Biomimetic 3D printing of composite structures with decreased cracking

The development of tissue engineering and regeneration research has created new platforms for bone transplantation.However,the preparation of scaffolds with good fiber integrity is challenging,because scaffolds prepared by traditional printing methods are prone to fiber cracking during solvent evaporation.Human skin has an excellent natural heat-management system,which helps to maintain a constant body temperature through perspiration or blood-vessel constriction.In this work,an electrohydrodynamic-jet 3D-printing method inspired by the thermal-management system of skin was developed.In this system,the evaporation of solvent in the printed fibers can be adjusted using the temperature-change rate of the substrate to prepare 3D structures with good structural integrity.To investigate the solvent evaporation and the interlayer bonding of the fibers,finite-element analysis simulations of a three-layer microscale structure were carried out.The results show that the solvent-evaporation path is from bottom to top,and the strain in the printed structure becomes smaller with a smaller temperaturechange rate.Experimental results verified the accuracy of these simulation results,and a variety of complex 3D structures with high aspect ratios were printed.Microscale cracks were reduced to the nanoscale by adjusting the temperature-change rate from 2.5 to 0.5℃s-1.Optimized process parameters were selected to prepare a tissue engineering scaffold with high integrity.It was confirmed that this printed scaffold had good biocompatibility and could be used for bone-tissue regeneration.This simple and flexible 3D-printing method can also help with the preparation of a wide range of micro-and nanostructured sensors and actuators.

Theory and practice for assessing structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains

Purpose–The safety and reliability of high-speed trains rely on the structural integrity of their components and the dynamic performance of the entire vehicle system.This paper aims to define and substantiate the assessment of the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains in both theory and practice.The key principles and approacheswill be proposed,and their applications to high-speed trains in Chinawill be presented.Design/methodology/approach–First,the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains are defined,and their relationship is introduced.Then,the principles for assessing the structural integrity of structural and dynamical components are presented and practical examples of gearboxes and dampers are provided.Finally,the principles and approaches for assessing the dynamical integrity of highspeed trains are presented and a novel operational assessment method is further presented.Findings–Vehicle system dynamics is the core of the proposed framework that provides the loads and vibrations on train components and the dynamic performance of the entire vehicle system.For assessing the structural integrity of structural components,an open-loop analysis considering both normal and abnormal vehicle conditions is needed.For assessing the structural integrity of dynamical components,a closed-loop analysis involving the influence of wear and degradation on vehicle system dynamics is needed.The analysis of vehicle system dynamics should follow the principles of complete objects,conditions and indices.Numerical,experimental and operational approaches should be combined to achieve effective assessments.Originality/value–The practical applications demonstrate that assessing the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains can support better control of critical defects,better lifespan management of train components and better maintenance decision-making for high-speed trains.

Effect of cold-working on corrosion induced damage in lug joints

Lug joints are preferred joineries for transferring heavy loads to parent components in aerospace vehicles.They experience corrosion due to environmental conditions,improper surface finishes and rubbing displacement between the pin and lug-hole.This causes damage of different sizes and shapes near the lug-hole.Stiffness degradation due to corrosion-induced damage is modelled as a through-pit at one of the identified critical locations through stress analysis.The effect of this pit on fatigue crack initiation life is estimated.Lug-hole is pre-stressed by cold-working and the benefits of inducing plastic wake on the intended performance of the lug joint during the damages due to corrosion are brought out and compared with non-cold-worked lug-hole.Numerical analysis is performed on this lug joint with pressfit.The results obtained highlight the benefits of cold-working and the methodology can be extended to damage growth and analyse the effect of surface treatments for better structural integrity of components of aerospace vehicles.

