Experimental and numerical analyses of the effect of fibre content on the close-in blast performance of a UHPFRC beam

Limited research has been conducted on the influences of fiber content on close-in blasting characteristics for ultrahigh-performance fiber-reinforced concrete(UHPFRC)beams.This paper aims to address this knowledge gap through experimental and mesoscale numerical methods.Experiments were conducted on ten UHPFRC beams built with varying steel fiber volumetric fractions subjected to close-in explosive conditions.Additionally,this study considered other parameters,such as the longitudinal reinforcement type and ratio.In the case of UHPFRC beams featuring normal-strength longitudinal reinforcement of diametersΦ12,Φ16,andΦ20,a reduction in maximum displacement by magnitudes of19.6%,19.5%,and 17.4%was observed,respectively,as the volumetric fractions of fiber increased from1.0%to 2.5%.In addition,increasing the longitudinal reinforcement ratio and using high-strength steel longitudinal reinforcement both significantly reduced the deformation characteristics and increase the blasting resistances of UHPFRC beams.However,the effects on the local crushing and spalling damage were not significant.A mesoscale finite element model,which considers the impacts of fiber parameters on UHPFRC beam behaviors,was also established and well correlated with the test findings.Nevertheless,parametric analyses were further conducted to examine the impacts of the steel fiber content and length and the hybrid effects of various types of microfibers and steel fibers on the blasting performance of UHPFRC beams.

Experimental study on mechanical properties of basalt fiber-reinforced silty clay

Fiber reinforcement technology can significantly improve the mechanical properties of soil and has been increasingly applied in geotechnical engineering.Basalt fiber is a new kind of environment-friendly and highperformance soil reinforcement material,and the mechanical properties of basalt fiber-reinforced soil have become a hot research topic.In this paper,we conducted monotonic triaxial and cyclic triaxial tests,and analyzed the influence of the fiber content,moisture content,and confining pressure on the shear characteristics,dynamic modulus,and damping ratio of basalt fiber-reinforced silty clay.The results illustrate that basalt fiber can enhance the shear strength of silty clay by increasing its cohesion.We find that the shear strength of reinforced silty clay reaches its maximum when the fiber content is approximately 0.2%and the moisture content is 18.5%(optimum moisture content).Similarly,we also find that the dynamic modulus that corresponds to the same strain first increases then decreases with increasing fiber content and moisture content and reaches its maximum when the fiber content is approximately 0.2%and the moisture content is 18.5%.The dynamic modulus is positively correlated with the confining pressure.However,the change in the damping ratio with fiber content,moisture content,and confining pressure is opposite to that of the dynamic modulus.It can be concluded that the optimum content of basalt fiber for use in silty clay is 0.2%.After our experiments,we used scanning electron microscope(SEM)to observe the microstructure of specimens with different fiber contents,and our results show that the gripping effect and binding effect are the main mechanisms of fiber reinforcement.

Rapid Measurement of Short Fiber Content on Hertel Sample

This paper offers a new method of measuring short fiber content of cotton fibers. The method is composed of two parts: one is Hertel sampling and the other is image testing. With the help of fiber mixer, a thin and even cotton net is obtained on which we can get Hertel sample by using a sliver clamp. The near micro optical mechanism consists of one large area CCD and one lens with long focus. This mechanism is able to measure every cotton fiber of the test beard accurately and makes it possible to measure accumulating fibers’ amounts. On this base we can calculate short fiber content of cotton, and the experiment results show that this method is efficient.

