Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a multidirectionally forged Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr-Ag alloy

Multidirectional forging(MDF)was successfully applied to fabricate large-size Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr-Ag alloy in this work and effects of T4,T5 and T6 treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-forged alloy were analyzed.Results show that dynamic recrystallization(DRX)occurs and second phase particles precipitate along the grain boundary during the MDF process.After annealing treatment(T4),the volume fraction and size of dynamic precipitates slightly increase at a lower temperature(430℃)compared with those of MDFed sample,while they are dissolved into theα-Mg matrix at a higher temperature(450℃).At the meantime,short plate-shaped long-period stacking ordered(LPSO)phases are observed in the DRX grains of the MDFed sample and then dissolved into theα-Mg matrix during annealing at both temperatures.Typical basal texture is identified in the MDFed sample,but the basal pole tilts away from final forging direction and rare-earth texture component with<1121>orientation parallel to penultimate forging direction becomes visible after annealing.The T6 sample annealing at 430℃for 4 h and ageing at 200℃for 34 h exhibits the superior strength and ductility in this study.The ultimate tensile strength,tensile yield strength and elongation to failure,which is 455 MPa,308 MPa and 7.7%,respectively,are overall improved compared with the directly-aged(T5)sample.This paper provides a superior heat treatment schedule to manufacture high-performance large-scale Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr-Ag components for industrial production.

New Technology of Multidirectional Loading Rotary Extrusion

To satisfy the requirements for the precise formation of large-scale high-performance lightweight components with inner ring reinforcement, a new multidirectional loading rotary extrusion forming technology is developed to match the linear motion with the rotary motion and actively increases the strong shear force. Its principle is that the radial force and rotating torque increase when the blank is axially extruded and loaded. Through the synergistic action of axial, radial, and rotating motions, the orderly fow of metal is controlled, and the cumulative severe plastic deformation (SPD) of an“uplift-trowel” micro-area is generated. Consequently, materials are uniformly strengthened and toughened. Simultaneously, through the continuous deformation of a punch “ellipse-circle,” a high reinforcement component is grown on the cylinder wall to achieve the high-quality formation of cylindrical parts or the inner-ring-reinforcement components. Additionally, the efective strain increases with rotation speed, and the maximum intensity on the basal plane decreases as the number of revolutions increase. The punch structure also afects the axial extrusion loading and equivalent plastic strain. Thus, the proposed technology enriches the plastic forming theory and widens the application feld of plastic forming. Furthermore, the formed large-scale high-performance inner-ring-stifened magnesium components have been successfully verifed in aerospace equipment, thereby solving the problems of integral forming and severe deformation strengthening and toughening. The developed technology has good prospects for mass production and application.

Edge detection in the potential field using the correlation coefficients of multidirectional standard deviations

Most edge-detection methods rely on calculating gradient derivatives of the potential field, a process that is easily affected by noise and is therefore of low stability. We propose a new edge-detection method named correlation coefficient of multidirectional standard deviations（CCMS） that is solely based on statistics. First, we prove the reliability of the proposed method using a single model and then a combination of models. The proposed method is evaluated by comparing the results with those obtained by other edge-detection methods. The CCMS method offers outstanding recognition, retains the sharpness of details, and has low sensitivity to noise. We also applied the CCMS method to Bouguer anomaly data of a potash deposit in Laos. The applicability of the CCMS method is shown by comparing the inferred tectonic framework to that inferred from remote sensing（RS） data.

Discrete Variable Structural Optimization based on Multidirectional Fuzzy Genetic Algorithm

