial compression acquires dynamic, larger active cross-section and high axial and torsional stiffness, preventing all failures caused by inelastic deformation. By connecting the ends of all walls to the ground, we control the eigenfrequency of the structure and the ground during each seismic loading cycle, preventing inelastic displacements. At the same time, we ensure the strong bearing capacity of the foundation soil and the structure. By designing the walls correctly and placing them in proper locations, we prevent the torsional flexural buckling that occurs in asymmetrical floor plans, and metal and tall structures. Compression of the wall sections at the ends and their anchoring to the ground mitigates the transfer of deformations to the connection nodes, strengthens the wall section in terms of base shear force and shear stress of the sections, and increases the strength of the cross-sections to the tensile at the ends of the walls by introducing counteractive forces. The use of tendons within the ducts prevents longitudinal shear in the overlay concrete, while anchoring the walls to the foundation not only dissipates inertial forces to the ground but also prevents rotation of the walls, thus maintaining the structural integrity of the beams. The prestressing at the bilateral ends of the walls restores the structure to its original position even inelastic displacements by closing the opening of the developing cracks.

“3 Degrees and 8 Combinations” Teaching Mode of Anti-Seismic Design of Building Structures

Earthquakes pose a significant threat to people’s property and personal safety.Improving the teaching of civil engineering and building structure anti-seismic design courses can enable students to do a good job in anti-seismic design in the future and effectively reduce the damage on buildings caused by earthquakes.In this paper,we analyzed the basic characteristics of a course in civil engineering major,which is Anti-Seismic Design of Building Structures,and the shortcomings of traditional teaching.It is proposed that the 3-degrees and 8-combinations teaching mode of anti-seismic design of building structures can effectively improve students’autonomy and enthusiasm in learning,helps to cultivate professional ethics among students,and improve their ability to apply what they have learned.

Construction of Teaching Case Base of Anti-Seismic Design of Building Structure

Anti-Seismic Design of Building Structures is an important course in civil engineering majors,and it is also a course that pays equal attention to theory and practice.Therefore,by establishing a case base for Anti-Seismic Design of Building Structures,the obscure theoretical knowledge can be taught to students in the form of examples,and the knowledge becomes intuitive.In this way,the students’understanding of anti-seismic design theory and the efficiency of teaching can be improved,and the students’interest in learning can be stimulated.

A novel immiscible high entropy alloy strengthened via L1_(2)-nanoprecipitate

The low-cost Fe-Cu,Fe-Ni,and Cu-based high-entropy alloys exhibit a widespread utilization prospect.However,these potential applications have been limited by their low strength.In this study,a novel Fe_(31)Cu_(31)Ni_(28)Al_(4)Ti_(3)Co_(3) immiscible high-entropy alloy(HEA)was developed.After vacuum arc melting and copper mold suction casting,this HEA exhibits a unique phase separation microstructure,which consists of striped Cu-rich regions and Fe-rich region.Further magnification of the striped Cu-rich region reveals that it is composed of a Cu-rich dot-like phase and a Fe-rich region.The aging alloy is further strengthened by a L1_(2)-Ni_(3)(AlTi)nanoprecipitates,achieving excellent yield strength(1185 MPa)and uniform ductility(~8.8%).The differential distribution of the L1_(2) nanoprecipitate in the striped Cu-rich region and the external Fe-rich region increased the strength difference between these two regions,which increased the strain gradient and thus improved hetero-deformation induced(HDI)hardening.This work provides a new route to improve the HDI hardening of Fe-Cu alloys.

Design of low-alloying and high-performance solid solution-strengthened copper alloys with element substitution for sustainable development

Solid solution-strengthened copper alloys have the advantages of a simple composition and manufacturing process,high mechanical and electrical comprehensive performances,and low cost;thus,they are widely used in high-speed rail contact wires,electronic component connectors,and other devices.Overcoming the contradiction between low alloying and high performance is an important challenge in the development of solid solution-strengthened copper alloys.Taking the typical solid solution-strengthened alloy Cu-4Zn-1Sn as the research object,we proposed using the element In to replace Zn and Sn to achieve low alloying in this work.Two new alloys,Cu-1.5Zn-1Sn-0.4In and Cu-1.5Zn-0.9Sn-0.6In,were designed and prepared.The total weight percentage content of alloying elements decreased by 43%and 41%,respectively,while the product of ultimate tensile strength(UTS)and electrical conductivity(EC)of the annealed state increased by 14%and 15%.After cold rolling with a 90%reduction,the UTS of the two new alloys reached 576 and 627MPa,respectively,the EC was 44.9%IACS and 42.0%IACS,and the product of UTS and EC(UTS×EC)was 97%and 99%higher than that of the annealed state alloy.The dislocations proliferated greatly in cold-rolled alloys,and the strengthening effects of dislocations reached 332 and 356 MPa,respectively,which is the main reason for the considerable improvement in mechanical properties.

Striving Continuously to Strengthen Oneself

As the largest developing country,China not only develops itself in the spirit of self-strengthening,but also actively embraces the world and contributes to global development.