Fatigue research of metro car body based on operational loads

Purpose–The principle of infinite life design currently directs fatigue resistance strategies for metro car bodies.However,this principle might not fully account for the dynamic influence of operational loads and the inevitable presence of defects.This study aims to integrate methods of service life estimation and residual life assessment,which are based on operational loads,into the existing infinite life verification framework to further ensure the operational safety of subway trains.Design/methodology/approach–Operational loads and fatigue loading spectra were determined through the field test.The material test was conducted to investigate characteristics of the fracture toughness and the crack growth rate.The fatigue strength of the metro car body was first verified using the finite element method and Moore–Kommers–Japer diagrams.The service life was then estimated by applying the Miner rule and high-cycle fatigue curves in a modified form of the Basquin equation.Finally,the residual life was assessed utilizing a fracture assessment diagram and a fitted curve of crack growth rate adhered to the Paris formula.Findings–Neither the maximum utilization factor nor the cumulative damage exceeds the threshold value of 1.0,the metro car body could meet the design life requirement of 30 years or 6.6 million km.However,three out of five fatigue key points were significantly influenced by the operational loads,which indicates that a single fatigue strength verification cannot achieve the infinite life design objective of the metro car body.For a projected design life of 30 years,the tolerance depth is 12.2 mm,which can underscore a relatively robust damage tolerance capability.Originality/value–The influence of operational loads on fatigue life was presented by the discrepancy analysis between fatigue strength verification results and service life estimation results.The fracture properties of butt-welded joints were tested and used for the damage tolerance assessment.The damage tolerance life can be effectively related by a newly developed equation in this study.It can be a valuable tool to provide the theoretical guidance and technical support for the structural improvements and maintenance decisions of the metro car body.

Nanotechnology in Nuclear Reactors: Innovations in Fusion and Fission Power Generation

This article explores the transformative potential of nanotechnology and MMs(memory metals)in enhancing the design and operation of nuclear reactors,encompassing both fission and fusion technologies.Nanotechnology,with its ability to engineer materials at the atomic scale,offers significant improvements in reactor safety,efficiency,and longevity.In fission reactors,nanomaterials enhance fuel rod integrity,optimize thermal management,and improve in-core instrumentation.Fusion reactors benefit from nanostructured materials that bolster containment and heat dissipation,addressing critical challenges in sustaining fusion reactions.The integration of SMAs(shape memory alloys),or MMs,further amplifies these advancements.These materials,characterized by their ability to revert to a pre-defined shape under thermal conditions,provide self-healing capabilities,adaptive structural components,and enhanced magnetic confinement.The synergy between nanotechnology and MMs represents a paradigm shift in nuclear reactor technology,promising a future of cleaner,more efficient,and safer nuclear energy production.This innovative approach positions the nuclear industry to meet the growing global energy demand while addressing environmental and safety concerns.

Interfacial fusion-enhanced 11 μm-thick gel polymer electrolyte for high-performance lithium metal batteries

In the pursuit of ultrathin polymer electrolyte(<20 μm) for lithium metal batteries, achieving a balance between mechanical strength and interfacial stability is crucial for the longevity of the electrolytes.Herein, 11 μm-thick gel polymer electrolyte is designed via an integrated electrode/electrolyte structure supported by lithium metal anode. Benefiting from an exemplary superiority of excellent mechanical property, high ionic conductivity, and robust interfacial adhesion, the in-situ formed polymer electrolyte reinforced by titanosiloxane networks(ISPTS) embodies multifunctional roles of physical barrier, ionic carrier, and artificial protective layer at the interface. The potent interfacial interactions foster a seamless fusion of the electrode/electrolyte interfaces and enable continuous ion transport. Moreover, the built-in ISPTS electrolyte participates in the formation of gradient solid-electrolyte interphase(SEI) layer, which enhances the SEI's structural integrity against the strain induced by volume fluctuations of lithium anode.Consequently, the resultant 11 μm-thick ISPTS electrolyte enables lithium symmetric cells with cycling stability over 600 h and LiFePO_(4) cells with remarkable capacity retention of 96.6% after 800 cycles.This study provides a new avenue for designing ultrathin polymer electrolytes towards stable, safe,and high-energy–density lithium metal batteries.