Round method is the common method for discrete variable optimization in optimal design of complex mechanical structures;however,it has some disadvantages such as poor precision,simple model and lacking of working conditions＇ description,etc.To solve these problems,a new model is constructed by defining parameterized fuzzy entropy,and the rationality of parameterized fuzzy entropy is verified.And a new multidirectional searching algorithm is further put forward,which takes information of actual working conditions into consideration and has a powerful local searching capability.Then this new algorithm is combined with the GA by the fuzzy clustering algorithm（FCA）.With the application of FCA,the optimal solution can be effectively filtered so as to retain the diversity and the elite of the optimal solution,and avoid the structural re-analysis phenomenon between the two algorithms.The structure design of a high pressure bypass-valve body is used as an example to make a structural optimization by the proposed HGA and finite element method（FEM）,respectively.The comparison result shows that the improved HGA fully considers the characteristic of discrete variable and information of working conditions,and is more suitable to the optimal problems with complex working conditions.Meanwhile,the research provides a new approach for discrete variable structure optimization problems.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of TiC nanoparticle-reinforced Mg−Zn−Ca matrix nanocomposites processed by combining multidirectional forging and extrusion

TiC nanoparticle-reinforced Mg−4Zn−0.5Ca matrix nanocomposites were processed by combining multidirectional forging(MDF)and extrusion(EX).The grain size of the nanocomposite after MDF+EX multi-step deformation was significantly decreased compared with that processed only by MDF.The average size of the recrystallized grains gradually increased after EX with increasing the number of MDF passes at 270℃.However,the grain size significantly decreased by MDF processing at 310℃.Both fine and coarse MgZn2 phases appeared in the(MDF+EX)-processed nanocomposites,and their volume fractions gradually increased with increasing the number of MDF passes before EX.Ultrahigh tensile properties(yield strength of^404 MPa,ultimate tensile strength of^450.3 MPa and elongation of^5.2%)were obtained in the nanocomposite after three MDF passes at 310℃ followed by EX.This was attributed to the refinement of the recrystallized grains,together with the improved Orowan strengthening provided by the precipitated MgZn2 particles that were generated by MDF+EX multi-step deformation.

Multidirectional 3D printed functionally graded modular joint actuated by TCPFL muscles for soft robots

Highly deformable bodies are essential for numerous types of applications in all sorts of environments. Joint-like structures comprising a ball and socket joint have many degrees of freedom that allow mobility of many biomimetic structures. Recently, soft robots are favored over rigid structures for their highly compliant material, high-deformation properties at low forces, and ability to operate in di fficult environments. However, it is still challenging to fabricate complex designs that satisfy application constraints due to the combined e ffects of material properties, actuation method, and structural geometry on the performance of the soft robot. Therefore, a combination of a rigid joint and a soft body can help achieve modular robots with fully functional body morphology. Yet, the fabrication of soft parts requires extensive molding for complex shapes, which comprises several processes and can be time-consuming. In addition, molded connections between extremely soft materials and hard materials can be critical failing points. In this paper, we present a functionally graded 3D-printed joint-like structure actuated by novel contractile actuators. Functionally graded materials (FGMs) via 3D printing allow for extensive material property enhancement and control which warrant tunable functionalities of the system. The 3D-printed structure is made of 3 rigid ball and socket joints connected in series and actuated by integrating twisted and coiled polymer fishing line ( TCPFL) actuators, which are con fined in the FGM accordion-shaped channels. The implementation of the untethered T CPFL actuation system can be highly bene ficial for deployment in environments that require low vibrations and silent actuation. The fishing line TCP actuators produce an actuation strain up to 40% and bend the joint up to 40° in any direction. The T CPFL can be actuated individually or as a group to control the bending trajectory of the modular joint, which is bene ficial when deployed in areas that contain small crevices. Obtaining complex modes of bending, the FGM multidirectional joint demonstrated a great potential to achieve di fferent functionalities such as crawling, rolling, swimming, or underwater exploration.

Earthquake simulation test of circular reinforced concrete bridge column under multidirectional seismic excitation

Structures behave multi-directionally when subjected to earthquake excitation. Thus, it is essential to evaluate the effect of multidirectional loading on the dynamic response and seismic performance of reinforced concrete bridge columns in order to develop more advanced and reliable design procedures. To investigate such effects, a 1/4 scaled circular reinforced concrete bridge column specimen was tested under two horizontal and one vertical components of a strong motion that has long duration with several strong pulses. Damage progress of reinforced concrete columns subjected to strong excitation was evaluated from the test. The test results demonstrate that the lateral force response in the principal directions become smaller than computed flexural capacity due to the bilateral flexural loading effects, and that the lateral response is not significantly affected by the fluctuation of the axial force because the horizontal response and axial force barely reached the maximum simultaneously due to difference of the predominant natural periods between the vertical and the horizontal directions. Accuracy of fiber analyses is discussed using the test results.

