Quantitative measurement of the charge carrier concentration using dielectric force microscopy

The charge carrier concentration profile is a critical factor that determines semiconducting material properties and device performance.Dielectric force microscopy(DFM)has been previously developed to map charge carrier concentrations with nanometer-scale spatial resolution.However,it is challenging to quantitatively obtain the charge carrier concentration,since the dielectric force is also affected by the mobility.Here,we quantitative measured the charge carrier concentration at the saturation mobility regime via the rectification effect-dependent gating ratio of DFM.By measuring a series of n-type GaAs and GaN thin films with mobility in the saturation regime,we confirmed the decreased DFM-measured gating ratio with increasing electron concentration.Combined with numerical simulation to calibrate the tip–sample geometry-induced systematic error,the quantitative correlation between the DFM-measured gating ratio and the electron concentration has been established,where the extracted electron concentration presents high accuracy in the range of 4×10^(16)–1×10^(18)cm^(-3).We expect the quantitative DFM to find broad applications in characterizing the charge carrier transport properties of various semiconducting materials and devices.

Wheel/rail-force–based maintenance interval extension of the C80 series wagon

Purpose–This study aims to introduce the achievements and benefits of applying wheel/rail-force–based maintenance interval extension of the C80 series wagon in China.Design/methodology/approach–Chinese wagons’existing maintenance strategy had left a certain safety margin for the characteristics of widely running range,unstable service environment and submission to transportation organization requirements.To reduce maintenance costs,China railway(CR)has attempted to extend the maintenance interval since 2020.The maintenance cycle of C80 series heavy haul wagons is extended by three months(no stable routing)or 50,000 km(regular routing).However,in the meantime,the alarming rate of the running state,a key index to reflect the severe degree of hunting stability,by the train performance detection system(TPDS)for the C80 series heavy haul wagons has increased significantly.Findings–The present paper addresses a big data statistical way to evaluate the risk of allowing the C80 series heavy haul wagons to remain in operation longer than stipulated by the maintenance interval initial set.Through the maintenance and wayside-detectordata,whichis divided intothreestages,the extension period(three months),the current maintenance period and the previous maintenance period,this method reveals the alarming rate of hunting was correlated with maintenance interval.The maintainability of wagons will be achieved by utilizing wagon performance degradation modeling with the state of the wheelset and the often-contact side bearing.This paper also proposes a statistical model to return to the average safety level of the previous maintenance period’s baseline through correct alarming thresholds for unplanned corrective maintenance.Originality/value–The paper proposes an approach to reduce safety risk due to maintenance interval extension by effective maintenance program.The results are expected to help the railway company make the optimal solution to balance safety and the economy.

Probabilistic Distribution of Ice Forces on a Solitary Pile in the Liaodong Bay

The level ice thickness and compressive strength at the four measuring stations in the Liaodong Bay are inferred according to the hydrologic and meteorologic data there, then the yearly extreme ice forces on a solitary pile are calculated by the use of appropriate formula of ice forces and its probabilistic distribution is determined. Generally, the yearly extreme ice force follows Weibull distribution best as compared with Normal, Lognormal, and Extreme Value I distribution. On the other hand, the short-term distribution of ice forces on a solitary pile is obtained from the model experiment data analysis: It does not refuse Extreme Value I distribution.

Horizontal dynamic response of a large-diameter pipe pile considering the second-order effect of axial force

The second-order effect of axial force on horizontal vibrating characteristics of a large-diameter pipe pile is theoretically investigated.Governing equations of the pile-soil system are established based on elastodynamics.Threedimensional wave equations of soil are decoupled through differential transformation and variable separation.Consequently,expressions of soil displacements and horizontal resistances can be obtained.An analytical solution of the pile is derived based on continuity conditions between the pile and soil,subsequently from which expressions of the complex impedances are deduced.Analyses are carried out to examine the second-order effect of axial force on the horizontal vibrating behavior of the pipe pile.Some conclusions can be summarized as follows： stiffness and damping factors are decreased with the application of axial force on the pile head; distributions of the pile horizontal displacement and rotation angle are regenerated due to the second-order effect of the applied axial force; and redistributions of the bending moment and shearing force occur due to the second-order effect of the applied axial force.