A systematic review of rigid-flexible composite pavement

Rigid-flexible composite pavement has gained significant popularity in recent decades.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the research progress concerning rigid-flexible composite pavement,aiming to promote its application and address key issues while identifying future directions.The design theory and methodology of rigid-flexible composite pavement are discussed,followed by a description of its structural and mechanical behavior characteristics.The load stress,temperature stress,and their interactive effects between the asphalt layer and the rigid base were analyzed.It is clarified that the asphalt layer serves a dual role as both a“functional layer”and a“structural layer”.Typical distresses of rigid-flexible composite pavement,which primarily occur in the asphalt layer,were discussed.These distresses include reflective cracking,top-down cracking,rutting,and compressive-shear failure.Generally,the integrity of the rigid base and the interlaminar bonding conditions significantly impact the performance and distress of the asphalt layer.The technology for enhancing the performance of rigid-flexible composite pavement is summarized in three aspects:asphalt layer properties,rigid base integrity,and interlaminar bonding condition.The study concludes that developing high-performance pavement materials based on their structural behaviors is an effective approach to improve the performance and durability of rigid-flexible composite pavement.The integrated design of structure and materials represents the future direction of road design.

Improving the damage potential of W-Zr reactive structure material under extreme loading condition

Projectiles made of reactive structure materials(RSM)can damage the target with not only kinetic but also chemical energy,but the enhanced damage potential of RSM may become compromised if extreme loading condition disintegrates the projectile before the target is reached.In this work,a ductile coating of Ni was introduced to a tungsten-zirconium(W-Zr)alloy,a typical brittle RSM,to preserve the damage potential of the projectile.Detonation driving tests were carried out with X-ray photography and gunpowder deflagration driving tests were carried out with high-speed photography for the coated and uncoated RSM samples,respectively.The craters on the witness target were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.The Ni coating was found to effectively preserve the damage potential of the W-Zr alloy under extreme loading conditions,whereas the uncoated sample fractured and ignited before impacting the target in both detonation and deflagration driving.The crack propagation between the reactively brittle core and the ductile coating was analyzed based on the crack arrest theory to mechanistically demonstrate how the coating improves the structural integrity and preserves the damage potential of the projectile.Specifically,the Ni coating envelops theW-Zr core until the coated sphere penetrates the target,and the coating is then eroded and worn to release the reactive core for the projectile to damage the target more intensively.

Review on Artificial Intelligence-aided Life Extension Assessment of Offshore Wind Support Structures

The primary objective of the present literature review is to provide a constructive and systematical discussion based on the relevant development,unsolved issues,gaps,and misconceptions in the literature regarding the fields of study that are building blocks of artificial intelligence-aided life extension assessment for offshore wind turbine support structures.The present review aims to set up the needed guidelines to develop a multi-disciplinary framework for life extension management and certification of the support structures for offshore wind turbines using artificial intelligence.The main focus of the literature review centres around the intelligent risk-based life extension management of offshore wind turbine support structures.In this regard,big data analytics,advanced signal processing techniques,supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods are discussed within the structural health monitoring and condition-based maintenance planning,the development of digital twins.Furthermore,the present review discusses the critical failure mechanisms affecting the structural condition,such as high-cycle fatigue,low-cycle fatigue,fracture,ultimate strength,and corrosion,considering deterministic and probabilistic approaches.

Structured Illumination Chip Based on Integrated Optics

A compact structured illumination chip based on integrated optics is proposed and fabricated on a silicon-on- insulator platform. Based on the simulation of Caussian beam interference, we adopt a chirped diffraction grating to achieve a specific interference pattern. The experimental results match well with the simulations. The portability and flexibility of the structured illumination chip can be increased greatly through horizontal encapsulation. High levels of integration, compared with the conventional structured illumination approach, make this chip very compact, with a footprint of only around 1 mm2. The chip has no optical lenses and can be easily combined with a microfluidic system. These properties would make the chip very suitable for portable 3D scanner and compact super-resolution microscopy applications.