Effect of Waste Paper Fiber on Properties of Cementbased Mortar and Relative Mechanism

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of waste paper fiber on the properties of cement-based mortar and the relative mechanism. The cement-based mortars with various contents and mixing way of waste paper fibers were prepared and the slump flow, setting time and strength developments of all mortars were tested. Besides, Ca（OH）_2 content in hardened pastes at different ages and the microstructures of all mortar at 90 d were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results showed that in the process of mixing, more superplastizier was consumed to maintain the workability because of the absorption of water and superplastizer on waste paper fiber. With more waste paper fiber being added, longer setting time is available for the pastes with it because of the carbohydrate dissolving and its retarding to the cement hydration. Waste paper fiber is adverse to the early and later strength of cement-based mortar, but it increases the mortar strengths at 7 and 28 d. The strength, Ca（OH）_2 content and microstructure are related to the content and mixing way of waste paper fiber. Waste paper fiber helps produce the Ca（OH）_2 at 7 and 28 d, but this case is reverse at ages of 1 and 3 d. Overall, waste paper fiber leads to the appearance of more pores in the hardened paste. However, it increases the toughness of cement-based mortar.

Theoretical Optimization of the Production of Heating Layers Using Local Wool Fibers

Science is the basis of the country’s development and wealth. In particular, it is necessary to effectively use advanced scientific developments and technical achievements in order to strengthen the economy in the period when the desire for innovation in all fields is still growing. In theoretical-experimental Scientific Research work, both theoretical and experimental results are achieved, and it is more useful to withstand more theoretical-experimental loads for a longer period of time. The occurrences in the production process of natural wool fiber technologists are a complex of physical and mechanical phenomena, which can be used only by the modern achievements of science and technology. In most cases, the parameter relationship with the factors influencing the technological process or the object can open a curve without any other things.

Seasonal Variation of Carbon and Nitrogen Emissions from Turfgrass

The role of turfgrasses in C and N cycling in the southeastern U.S. has not been well documented. The objectives of this research were to determine the characterization of chemical quality, clipping decomposition rates, and C and N release from warm- and cool-season turfgrasses. The study was conducted for 46 weeks in 2012 in Auburn, AL. Four warm season turfgrasses were used included (bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy], centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack), St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze), zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.), and one cool season turfgrass (tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb)). Litter was placed into nylon bags at an oven dry rate of 3.6 Mg?ha?1. Litter bags were retrieved after 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 46 weeks, and analyzed for total C and N. A double exponential decay model was used to describe mass, C, and N loss. Results indicated that tall fescue decomposition occurred rapidly compared to warm season turfgrasses. Litter mass loss measured after 46 weeks was determined to be 61.7%, 73.7%, 72.2%, 86.8%, and 45.4% in bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, tall fescue, and zoysiagrass respectively. Zoysiagrass litter had a higher lignin concentration, while tall fescue had the lowest lignin. Over 46 weeks’ release of C was in the order: zoysiagrass > bermudagrass = centipedegrass = St. Augustinegrass > tall fescue, and release of N was in the order zoysiagrass > centipedegrass > bermudagrass = St. Augustinegrass > tall fescue. Our study concluded that, zosiagrass is a better choice for home lawns.

Effect of Flats Speed on Card Sliver Quality

The effect of flats speed,especially higher flats speed,on card sliver quality was studied.Card sliver produced at seven flats speeds was tested with Uster AFIS.Test results show that over-high flats speed is not beneficial to removing impurities and neps of card sliver.The flats speed from 450 to 550 mm/min is the best for removing impurity;while a speed of 450 or 650 mm/min is the best for removing neps of card sliver.The 1 050 mm/min flats speed is the best for removing short fibers.Accordingly,the flats speed of 450 mm/min is the most advantageous to improve the comprehensive quality of card sliver.It is also found that installing back-web-cleaner is very helpful to remove neps.It is also favorable to reduce short fibers,thus increasing the average length.But it is not helpful to reduce impurities in the sliver.

3D Printing Technology for Short-continuous Carbon Fiber Synchronous Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites:A Comparison between Towpreg Extrusion and In Situ Impregnation Processes

