Phase field investigation on the initial planar instability with surface tension anisotropy during directional solidification of binary alloys

Phase field investigation reveals that the stability of the planar interface is related to the anisotropic intensity of surface tension and the misorientation of preferred crystallographic orientation with respect to the heat flow direction. The large anisotropic intensity may compete to determine the stability of the planar interface. The destabilizing effect or the stabilizing effect depends on the misorientation. Moreover, the interface morphology of initial instability is also affected by the surface tension anisotropy.

Unified analytical stressstrain curve for quasibrittle geomaterial in uniaxial tension, direct shear and uniaxial compression

Considering strain localization in the form of a narrow band initiated just at peak stress, three analytical expressions for stressstrain curves of quasibrittle geomaterial (such as rock and concrete) in uniaxial tension, direct shear and uniaxial compression were presented, respectively. The three derived stressstrain curves were generalized as a unified formula. Beyond the onset of strain localization, a linear strain-softening constitutive relation for localized band was assigned. The size of the band was controlled by internal or characteristic length according to gradient-dependent plasticity. Elastic strain within the entire specimen was assumed to be uniform and decreased with the increase of plastic strain in localized band. Total strain of the specimen was decomposed into elastic and plastic parts. Plastic strain of the specimen was the average value of plastic strains in localized band over the entire specimen. For different heights, the predicted softening branches of the relative stressstrain curves in uniaxial compression are consistent with the previously experimental results for normal concrete specimens. The present expressions for the post-peak stressdeformation curves in uniaxial tension and direct shear agree with the previously numerical results based on gradient-dependent plasticity.

The effect of anisotropic surface tension on the morphological stability of planar interface during directional solidification

This paper considers the effect of the anisotropic surface tension on the morphological stability of the planar interface during directional solidification. When the expression exhibiting the four-fold symmetry is included, the modified absolute stability criterion is obtained by employing the multi-variable expansion method. The linear stability analysis reveals that for the given temperature gradient, as the anisotropic surface tension parameter increases, the stability zone tends to decrease.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF MECHANISM AND TECHNOLOGY OF DIRECTED CRACK BLASTING

The dynamic stress-fields and their distribution characteristics around boreholes in the directed crack blasting were measured with the dynamic photo-elastic laser holography apparatus and the ultradymamic measurement system. The directed crack mechanism and its mechanical model have been analysed and expounded. Through the 43 production experiments using slotted cartridges and the double triangle center cut-holes for directed crack blasting in underground rock drift, the results of which the rates of half-hole marks and efficiency of borehole,and the nonsmooth grades of the cut contours are 96%, 98% and 10cm respectively have been achieved.

An evaluation of force-based design vs.direct displacement-based design of jointed precast post-tensioned wall systems

The unique features of jointed post-tensioned wall systems, which include minimum structural damage and re-centering capability when subjected to earthquake lateral loads, are the result of using unbonded post-tensioning to attach the walls to the foundation, along with employing energy dissipating shear connectors between the walls. Using acceptance criteria defined in terms of inter-story drift, residual drift, and floor acceleration, this study presents a multiplelevel performance-based seismic evaluation of two five-story unbonded post-tensioned jointed precast wall systems. The design and analysis of these two wall systems, established as the direct displacement-based and force-based solutions for a prototype building used in the PREcast Seismic Structural Systems （PRESSS） program, were performed at 60% scale so that the analysis model could be validated using the PRESSS test data. Both buildings satisfied the performance criteria at four levels of earthquake motions although the design base shear of the direct displacement-based jointed wall system was 50% of that demanded by the force-based design method. The study also investigated the feasibility of controlling the maximum transient inter-story drift in a jointed wall system by increasing the number of energy dissipating shear connectors between the walls but without significantly affecting its re-centering capability.

Experimental Study on Working Performance of Rice Rope Direct Seeding Machine

Structure and sowing principles of rice rope direct seeding machine are introduced. In order to test the machine＇ s working performance, such as compacting effect, sowing depth, influence of sowing device to rice rope, etc., field experiments were conducted. It is concluded that mean slip ratio of compacting wheel 1 is 4.44%, wheel 2 is 5.58%, wheel 3 is 7.81%, and wheel 4 is 6.96%; mean depth of planting is 29.72 mm, and mean variability coefficient of planting depth is 6.39%. Maximum variability coefficient of planting depth is 8.40%. Rice rope＇s snapping is closely related with the machine＇s speed and guide thread wheel by sowing device orthogonal experiments. Test results show that the machine has a rational design, safe work and meets to the requirements of planting. This study has laid the foundation for further studying the project.