The hydraulic performance and structural integrity of A-Jack armour layer

A-Jacks are concrete armor units that are used in both open channel and coastal applications.In open channel applications,they are used for bank and toe protection,flow and grade control,bridge pier scour protection,energy dissipation,and habitat.These small units may be fabricated in standard block machines.In coastal applications,A-Jacks are used in breakwaters,jetties,revetments,and habitat development.Coastal units are generally much larger and more robust than the small open channel units.This paper focuses on coastal applications and in particular,combines results on three topics:(1)recent hydraulic model studies,(2)alternative fabrication methods,and(3)bundle placement construction methods.Hydraulic models studies were conducted that examined the standard random and uniform placement methods,and also the bundle placement method.In bundle placement,3~20 A-Jacks are banded together,lifted with a spreader bar,and placed as a single crane pick.This significantly decreases installation time during construction.It also provides a more hydraulically stable placement technique.The hydraulic model tests examined the bundle stability in random waves for cases where the binding remains in tack and is removed.The geometry of A-Jacks enables a variety of fabrication techniques.One option is to fabricate the A-Jacks as two pieces using flat forms and then grout the two pieces together.Flat forms may be used in conventional block machines for A-Jacks sizes up to 1.3 m.Larger sizes may be wet cast in flat forms or gang forms.The A-Jacks geometry has been recently modified to increase grouting efficient and strength.Large A- Jacks may also be cast in a single piece using 'clam shell' type forms.

ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL AND SUPPRESSION FOR INTEGRATED STRUCTURES

The finite element dynamic model for integrated structures containing distributed piezoelectric sensors and actuators ( S/As ) is formulated with a new piezoelectric plate bending element in this paper. The problem of active vibration control and suppression of integrated structures is investigated under constant gain negative velocity feedback control law. A general method for active vibration control and suppression of integrated structures is presented. Finally, numerical example is given to illustrate the validity of the method proposed in this paper.

Approach for Obtaining Material Mechanical Properties in Local Region of Structure Based on Accurate Analysis of Micro-indentation Test

The hot or cold processing would induce the change and the inhomogeneous of the material mechanical properties in the local processing region of the structure,and it is difficult to obtain the specific mechanical properties in these regions by using the traditional material tensile test.To accurately get actual material mechanical properties in the local region of structure,a micro-indentation test system incorporated by an electronic universal material test device has been established.An indenter displacement sensor and a group of special micro-indenter assemblies are estab-lished.A numerical indentation inversion analysis method by using ABAQUS software is also proposed in this study.Based on the above test system and analysis platform,an approach to obtaining material mechanical properties in the local region of structures is proposed and established.The ball indentation test is performed and combined with the energy method by using various changed mechanical properties of 316L austenitic stainless steel under differ-ent elongations.The investigated results indicate that the material mechanical properties and the micro-indentation morphological changes have evidently relevance.Compared with the tensile test results,the deviations of material mechanical parameters,such as hardness H,the hardening exponent n,the yield strength σy and others are within 5%obtained through the indentation test and the finite element analysis.It provides an effective and convenient method for obtaining the actual material mechanical properties in the local processing region of the structure.

Three-Layer Structured SnO_(2)@C@TiO_(2)Hollow Spheres for High-Performance Sodium Storage

The unsatisfactory conductivity and large volume variation severely handicap the application of SnO_(2)in sodium-ion batteries(SIBs).Herein,we design unique three-layer structured SnO_(2)@C@TiO_(2)hollow spheres to tackle the above-mentioned issues.The hollow cavity affords empty space to accommodate the volume variation of SnO_(2),while the C and TiO_(2)protecting shells strengthen the structural integrity and enhances the electrical conductivity.As a result,the three-layer structured SnO_(2)@C@TiO_(2)hollow spheres demonstrate enhanced Na storage performances.The SnO_(2)@C@TiO_(2)manifests a reversible capacity two times to that of pristine SnO_(2)hollow spheres.In addition,Ex situ XRD reveals highly reversible alloying and conversion reactions in SnO_(2)@C@TiO_(2)hollow spheres.This study suggests the introduction of a hollow cavity and robust protecting shells is a promising strategy for constructing SIB anode materials.

Integrity Analysis on Existing Crane Runway Girders with Defects Using Constraint-Based R6 Criterion

In order to resolve the safety problem of the existing crane runway gir-ders(CRGs)with defects,the constraint-based R6 criterion is proposed to assess their structural integrity.The ex isting steel CRGs with defects at the weld joint between the upper flange and web plate,are characterized to three-dimensional finite element models with a semi-ellipse surface crack.The R6 criterion has been modified by considering the constraint effect which is represented by T-stress.The analysis results ilustrate that working condition of the cracked CRGs leads to high constraint level along the crack front.The crack aspect ratio(a/c)and run-way eccentricity(e)have significant influence on the integrity of the cracked CRGs.The integrity assessment results based on modified constraint-based R6 failure criterion enable to more effectively protect the cracked CRGs from brittle fracture failure.