Three-dimensional(3D)printing of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites(CFRTPs)provides an ef-fective method for manufacturing the CFRTPs parts with complex structures.To increase the mechanical per-formance of these parts,a 3D printing technology for short-continuous carbon fiber synchronous-reinforced thermoplastic composites(S/C-CFRTPs)has been proposed.However,the synchronous reinforcement that ex-isted only at particular positions led to a limited improvement in the mechanical performance of the 3D-printed S/C-CFRTP part,which made it challenging to meet the engineering requirements.To solve this problem,two methods for achieving synchronous reinforcement at all the positions of the 3D-printed S/C-CFRTP part are pro-posed.To determine a suitable printing process for the S/C-CFRTP part,a comprehensive comparison between the two methods was conducted through theoretical analysis and experimental verification,involving the print-ing mechanism,fiber content,impregnation percentage,and mechanical performance.The results indicated that the towpreg extrusion process was suitable for manufacturing the 3D-printed S/C-CFRTP part.Compared with the in situ impregnation process,the towpreg extrusion process led to a fiber content increase of approximately 7%and void rate reduction of approximately 6%,resulting in 19%and 20%increases in the tensile and flexural strengths of the 3D-printed S/C-CFRTPs,respectively.Additionally,an optimized process parameter setting for fabricating an S/C-CFRTP prepreg filament with excellent mechanical performance was proposed.The findings of this study can provide a new approach for further improving the mechanical performance of the 3D-printed advanced composites.

Moisture Content and Nutrient Composition of Alfalfa under Different Drying Methods

[Objective] The paper was to study the effects of different drying methods on moisture content and nutrient composition of alfalfa.[Method] Alfalfa collected from the same piece of land in early flowering period were dried through three different drying methods, solar drying,outdoor drying in the sun and outdoor drying in the shade, and the effects of different drying methods on contents of moisture, crude protein, crude ash and neutral detergent fiber（NDF） were measured. [Result] The moisture evaporation rate of different drying methods over the same period successively were solar drying 〉 outdoor drying in the sun 〉 outdoor drying in the shade. The crude protein content of alfalfa was the highest through solar drying（P〈0.05）, followed by outdoor drying in the shade, and the crude protein content through outdoor drying in the sun was the lowest. Under the condition of different moisture contents, the crude protein content of dried samples through outdoor drying in the sun decreased by 6.86%-22.43% compared to solar drying, and that through outdoor drying in the shade reduced by 4.92%-17.20%. Under the same moisture content, the crude ash content successively were outdoor drying in the shade 〉 outdoor drying in the sun 〉 solar drying; the crude ash content of alfalfa through solar drying was 3.72%-19.22% lower than outdoor drying in the sun, and 8.12%-29.93% lower than outdoor drying in the shade. The NDF content of alfalfa through outdoor drying in the sun was the highest, significantly higher than the other two drying methods（ P〈0.05）. The NDF content through solar drying was the lowest, 9.08%-27.25% lower than outdoor drying in the sun, and 4.84%-24.84% lower than outdoor drying in the shade. [Conclusion] The paper will provide some references for selection of appropriate alfalfa drying method.

Fabrication and oxidation resistance of silicon nitride fiber reinforced silica matrix wave-transparent composites

Wave-transparent ceramic matrix composites for the high temperature use should possess excellent oxidation resistance. In this work, Si3N4f/SiO2 composites with different fiber content were fabricated by filament winding and sol gel method. The oxidation resistance was investigated by tracking the response of flexural strength to the testing temperature. The results show that the flexural strength and toughness of the composites with fiber content of over 37% can reach high levels at around 175.0 MPa and 6.2 MPa m^1/2, respectively. After 1 h oxidation at 1100℃, the flexural strength drops a lot but can still reach 114.4 MPa, which is high enough to ensure the safety of structures. However, when the oxidation temperature rises to 1200–1400℃, the flexural strengths continue to fall to a relatively low level at 50.0–66.4 MPa. The degradation at high temperatures is caused by the combination of over strong interfacial bonding, the damage of fiber and the crystallization of silica matrix.