Improved plane layout of stabilizing piles based on the piecewise function expression of the irregular driving force

The paper presents an improved plane layout for stabilizing piles based on a proposed piecewise function expression for the irregular driving force. Based on the specific morphological characteristics of a highway landslide, the piecewise function is used to calculate the irregular driving force by dividing the landslide into several sub-areas.Furthermore, the reasonable layout range and pile spacing can be obtained based on the piecewise function expression of the irregular driving force and on relevant research results of the plane layout for stabilizing piles. Therefore, an improved plane layout of stabilizing piles is presented in consideration of a piecewise function expression of the irregular driving force. A highway landslide located in eastern Guizhou Province, China, is analyzed as a case study using the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the theory presented in this paper provides improved economic benefits and can reduce the requirednumber of stabilizing piles by 28.6% compared with the conventional plane layout scheme.

The Shielding Effect of Multi-Pile Structures on Ice Force

The shielding effect of the front pile-row on the ice force acting on the back pile-row is studied by ice force model tests. In the tests, the front pile-row is designed to model jacket legs and the back pile-row to model the water resisting pipe-phalanx within the jacket. The shielding factor for ice force corresponding to different conditions are given in this paper. The research indicates that there are many factors, including the longitudinal and lateral spacing between the front and back pile-row, ice attacking angle and the ratio of pile diameter to ice thickness, that influence the shielding effect on ice force.

Parameters That Influence Buckling Forces of a Fully Embedded Pile Based on the Finite Difference Method

This paper work aims to present the effect of the soil stiffness （k）, boundary conditions of piles and embedded length of piles （L） on a buckling force of a fully embedded pile and subject to an axial compression force only, based on the finite difference method. Based on this method, MATLAB sottware is used to calculate the buckling forces of piles. Effect of the soil stiffness （k）, boundary conditions of piles and embedded length of piles （L） on a buckling force have been studied for reinforced concrete pile, whereas the modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction is adopted constantly with depth, increasing linearly with depth with zero value at the surface and increasing linearly with depth with nonzero value at the surface.

Monitoring of the Corrosion on a Steel Sheet-Pile Marine Breakwater by Systematic Thickness Measurements

In Quepos, Pacific of Costa Rica, it was finished on 2010 the first phase of a marina, including two mix breakwaters, with rubble mound （rocks and concrete units）, and 25 circular steel sheet piles cofferdam cells, filled with sand and gravel. The maintenance plan, considers tracking sheet pile corrosion, comparing ＂actual＂ against expected rates, checking structural limits, and programming countermeasures if accelerated corrosion is identified. Specific control sections, along the breakwaters, both inside and outside the basin, were established. In each section, thicknesses were measured every meter from the top of the steel cell to seabed using an ultrasonic equipment, and an underwater transducer. Both land crew, and divers for submerged portions, were used. The measurements campaigns are for several years from 2011 to 2016. Sectors of the breakwater with varied corrosion attack levels could be differentiated. Also, corrosion rates and lifespans were estimated, both general for the structures, and specific for each section and level. In turn, this allowed to identify maintenance priorities, defining sites where measures of corrosion protection should initiate, as well, to have confidence in the structural capacity and safety of the breakwaters.