An improved multidirectional velocity model for micro-seismic monitoring in rock engineering

An improved multidirectional velocity model was proposed for more accurately locating micro-seismic events in rock engineering. It was assumed that the stress wave propagation velocities from a micro-seismic source to three nearest monitoring sensors in a sensor's array arrangement were the same. Since the defined objective function does not require pre-measurement of the stress wave propagation velocity in the field, errors from the velocity measurement can be avoided in comparison to three traditional velocity models. By analyzing 24 different cases, the proposed multidirectional velocity model iterated by the Simplex method is found to be the best option no matter the source is within the region of the sensor's array or not. The proposed model and the adopted iterative algorithm are verified by field data and it is concluded that it can significantly reduce the error of the estimated source location.

Effect of duplex aging on microstructure and mechanical properties of near-βtitanium alloy processed by isothermal multidirectional forging

The effects of sub-transus(α+β)annealing treatment(ST),followed by single aging(SA)or duplex aging(DA)on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of near-βTi-4Al-1Sn-2Zr-5Mo-8V-2.5Cr(mass fraction,%)alloy were investigated using optical microscopy,scanning electron microscopy,and transmission electron microscopy.The results show that the finer secondaryαphase precipitates in the alloy after DA than SA(e.g.,149 nm for SA and 69 nm for DA,both after ST at 720℃).The main reason is that the pre-aging step(300℃)in the DA process leads to the formation of intermediateωphase nanoparticles,which assist in the nucleation of the acicular secondaryαphase precipitates.In addition,the strength of the alloy after DA is higher than that of SA at the specific ST temperature.A good combination is achieved in the alloy subjected to ST at 750℃,followed by DA(UTS:1450 MPa,EL:3.87%),which is due to the precipitation of nanoscale secondaryαphase by DA.In conclusion,DA is a feasible process for this new near-βtitanium alloy.

Physical Simulation of Multidirectional Irregular Wave Groups

Real waves are multidirectional waves. In the present study, the calculation method for the wave maker driving signals for generating multidirectional wave groups in physical wave basin is proposed. Its validity is first confirmed by a numerical model for which the incident boundary condition is determined by use of the proposed method. Then, the physical simulation of multidirectional wave groups is performed in laboratory wave basin. The experimental results show that multidirectional waves with expected wave groupiness, which includes not only its group height but also its group length, can be satisfactorily zenerated at the soecified oosition in the tphvsical wave basin.

Reverse-time migration using multidirectional wavefield decomposition method

Reverse-time migration has attracted more and more attention owing to the advantages of high imaging accuracy, no dip restriction, and adaptation to complex velocity models. Cross-correlation imaging method is typically used in conventional reverse-time migration that produces images with strong low-frequency noise. Wavefield decomposition imaging can suppress such noise; however, some residual noise persists in the imaging results. We propose a 2D multidirectional wavefield decomposition method based on the traditional wavefield decomposition method. First, source wavefields and receiver wavefields are separated into eight subwavefields, respectively. Second, cross-correlation imaging is applied to selected subwavefields to produce subimages. Finally, the subimages are stacked to generate the final image. Numerical examples suggest that the proposed method can eliminate the low-frequency noise effectively and produce high-quality imaging profiles.

Experimental Study on Performance of Multidirectional Geogrid and Its Application in Engineering of High Slope

By analyzing the grille mechanical property, tensile strength and creep tests, and the fi eld tests, we investigated the characteristics and the reinforcement principle of multidirectional geogrid, and obtained the effect factors of grid characteristics, load and time curve and the shear stress of grille and sand interface. The reinforcement effect of geogrid in combination of typical project cases was illustrated and the following conclusions were presented. Firstly, multidirectional geogrid has ability to resist structural deformation, node distortion or soil slippage under stress, and can effectively disperse load. Secondly, with the increase of tensile rate, grille intensity increases and the creep value also increases with the increase of load. Thirdly, the frictional resistance balance between horizontal thrust of damaged zone and reinforced soil in stable region can avoid slope failure due to excessive lateral deformation. Fourthly, the multidirectional geogrid is able to withstand the vertical, horizontal and diagonal forces by combing them well with three-dimensional orientation, realizing the purpose of preventing soil erosion and slope reinforcement, which has a wide range of application and development in engineering fi eld.