Selective Laser Melting of Novel SiC and TiC Strengthen 7075 Aluminum Powders for Anti-Cracks Application

The aerospace and military sectors have widely used AA7075, a type of 7075 aluminum alloy, due to its exceptional mechanical performance. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a highly effective method for producing intricate metallic components, particularly in the case of aluminum alloys like Al-Si-Mg. Nevertheless, the production of high-strength AA7075 by SLM is challenging because of its susceptibility to heat cracking and elemental vaporization. In this study, AA7075 powders were mechanically mixed with SiC and TiC particles. Subsequently, this new type of AA7075 powder was effectively utilized in green laser printing to create solid components with fine-grain strengthening microstructures consisting of equiaxial grains. These as-printed parts exhibit a tensile strength of up to 350 MPa and a ductility exceeding 2.1%. Hardness also increases with the increasing content of mixed powder, highlighting the essential role of SiC and TiC in SLM for improved hardness and tensile strength performance. .

Investigation of the Micro-Mechanics of an Extruded Precipitation-Strengthened Magnesium Alloy under Cyclic Loading

Precipitation strengthening is a crucial microscopic mechanism for enhancing the strength of magnesium alloys. In order to elucidate the influence of precipitation on the microscopic deformation mechanisms and macroscopic mechanical response of magnesium alloys under cyclic loading conditions, we employed a crystal plasticity model to analyze the stress-strain curves, specific crystal plane diffraction intensities, and the temporal evolution of various microscopic deformation mechanisms and twinning volume fractions for an extruded magnesium alloy, AXM10304, containing coherent precipitates. The research findings indicate that precipitation does not fundamentally alter the microscopic mechanisms of this alloy. However, it hinders twinning during the compression stage, mildly promotes detwinning during the tension stage, and enhances tension secondary hardening by elevating the difficulty of activation of the prismatic slip.

Formability and strengthening mechanism of AA6061 tubular components under solid granule medium internal high pressure forming

A new technological process of tube forming was developed, namely solution treatment → granule medium internal high pressure forming → artificial aging. During this process, the mechanical properties of AA6061 tube can be adjusted by heat treatment to satisfy the process requirements and the processing method can also be realized by granule medium internal high pressure forming technology with the features of convenient implementation, low requirement to equipment and flexible design in product. Results show that, at a solution temperature of 560 ℃ and time of 120 min, the elongation of AA6061 increases by 313%, but the strength and the hardness dramatically decrease. At an aging temperature of 180 ℃ and time of 360 min, the strength and hardness of AA6061 alloy are recovered to the values of the as-received alloy. The maximum expansion ratio（MER） of AA6061 tube increases by 25.5% and the material properties of formed tube reach the performances of raw material.

Experiments and modeling of double-peak precipitation hardening and strengthening mechanisms in Al-Zn-Mg alloy

The aim of the present work is to develop a model for simulating double-peak precipitation hardening kinetics in Al-Zn-Mg alloy with the simultaneous formation of different types of precipitates at elevated temperatures based on the modified Langer-Schwartz approach. The double aging peaks are present in the long time age-hardening curves of Al-Zn-Mg alloys. The physically-based model, while taking explicitly into account nucleation, growth, coarsening of the new phase precipitations and two strengthening mechanisms associated with particle-dislocation interaction （shearing and bypassing）, was used for the analysis of precipitates evolution and precipitation hardening during aging of Al-Zn-Mg alloy. Model predictions were compared with the measurements of Al-Zn-Mg alloy. The systematic and quantitative results show that the predicted hardness profiles of double peaks via adding a shape dependent parameter in the growth equation for growth and coarsening generally agree well with the measured ones. Two strengthening mechanisms associated with particle-dislocation interaction （shearing and bypassing） were considered operating simultaneously in view of the particle size-distribution. The transition from shearing to bypassing strengthening mechanism was found to occur at rather early stage of the particle growth. The bypassing was found to be the prevailing strengthening mechanism in the investigated alloys.

Strengthening effects of BFRP on reinforced concrete beams

Reinforced concrete （RC） beams externally bonded with basalt fiber reinforced polymer （BFRP） are experimentally investigated by using different numbers of bonding plies, transverse anchorages as well as the initial conditions of strengthened beams. The performances of the BFRP strengthening are compared with those of the carbon fiber reinforced polymer （CFRP） and the glass fiber reinforced polymer （GFRP） under the same experimental condition. Experimental results indicate that the strength and ductility of the strengthened beam with two plies of the BFRP are improved remarkably than those with one ply. The strengthening effects of the BFRP lie between those of the CFRP and the GFRP. The BFRP strengthening is little influenced by pre-cracks of concrete. Most failures are caused by interfaciai debonding induced by flexural cracks in the experiment. Clamping of Uwraps along the whole beam is less efficient than endpoint anchorage for increasing the ultimate load of the strengthened beam. Finally, the models suggested by the five guidelines for predicting the debonding strain of the CFRP are extended to the BFRP and the conservative estimates of the debonding strain of the BFRP are given as well.

Investigation on sintering and deformation strengthening of Mo-Cu alloy

Mo-Swt%Cu nanocomposite powders were fabricated by mechanical alloying, and full density alloy was obtained via liquid-phase sintering and post-treatment process. The microstructure of Mo-8wt%Cu alloy was investigated by scanning elec-tron microscope （SEM） , and the effects of process parameters on relative density, tensile strength and elongation were stud-ied. The results indicate that the relative density of Mo-Cu alloy is 98. 6% after sintering at 1 250℃ for 30 min, and its micro-structure is composite network The full density of Mo-Cu alloy can be obtained when specimens are treated through deforma-tion strengthening process of rotating forging and hydrostatic extrusion The tensile strength and elongation rate are 576 MPa and 5. 8% ,respectively, when hydrostatic extrusion deformation degree is 40%.