Monitoring of the Corrosion on a Steel Sheet-pile Marine Breakwater by Systematic Thickness Measurements

In Quepos,Pacific of Costa Rica,it was finished on 2010 the first phase of a marina,including two mix breakwaters,with rubble mound(rocks and concrete units),and 25 circular steel sheet piles cofferdam cells,filled with sand and gravel.The maintenance plan,considers tracking sheet pile corrosion,comparing'actual'against expected rates,checking structural limits,and programming countermeasures if accelerated corrosion is identified.Specific control sections,along the breakwaters,both inside and outside the basin,were established.In each section,thicknesses were measured every meter from the top of the steel cell to seabed using an ultrasonic equipment,and an underwater transducer.Both land crew,and divers for submerged portions,were used.The measurements campaigns are for several years from 2011 to 2016.Sectors of the breakwater with varied corrosion attack levels could be differentiated.Also,corrosion rates and lifespans were estimated,both general for the structures,and specific for each section and level.In turn,this allowed to identify maintenance priorities,defining sites where measures of corrosion protection should initiate,as well,to have confidence in the structural capacity and safety of the breakwaters.

Experimental investigation on de-icing by an array of impact rod-type plasma synthetic jets

Since flight accidents due to aircraft icing occur from time to time,this paper proposes an array of impact rod-type plasma synthetic jet de-icing methods for aircraft icing problems.The impact rod-type plasma synthetic jet actuator(PSJA)is based on the traditional PSJA with an additional impact rod structure for better de-icing in the flight environment.In this work,we first optimize the ice-breaking performance of a single-impact rod-type PSJA,and then conduct an array of impact rod-type plasma synthetic jet ice-breaking experiments to investigate the relationship between crack expansion and discharge energy,ice thickness and group spacing.The results show that the impact force and impulse of a single-impact rod-type PSJA are proportional to the discharge energy,and there exists a threshold energy Qmin for a single actuator to break the ice,which is proportional to the ice thickness.Only when the discharge energy reaches above Qmin can the ice layer produce cracks,and at the same time,the maximum radial crack length produced during the ice-breaking process is proportional to the discharge energy.When the ice is broken by an array of impact rod PSJAs,the discharge energy and group spacing together determine whether the crack can be extended to the middle region of the actuator.When the group spacing is certain,increasing the energy can increase the intersection of cracks in the middle region,and the ice-fragmentation degree is increased and the ice-breaking effect is better.At the same time,the energy estimation method of ice breaking by an array of impact rod-type PSJAs is proposed according to the law when a single actuator is breaking ice.

Hydrodynamic Coefficients for Grouping Piles Under the Action of Irregular Waves

-The hydrodynamic coefficients for each of two piles and three piles in both side-by-side arrangement and tandem arrangement under the action of irregular waves are experimentally investigated. These coefficients vary with the KC number, the relative pile spacing, the number of piles and the pile location, and their relationships are presented in this paper. They can be used in Morison Equation and other equations to calculate directly the in-line wave forces and the transverse forces on each pile in array.

Problems in the Transfer of Rural Surplus Labor Force in Chengdu Plain——A Empirical Analysis of Xiyu Village,Gexianshan Town,China

Under the new situation of the coordination of rural and urban development,the employment and transfer of surplus labor force have become the major social problems in China.Based on the field investigation on Xiyu Village of Gexianshan Town in Pengzhou City,the surplus labor force and the absorptive capacity of non-agricultural industries are estimated by using per capita cultivated method and output value absorption method.Based on this,the transfer pattern of surplus labor force is generalized and the corresponding suggestions for transfer are put forward.

The Use of Light Diffracted from Grating Etched onto the Backside Surface of an Atomic Force Microscope Cantilever Increases the Force Sensitivity

A reflecting diffraction grating has been etched onto the backside of a standard cantilever for atomic force microscopy, and the diffracted light has been used to monitor the angular position of the cantilever. It is shown experimentally that for small angles of incidence and for large reflection angles, the force sensitivity can be improved by few times when an appropriate detection scheme based on the position sensitive (duolateral) detector is used. The first demonstration was performed with a one micron period amplitude diffraction grating onto the backside of an Al-coated cantilever etched by a focused ion beam milling for the experiments in air and an analogous 600 nm-period grating for the experiments in air and in water.