Statistical Analyses of Wave Height Distribution for Multidirectional Irregular Waves over A Sloping Bottom

The main objective of this paper is to examine the influences of both the principal wave direction and the directional spreading parameter of the wave energy on the wave height evolution of multidirectional irregular waves over an impermeable sloping bottom and to propose an improved wave height distribution model based on an existing classical formula.The numerical model FUNWAVE 2.0,based on a fully nonlinear Boussinesq equation,is employed to simulate the propagation of multidirectional irregular waves over the sloping bottom.Comparisons of wave heights derived from wave trains with various principal wave directions and different directional spreading parameters are conducted.Results show that both the principal wave direction and the wave directional spread have significant influences on the wave height evolution on a varying coastal topography.The shoaling effect for the wave height is obviously weakened with the increase of the principal wave direction and with the decrease of the directional spreading parameter.With the simulated data,the classical Klopman wave height distribution model is improved by considering the influences of both factors.It is found that the improved model performs better in describing the wave height distribution for the multidirectional irregular waves in shallow water.

Physical Constants as Result of the Many Hypercubic Lattices of a Multidirectional Discrete Space

A multidirectional discrete space consists of numerous hypercubic lattices each of which contains one of the spatial directions. In such a space, several groups of lattices can be distinguished with a certain property. Each group is determined by the number of lattices it comprises, forming the characterizing numbers of the space. Using the specific properties of a multidirectional discrete space, it is shown that some of the characterizing numbers can be associated with a physical constant. The fine structure constant appears to be equal to the ratio of two of these numbers, which offers the possibility of calculating the series of smallest numerical values of these numbers. With these values, a reasoned estimate can be made of the upper limit of the smallest distance of the discrete space of approximately the Planck length.

Almost periodic solutions of memristive multidirectional associative memory neural networks with mixed time delays

Traditional biological neural networks cannot simulate the real situation of the abrupt synaptic connections between neurons while modeling associative memory of human brains.In this paper,the memristive multidirectional associative memory neural networks(MAMNNs)with mixed time-varying delays are investigated in the sense of Filippov solution.First,three steps are given to prove the existence of the almost periodic solution.Two new lemmas are proposed to prove the boundness of the solution and the asymptotical almost periodicity of the solution by constructing Lyapunov function.Second,the uniqueness and global exponential stability of the almost periodic solution of memristive MAMNNs are investigated by a new Lyapunov function.The sufficient conditions guaranteeing the properties of almost periodic solution are derived based on the relevant definitions,Halanay inequality and Lyapunov function.The investigation is an extension of the research on the periodic solution and almost periodic solution of bidirectional associative memory neural networks.Finally,numerical examples with simulations are presented to show the validity of the main results.

Spin-controlled generation of a complete polarization set with randomly-interleaved plasmonic metasurfaces

Optical metasurfaces,comprising subwavelength quasi-planar nanostructures,constitute a universal platform for manipulating the amplitude,phase,and polarization of light,thus paving a way for the next generation of highly integrated multifunctional optical devices.In this work,we introduce a reflective metasurface for the generation of a complete(angularly resolved)polarization set by randomly interleaving anisotropic plasmonic meta-atoms acting as nanoscale wave plates.In the proof-of-concept demonstration,we achieve multidirectional beam-steering into different polarization channels forming a complete set of polarization states,which can also be dynamically altered by switching the spin of incident light.The developed design concept represents a significant advancement in achieving flat polarization optics with advanced functionalities.