Parameters optimization for direct contact membrane distillation based on orthogonal experiment

Parameter optimization integrating operation parameters and structure parameters for the purpose of high permeate flux,high productivity and low exergy consumption of direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) process was conducted based on Taguchi experimental design. L16(45) orthogonal experiments were carried out with feed inlet temperature,permeate stream inlet temperature,flow rate,module packing density and length-diameter ratio as optimization parameters and with permeate flux,water productivity per unit volume of module and water production per unit exergy loss separately as optimization objectives. By using range analysis method,the dominance degree of the various influencing factors for the three objectives was analyzed and the optimum condition was obtained for the three objectives separately. Furthermore,the multi-objectives optimization was performed based on a weight grade method. The combined optimum conditions are feed inlet temperature 75℃,packing density 30% ,length-diameter ratio 10,permeate stream inlet temperature 30 ℃ and flow rate 25 L/h,which is in order of their dominance degree,and the validity of the optimization scheme was confirmed.

Direct tension and fracture resistance curves of ultra high performance marine composite materials

Fracture behavior is one of the most important,yet still little understood properties of ultra-high performance cementitious composites(UHPCC),a new marine structural engineering material. Research on the fracture and direct tension behavior of UHPCC was carried out.The constitution law of UHPCC was divided into three phases:pre-partial debonding,partial debonding,and pullout phases.A direct tension constitution law was constructed based on the proposed fiber reinforcing parameter as a function of fiber volume fraction,fiber diameter and length,and fiber bonding strength.With the definition of linear crack shape,the energy release rate of UHPCC was derived and the R-curve equation was calculated from this.Loading tests of UHPCC using a three-point bending beam with an initial notch were carried out.The predictions from the proposed R-curve were in good agreement with the test results, indicating that the proposed R-curve accurately describes the fracture resistance of UHPCC.Introduction of a fiber reinforcement parameter bridges the fracture property R-curve and micro-composites’ mechanics parameters together.This has laid the foundation for further research into fracture properties based on micro-mechanics.The proposed tension constitution law and R-curve can be references for future UHPCC fracture evaluation.

Ramp-Wave Compression Experiment with Direct Laser Illumination on ShenGuang-Ⅲ Prototype Laser Facility

Ramp-wave compression experiment to balance the high compression pressure generation in aluminum and x-ray blanking effect in transparent window is demonstrated with an imaging velocity interferometer system for any reflector （VISAR） on ShenGuang-Ⅲprototype laser facility. The highest pressure is about 500 GPa after using the multilayer target design Al/Au/Al/LiF and -10^13 W//cm2 laser pulse illuminated on the planar Al target, which generates the spatial uniformity to 〈1% over 500 μm on the ablation layer. A 2-μm-thick Au layer is used to prevent the x-ray from preheating the planar ablation Al layer and window material LiF. The imaging VISAR system can be used to record the abrupt loss of the probe beam （λ= 532 nm） caused by absorption and reflection of 20-μm, 30-μm and 40-μm-thick Al, i.e., the blanking effect. Although there are slight shocks in the target, the peak pressure 500 GPa, which is the highest data up to now, is obtained with ramp-wave compression.

The Analysis of the Characteristics of the Dishpan Experiment and the Revolving Motion of Atmosphere

In this paper we summarize the characteristics of the dishpan experiment, the principle of substance revolving, and the scientific basis of the “retrograde wave in only one direction” with respect to weather data and S. C. OuYang＇s articles in which the fundamental questions in the meteorological theory were pointed out. Furthermore, we discuss the systematic changes involving the concept, theory, and method that substance evolves.