The Use of Tamping Machine for Diagnosising the Longitudinal Forces in Rails of CWR Track

In the novel approach to the diagnostic tests of continuous welded rail （CWR） track by the use of the tamping machine, the fundamental statement related to the recording of the curvature with a definite value of the lateral displacement being subjected to verification, can provide a basis for the determination of the longitudinal axial force in the rail. An attempt has also been made to define an alternative factor which by means of the measured signals, could be used for the determination of the axial forces in the rail sections. A power engineering approach has been adopted to this concept. Within the framework of the experimental investigations, measurements were carried out in the track test section. The investigations were based on stretching the rail sections by stretchers and on lateral displacements of the track by the tamping machine. The operation of the measuring apparatus was also tested in the experimental railway track section while carrying out the geometrical adjustments by the tamping machine. As a result of next series of the investigation carried out in 2006-2007, the authors worked out a procedure of estimating the longitudinal forces in rails of CWR track.

Research and test of the measurement sensing device for the downforce of no-till planter row unit gauge wheels

To effectively obtain the downforce of the gauge wheels in real time,mechanical models of the interaction among the ground,gauge wheels,gauge wheel arms,and depth adjustment lever were constructed.A measuring method was proposed for monitoring the downforce through a two-dimensional radial sensing device,and a corresponding prototype was designed.Through simulation analysis of the sensing device with ANSYS,a 45°angle was determined to exist between the strain gauge axis and the sensing device axis,and the Wheatstone bridging circuit of R1+R3−R5−R7(R stands for resistance strain gauge,different figures represent the strain gauge number)and R2+R4−R6−R8 was adopted.According to performance and calibration tests for the sensing device,the maximum interaction effect between the X and Y axes was 2.52%,and the output signal was stable and consistent.The standard error of the slope of the fitting equation of the downforce calculation model is 0.008.According to the field test,the average downforce of the gauge wheels was 1148,1017,843,and 713 N,at different sowing speeds of 6,8,10,and 12 km/h,respectively.The coefficients of variation were 0.40,0.41,0.62,and 0.71,respectively.The results indicate that the downforce fluctuation of the gauge wheels became more severe with increasing planting speed.Both the strain simulation analysis and field test verified that the measurement method is accurate and reliable,the performance of the sensing device is stable,the measurement method and sensing device meet the application requirements and lay a foundation for the research of accurate and stable control of downforce of no-till planter.

Measurement of forces generated during distraction of growing-rods in early onset scoliosis

AIM: To measure the forces applied during distraction of growing-rods in early onset scoliosis(EOS), aimed at developing a motorized elongation device.METHODS: A consecutive series of measurements were carried out to analyze the forces applied by the surgeon during distraction of single growing-rods in 10 patients affected by EOS(mean age 8.3 years; range 6 to 10 years) undergoing the first distraction 6 months following implantation of the rods. For each measurement, output from the transducer of a dedicated pair of distraction calipers was recorded at zero load status and at every 1 mm of distraction, up to a maximum of 12 mm for each of the two connected rods.RESULTS: Twenty measurements were obtained showing a linear increase of the load with increasing distraction, with a mean peak force of 485 N at 12 mm distraction and a single reading over 500 N. We did not observe bone fractures or ligament disruptions during or after rod elongations. There was one case of superficial wound infection in the cohort.CONCLUSION: The safe peak force carrying capacity of a motorized device for distraction of growing-rods is 500 N.