Relationship between microstructure and tensile properties on a near-β titanium alloy after multidirectional forging and heat treatment

In this study, a new near-beta titanium alloy, Ti- 4Al-1 Sn-2Zr-5Mo-8V-2.5Cr, was prepared by induction skull melting (ISM) and multidirectional forging. The effect of aging heat treat me rn on microstructure and ten sile properties of the alloy after solution treatment in the twophase (α+β) region was investigated. The microstructure results show that the globular primary ot phase (cxp) and the needle-like secondary y. phase (ots) are precipitated in the P matrix. The size of ots increases with the increase in aging temperature, while the con tent of ots goes up to a peak value and then decreases. The tensile testing results show that the strength increases first and then decreases with the in crease in temperature. The variation of ductility presents the opposite way compared with the trend of strength level. When aged at 500℃, the alloy exhibits an excellebalance of tensile strength (1529 MPa) and elongation (9.22%). And the relative mechanism of sirengthening and toughening was analyzed and discussed.

Effects of Passes on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Mg–Gd–Y–Zn–Zr Alloy During Multidirectional Forging

The multidirectional forging （MDF） process was conducted at temperature of 753 K to optimize the mechanical properties of as-homogenized Mg-13Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.6Zr alloy containing long-period stacking ordered phase. The effects of MDF passes on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties were also investigated. The results show that both the volume fraction of dynamic recrystallization （DRX） grains and mechanical properties of the deformed alloy enhanced with MDF passes increasing till seven passes. The average grain size decreased from 76 to 2.24 μm after seven passes, while the average grain size increased to 7.12 μm after nine passes. The microstructure after seven passes demonstrated randomly oriented fine DRX grains and larger basal （0001）〈1120〉 Schmid factor of 0.31. The superior mechanical properties at room temperature （RT） with ultimate tensile strength （UTS） of 416 MPa and fracture elongation of 4.12% can be obtained after seven passes. The mechanical properties at RT after nine passes are inferior to those after seven passes due to the coarsening of DRX grains, which can be ascribed to the static recovery resulting from the repeated heating at the interval of MDF passes. The elevated temperature mechanical properties of the deformed alloy after seven passes and nine passes were investigated. When test temperature was below 523 K, the elevated temperature tensile yield strength and UTS after seven passes are superior to those after nine passes, while they are inferior to that after nine passes as temperature exceeds 523 K.

Grain Refinement in a Low Carbon Steel Through Multidirectional Forging

Grain refinement is one of the successful and low-cost methods to develop metals having excellent combination of strength and ductility. Low carbon steel was deformed by using multidirectional forging (MDF) technique at room temperature. The influence of strain amount and annealing process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of investigated steel was studied. The grain refinement mechanism was studied by the microstructure observation. The results showed that the grain refinement was attained by multidirectional forging technique. The initial coarser grains of average 38 μm size fragmented into very fine ferrite with grain sizes of about 1.2 μm. After MDF, the strength properties improved significantly, although uniform elongation and elongation decreased with increasing strain.

Multidirection Update-Based Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization for Mixed No-Idle Flow-Shop Scheduling Problem

The Mixed No-Idle Flow-shop Scheduling Problem(MNIFSP)is an extension of flow-shop scheduling,which has practical significance and application prospects in production scheduling.To improve the efficacy of solving the complicated multiobjective MNIFSP,a MultiDirection Update(MDU)based Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization(MDU-MoPSO)is proposed in this study.For the biobjective optimization problem of the MNIFSP with minimization of makespan and total processing time,the MDU strategy divides particles into three subgroups according to a hybrid selection mechanism.Each subgroup prefers one convergence direction.Two subgroups are individually close to the two edge areas of the Pareto Front(PF)and serve two objectives,whereas the other one approaches the central area of the PF,preferring the two objectives at the same time.The MDU-MoPSO adopts a job sequence representation method and an exchange sequence-based particle update operation,which can better reflect the characteristics of sequence differences among particles.The MDU-MoPSO updates the particle in multiple directions and interacts in each direction,which speeds up the convergence while maintaining a good distribution performance.The experimental results and comparison of six classical evolutionary algorithms for various benchmark problems demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.