Dynamic rock tensile strengths of Laurentian granite: Experimental observation and micromechanical model

Tensile strength is an important material property for rocks. In applications where rocks are subjected to dynamic loads, the dynamic tensile strength is the controlling parameter. Similar to the study of static tensile strength, there are various methods proposed to measure the dynamic tensile strength of rocks.Here we examine dynamic tensile strength values of Laurentian granite(LG) measured from three methods: dynamic direct tension, dynamic Brazilian disc(BD) test, and dynamic semi-circular bending(SCB). We found that the dynamic tensile strength from direct tension has the lowest value, and the dynamic SCB gives the highest strength at a given loading rate. Because the dynamic direct tension measures the intrinsic rock tensile strength, it is thus necessary to reconcile the differences in strength values between the direct tension and the other two methods. We attribute the difference between the dynamic BD results and the direct tension results to the overload and internal friction in BD tests. The difference between the dynamic SCB results and the direct tension results can be understood by invoking the non-local failure theory. It is shown that, after appropriate corrections, the dynamic tensile strengths from the two other tests can be reduced to those from direct tension.

Damage to aircraft composite structures caused by directed energy system: A literature review

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the research studies on direct energy system effect on aircraft composite structures to develop a good understanding of state-of-the-art research and development in this area.The review begins with the application of composite materials in the aircraft structures and highlights their particular areas of application and limitations.An overview of directed energy system is given.Some of the commonly used systems in this category are discussed and the working principles of laser energy systems are described.The experimental and numerical studies reported regarding the aircraft composite structures subject to the effect of directed energy systems,especially the laser systems are reviewed in detail.In particularly,the general effects of laser systems and the relevant damage mechanisms against the composite structures are reported.The review draws attention to the recent research and findings in this field and is expected to guide engineers/researchers in future theoretical,numerical,and experimental studies.

Tensile and tear-type fracture toughness of gypsum material:Direct and indirect testing methods

In this context,four specimens,i.e.(i)circumferentially notched cylindrical torsion(CNCT),(ii)circum-ferentially notched cylindrical direct tension(CNCDT),(iii)edge notch disc bend(ENDB)and(iv)three-point bend beam(3PBB),were utilized to measure the modesⅠandⅢfracture toughness values of gypsum.While the CNCT specimen provides pure modeⅢloading in a direct manner,this pure mode condition is indirectly produced by the ENDB specimen.The ENDB specimen provided lower KⅢc and a non-coplanar(i.e.twisted)fracture surface compared with the CNCT specimen,which showed a planar modeⅢfracture surface.The ENDB specimen is also employed for conducting pure modeⅠ(with different crack depths)and mixed modeⅠ/Ⅲtests.KIc value was independent of the notch depth,and it was consistent with the RILEM and ASTM standard methods.But the modeⅢfracture results were highly sensitive to the notch depth.While the fracture resistance against modeⅢwas significantly lower than that of modeⅠ,the greater work of fracture under modeⅢwas noticeable.

Real life efficacy and safety of direct-acting antiviral therapy for treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotypes 1, 2and 3 in northwest China

BACKGROUND Regimens involving direct-acting antiviral agents(DAAs)are recommended for the treatment of infection with hepatitis C virus(HCV)genotypes 1,2 and 3.But real-world data is still not enough,especially in Asia.AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of DAA-based regimens in a real-life setting in China.METHODS This study included 366 patients infected with HCV genotypes 1,2 and 3,with or without cirrhosis,who were observed between May 2015 and December 2018.They were treated with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir(SOF)(genotype 1)with or without ribavirin(RBV),SOF and RBV(genotype 2),or SOF and daclatasvir(genotype 3),with or without RBV,for 12 or more wk.The participants’sustained virological responses(SVR)at post-treatment week 12(SVR12)was the primary endpoint.The occurrence of adverse events and drug-drug interactions were recorded.RESULTS In the 366 patients,genotype 1(59.0%)was the most common genotype,followed by genotypes 2(34.4%)and 3(6.6%).Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed in 154(42.1%)patients.Fifty(13.7%)patients were treatment-experienced.Intention-to-treat analysis revealed that SVR12 was 86.3%(316/366).For modified intention-totreat analysis,SVR12 was achieved in 96.6%of overall patients(316/327),96.3%in patients with genotype 1,97.5%in those with genotype 2,and 95.0%in those with genotype 3.Most of the treatment failures were due to lack of follow-up(3cases had non-responses,1 had virological breakthrough,11 relapsed and 36 did not participate in the follow-up).There was no significant difference in SVR between different genotypes and liver statuses(P<0.05).Patients with lower alanine aminotransferase levels at baseline who achieved an end of treatment response were more likely to achieve SVR12(P<0.05).High SVR was observed regardless of age,gender,liver status,alpha-fetoprotein,HCV RNA levels or history of antiviral therapy(P>0.05 for all).The cumulative hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence and recurrence rate after using the DAAs was 0.9%.Most of the adverse events were mild.We found two cases of special adverse events.One case involved facial and bilateral lower extremity edema,and the other case showed an interesting change in lipid levels while on medication.No severe adverse events were noted.CONCLUSION The DAA-based regimens tested in this study have excellent effectiveness and safety in all patients infected with HCV genotypes 1,2 and 3,including those with cirrhosis.