Water blocking effect caused by the use of hydraulic methods for permeability enhancement in coal seams and methods for its removal

To research techniques for removing the water blocking effect caused by hydraulic applications in coal seams,the use of surfactants is proposed,based on the mechanics of the water blocking effect.Centrifugal experiments were used to validate the effects of using surfactants;the results show that after dealing with vacuum saturation with water,the volume of micropores decreases,which results in a larger average pore size,and the volume of transitional pores,mesopores,macropores and total pores increases.Based on the distribution of pore size,the operation mode of ‘‘water infusion after gas extraction,then continuing gas extraction" is recommended to improve the volume of coal mine gas drainage.When the reflectance of vitrinite in coal samples is less than 1,using the surfactants Fast T,1631,APG,BS can mitigate the damage caused by the water blocking effect.But when the reflectance of vitrinite is larger than 1.4,the damage caused by the water blocking effect can be increased.When the surfactant CMC is used in hydraulic applications,the capillary forces of coal samples are almost negative,which means the capillary force is in the same direction as the gas extraction.The direction of capillary forces benefits the gas flow.So,using CMC can play an active role in removing the water blocking effect.Centrifugal experiments confirm that using CMC can effectively remove the water blocking effect,which has a beneficial effect on improving the gas drainage volume.

3D FE Analysis of Effect of Ground Subsidence and Piled Spacing on Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Piled Raft and Axial Force of Piles in Piled Raft

The effects of ground subsidence and piled spacing on axial force of piles in squared piled rafts were investigated using numerical analysis. Two cases of piled rafts in soft clay including case 1 (s = 2d) and case 2 (s = 4d) with s and d were piled spacing and piled diameter respectively were considered in this study. Undrained (without ground water pumping) and drained (with ground water pumping) conditions were applied in each case in order to evaluate variations of ultimate bearing capacity of piled raft and axial force of the piles in piled raft. The results showed that ultimate bearing capacity increased about 25% for undrained condition and about 32% for drained condition when piled spacing increased from 2d to 4d. In the same piled spacing, axial force of the piles increased about 9% for piled spacing of 2d and 7% for piled spacing of 4d when drained condition was applied. When piled spacing increased 2 times (2d to 4d), the axial force of piles increased about 7% for undrained condition and about 5% for drained condition.

Research on Deformation and Force of Bridge Pile Foundation on High and Steep Slope in Mountainous Area

With the rapid development of my country’s economy, the demand for infrastructure construction is also increasing. However, in most areas of China, the terrains are mountainous and hilly. Some projects have to be built on steep slopes. Choosing viaducts or half-bridges on high-steep slopes is not only conducive to the protection of the surrounding environment, but also conducive to the stability of the slope. Bridges usually choose the form of pile foundation-high pier bridge. This paper uses numerical simulation to study and analyze the bridge pile foundation of the slope section. Relying on actual engineering, use the finite element software ABAQUS6.14 to establish a three-dimensional finite element model to study the bearing mechanism and mechanical characteristics of the pile foundation under vertical load, horizontal load and inclined load, discuss the influence of the nature of the soil around the pile and the stiffness of the pile body on the deformation and internal force of the bridge pile foundation in the slope section. The analysis results show that the horizontal load has a great influence on the horizontal displacement of the pile, but has a small influence on the vertical displacement, and the vertical load is just the opposite. Inclined load has obvious “p-Δ” effect. The increase in soil elastic modulus and pile stiffness will reduce the displacement of the pile foundation, but after reaching a certain range, the displacement of the pile foundation will tend to be stable. Therefore, in actual engineering, if the displacement of the pile foundation fails to meet the requirements, the hardness of the soil and the stiffness of the pile can be appropriately increased, but not blindly.

Environmental temperature effect on dimensional measurements of atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy(AFM)is increasingly being used as a fundamental tool for dimensional measurements at the nanoscale in the laboratory and in industry.Since the environmental temperature is not controlled in many measurements,or is even varied on purpose,quantification of its effects on AFM dimensional measurements is needed.In this paper,the influences of the temperature in the entire environment of the AFM(excluding only the controller and computer)and that in the local environment around the tip–sample are investigated.The results show that lateral dimensional measurements are affected mainly by the entire environmental temperature.However,vertical measurements are influenced by the temperature of both the entire environment and the local environment.The effects become significant for temperatures higher than some threshold,here between 35 and 40 XC.