Integrated Optimal Model of Structure and Control of the Single Arm Manipulator

The integrated optimal design of mechanical and control system is discussed in terms of the performance requirement and configuration for the single arm flexible manipulator. By combination of dynamics of flexible structure and control theory, a PD feedback control system, which minimizes the settling time, has been designed. Then, the viable region of poles of the PD dosed-loop control system is decided according to overshoot and the settling time, and an integrated optimal model of structure and control of single arm manipulator is presented. Finally, the parameters of structure and control system are simultaneously optimized with respect to objective function induding the moment of inertia and the control effort of system.

Nonlinear analysis of slow drift extreme responses of a compliant offshore structure

This paper first demonstrates that the accuracy and efficiency of the method of numerical simulation often used is not very high in predicting the slow drift surge extreme responses of a compliant offshore structure. Next, the slow drift surge extreme responses of the structure are analyzed via the path integral solution racy and efficiency of the PIS （PIS） method, and the accumethod is found to be higher than those of the numerical simulation method. A compound PIS （CPIS） method is first proposed in this article to further improve the efficiency of the path integral solution method, and the accuracy and efficiency of the CPIS method is validated.

Hidden Properties of Mathematical Physics Equations. Double Solutions. The Realization of Integrable Structures. Emergence of Physical Structures and Observable Formations

With the help of skew-symmetric differential forms the hidden properties of the mathematical physics equations are revealed. It is shown that the equations of mathematical physics can describe the emergence of various structures and formations such as waves, vortices, turbulent pulsations and others. Such properties of the mathematical physics equations, which are hidden (they appear only in the process of solving these equations), depend on the consistency of derivatives in partial differential equations and on the consistency of equations, if the equations of mathematical physics are a set of equations. This is due to the integrability of mathematical physics equations. It is shown that the equations of mathematical physics can have double solutions, namely, the solutions on the original coordinate space and the solutions on integrable structures that are realized discretely (due to any degrees of freedom). The transition from the solutions of the first type to one of the second type describes discrete transitions and the processes of origin of various structures and observable formations. Only mathematical physics equations, on what no additional conditions such as the integrability conditions are imposed, can possess such properties. The results of the present paper were obtained with the help of skew-symmetric differential forms.

Structural Integrity Analysis of Containers Lost at Sea Using Finite Element Method

Unlike traditional transportation,container transportation is a relatively new logistics transportation mode.Shipping containers lost at sea have raised safety concerns.In this study,finite element analysis of containers subjected to hydrostatic pressure,using commercial software ANSYS APDL was performed.A computer model that can reasonably predict the state of an ISO cargo shipping container was developed.The von Mises stress distribution of the container was determined and the yield strength was adopted as the failure criterion.Numerical investigations showed that the conventional ship container cannot withstand hydrostatic pressure in deep water conditions.A strengthened container option was considered for the container to retain its structural integrity in water conditions.

Discrete Quantum Transitions, Duality: Emergence of Physical Structures and Occurrence of Observed Formations (Hidden Properties of Mathematical Physics Equations)

With the help of skew-symmetric differential forms, the hidden properties of the mathematical physics equations that describe discrete quantum transitions and emergence the physical structures are investigated. It is shown that the mathematical physics equations possess a unique property. They can describe discrete quantum transitions, emergence of physical structures and occurrence observed formations. However, such a property possesses only equations on which no additional conditions, namely, the conditions of integrability, are imposed. The intergrability conditions are realized from the equations themselves. Just under realization of integrability conditions double solutions to the mathematical physics equations, which describe discrete transitions and so on, are obtained. The peculiarity consists in the fact that the integrability conditions do not directly follow from the mathematical physics equations;they are realized under the description of evolutionary process. The hidden properties of differential equations were discovered when studying the integrability of differential equations of mathematical physics that depends on the consistence between the derivatives in differential equations along different directions and on the consistence of equations in the set of equations. The results of this work were obtained with the help of skew-symmetric differential forms that possess a nontraditional mathematical apparatus such as nonidentical relations, degenerate transformations and the transition from nonintegrable manifolds to integrable structures. Such results show that mathematical physics equations can describe quantum processes.