The Experimental Investigation of Recirculation of Air-Cooled System for a Large Power Plant

The paper introduces thermal buoyancy effects to experimental investigation of wind tunnel simulation on direct air-cooled condenser for a large power plant. In order to get thermal flow field of air-cooled tower, PIV experiments are carried out and recirculation ratio of each condition is calculated. Results show that the thermal flow field of the cooling tower has great influence on the recirculation under the cooling tower. Ameliorating the thermal flow field of the cooling tower can reduce the recirculation under the cooling tower and improve the efficiency of air-cooled condenser also.

ANALYSIS ON THE PRINCIPLE OF SERICIN MODIFICATION WITH DIRECT STEAMING FOR COOKING COCOON

Results of circular dichromatic spectrographic analysis of sericin revealcd a modification in the character of sericinafter direct steaming for cooking dry cocoon.That is,the molecular structure of cocoon shell sericin transforms fromthe frowned random structure to β- fold structure.The sericin modification reduces undulation of the gummingforce of cocoon shell sericin. Therefore,it is one of the key ways to improve the neatness of raw silk.

Directional arrangement of phyllite fragments in phyllite talus slopeat the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau

Phyllite fragments are essential for accumulating and generating talus slope at the toes of hillslopes,however,how they are linked to slope failure remains unknown.This paper reports the directional arrangement of phyllite fragments(DAPF)in phyllite talus slope at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.Field investigation,mathematical statistics and model experiments were performed in order to systematically understand the influencing factors,which include fragment shape,flat ratio,dip angle(α),and fine particle content(c).The results show that the quadrilateral fragmentgenerates a similar imbricate structure more easily than the triangular and rod fragments in the phyllite talus slope.Additionally,the flat phyllite fragments easily accumulate as imbricated structures on the phyllitetalus slope.When the dip angle(α)is in the range of 20°–30°,the minimum orientation ratio(P)is more than 50%,which means thatthe DAPF phenomenon is more obviousin the phyllite talus slope.For the fine particle content(c)at the same dip angle(α),the minimum orientation ratio(P)is 54%,and the minimum orientation ratio(P)correlates positively with the fine particle content(c).Therefore,compared with the homogeneous talusslope,the phyllite talusslopedisplays a special DAPF phenomenon.This study provides a valuable reference and presents novel knowledgefor risk assessment and engineering design against the phyllite talus slope failure mechanism.

The Direct Spelling Method

According to the difficulties in articulating words, phonetics and L ettters for the English beginners, the author made an experiment on the Direct S pelling method put forward by professor ZhangJianZhong. Through the experiment, it has been proved that the Direct Spelling method is a good method to train stu dents English aspiration, so that students can form the good habits to spell Eng lish words directly and have English speech communication directly.

Influence of thermal flow field of cooling tower on recirculation ratio of a direct air-cooled system for a power plant

In order to get thermal flow field of direct air-cooled system,the hot water was supplied to the model of direct air-cooled condenser(ACC). The particle image velocimetery (PIV) experiments were carried out to get thermal flow field of a ACC under different conditions in low velocity wind tunnel,at the same time,the recirculation ratio at cooling tower was measured,so the relationship between flow field characteristics and recirculation ratio of cooling tower can be discussed. From the results we can see that the flow field configuration around cooling tower has great effects on average recirculation ratio under cooling tower. The eddy formed around cooling tower is a key reason that recirculation produces. The eddy intensity relates to velocity magnitude and direction angle,and the configuration of eddy lies on the geometry size of cooling tower. So changing the flow field configuration around cooling tower reasonably can decrease recirculation ratio under cooling tower,and heat dispel effect of ACC can also be improved.