Root tensile strength of terrace hedgerow plants in the karst trough valleys of SW China:Relation with root morphology and fiber content

Root tensile strength is commonly affected by root morphology and fiber content,which combinedly affect the effectiveness of terrace hedgerow on controlling soil erosion in sloping farmland.However,the relationships between these root characteristics are still elusive.This study aimed to compare the root tensile strength,root morphologies,and root fiber contents,and quantify their differences among different plant species.Complete root systems of three terrace hedgerow plant species,i.e.,O.bodinieri,V.villosa,and D.lablab L.were sampled for detecting root morphologies and fiber contents at different slope positions on a representative hillslope in karst trough valley.Single root specimens were collected to measure root tensile properties for these three plant species.Results showed that most root morphological parameters were the highest in O.bodinieri,followed by D.lablab L.Three plant species presented the same dominant diameter class as<1.0 mm,and root volumes as<1.50 cm3.Cellulose with contents closing to 50%was the main fiber type,and increased significantly linearly with the increasing root diameter in both O.bodinieri and V.villosa.The highest tensile strength and Young's modulus were found in D.lablab L.,while the best ultimate tensile force and ultimate elongation were displayed in O.bodinieri.Root diameter showed negative power relationships with tensile strength and Young's modulus,a positive power relationship with ultimate tensile force,and a positive linear relationship with ultimate elongation.Our results will deepen the understanding of the terrace hedgerow functions for controlling soil erosion worldwide.

Propagation of high-power fiber laser with high-order-mode content

Propagation properties of high-power fiber laser with high-order-mode(HOM) content are studied numerically for the first time to the best of our knowledge. The effect of HOM on the propagation property is evaluated by the power in the bucket(PIB) metric. It is shown that PIB is mainly dependent on HOM content rather than the relative phase between the fundamental mode and HOM. The PIB in vacuum is more than 80% when the power fraction of the HOM is controlled to be less than 50% at 5 km. The relative phase has an impact on the peak intensity position and concentration of the far-field intensity distribution. If an adaptive optics system is used to correct the peak intensity deviation, the results indicate that there exists a maximal value of PIB as relative phase increases. Such effect is weakened when propagating in turbulence. Compared to the laser beams without HOM, laser beams with HOM content are less influenced by the turbulence and can reduce average intensity fluctuation. The results may be useful in the design of a high-power fiber laser system.

Effect of Wood Variables on the Properties of Wood Fiber-Polypropylene Composites

The effect of wood species (Chinese fir and Poplar), wood fiber content (10%, 25%, 40%) and wood fiber sizes (16 to 32 mesh, 32-65 mesh, above 65 mesh) on the properties of the wood fiber-Polypropylene composites were studied in this paper. The results indicate that the effect of wood fiber content and size in composite were more important than that of chosen wood species. Compared with polypropylene without wood fiber, the flexural strength of the composites increased when adding wood fiber into polypr...

Nutritional content explains the attractiveness of cacao to crop raiding Tonkean macaques

Nutritional ecology has been linked to crop raiding behavior in a number of wildlife taxa. Here our goal is to explore the role nutrition plays in cacao crop raiding by Tonkean macaques Macaca tonkeana in Sulawesi, Indonesia. From June - Sept. 2008 we collected fruit samples from 13 species known to be important Tonkean macaque foods and compared their nutritional value to that of cacao Theobroma cacao, an important cash crop in Sulawesi. Cacao pulp was significantly lower in protein, but lower in dietary fiber, and higher in digestible carbohydrates and energy content compared to forest fruits. These findings, com- bined with the fact that cacao fruits are spatially concentrated and available throughout the year, likely explain why Tonkean ma- caques are attracted to this cultivated resource. We use these data along with published feeding ecology data to propose strategies to minimize human-macaque conflict. Namely, we recommend the deliberate protection of Elmerillila tsiampaccca, Ficus spp. and Arenga pinnata, fruit species known to be regularly consumed and of considerable nutritional value. We also identify the A. pinnata palm as a potential buffer resource to curb cacao crop raiding by macaques. Cacao is a hard-to-process food because the pods have a thick outer skin that encases the seeds and pulp. Aren palm fruit, although lower in digestibility, is easier-to-process, higher in protein, and also available year round. In addition, because the palm has considerable cultural and economic signifi- cance for local people, the strategy of planting Aren palm in a buffer corridor is likely to garner local community support [Current Zoology 59 （2）： 160-169, 2013].