Recent progress of self-supported air electrodes for flexible Zn-air batteries

Smart wearable devices are regarded to be the next prevailing technology product after smartphones and smart homes,and thus there has recently been rapid development in flexible electronic energy storage devices.Among them,flexible solid-state zinc-air batteries have received widespread attention because of their high energy density,good safety,and stability.Efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts are the primary consideration in the development of flexible solid-state zinc-air batteries,and self-supported air cathodes are strong candidates because of their advantages including simplified fabrication process,reduced interfacial resistance,accelerated electron transfer,and good flexibility.This review outlines the research progress in the design and construction of nanoarray bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts.Starting from the configuration and basic principles of zinc-air batteries and the strategies for the design of bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts,a detailed discussion of self-supported air cathodes on carbon and metal substrates and their uses in flexible zinc-air batteries will follow.Finally,the challenges and opportunities in the development of flexible zinc-air batteries will be discussed.

Self-supported metal(Fe, Co, Ni)-embedded nitrogen-doping carbon nanorod framework as trifunctional electrode for flexible Zn-air batteries and switchable water electrolysis

To meet the practical demand of wearable/portable electronics, developing high-efficiency and durable multifunctional catalyst and in-situ assembling catalysts into electrodes with flexible features are urgently needed but challenging. Herein, we report a simple route to fabricate bendable multifunctional electrodes by in-situ carbonization of metal ion absorbed polyaniline precursor. Alloy nanoparticles encapsulated in graphite layer are uniformly distributed in the N-doping carbon nanorod skeleton. Profiting from the favorable free-standing structure and the cooperative effect of metallic nanoparticles, graphitic layer and N doped-carbon architecture, the trifunctional electrodes exhibit prominent activities and stability toward HER, OER and ORR. Notably, due to the protection of carbon layer, the electrocatalysts show the reversible catalytic HER/OER properties. The overall water splitting device can continuously work for 12 h under frequent exchanges of cathode and anode. Importantly, the bendable metal air batteries fabricated by self-supported electrode not only displays the outstanding battery performance,achieving a decent peak power density(125 mW cm^(-2)) and exhibiting favorable charge-discharge durability of 22 h, but also holds superb flexible stability. Specially, a lightweight self-driven water splitting unit is demonstrated with stable hydrogen production.

A strategy for strengthening chaotic mixing of dual shaft eccentric mixers by changing non-Newtonian fluids kinetic energy distribution

Efficiently modulating the velocity distribution and flow pattern of non-Newtonian fluids is a critical challenge in the context of dual shaft eccentric mixers for process intensification,posing a significant barrier for the existing technologies.Accordingly,this work reports a convenient strategy that changes the kinetic energy to controllably regulate the flow patterns from radial flow to axial flow.Results showed that the desired velocity distribution and flow patterns could be effectively obtained by varying the number and structure of baffles to change kinetic energy,and a more uniform velocity distribution,which could not be reached normally in standard baffle dual shaft mixers,was easily obtained.Furthermore,a comparative analysis of velocity and shear rate distributions is employed to elucidate the mechanism behind the generation of flow patterns in various dual-shaft eccentric mixers.Importantly,there is little difference in the power number of the laminar flow at the same Reynolds number,meaning that the baffle type has no effect on the power consumption,while the power number of both unbaffle and U-shaped baffle mixing systems decreases compared with the standard baffle mixing system in the transition flow.Finally,at the same rotational condition,the dimensionless mixing time of the U-shaped baffle mixing system is 15.3%and 7.9%shorter than that of the standard baffle and the unbaffle mixing system,respectively,which shows the advantage of the U-shaped baffle in stirring rate.

A Multiscale Reliability-Based Design Optimization Method for Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Composite Drive Shafts

Carbon fiber composites,characterized by their high specific strength and low weight,are becoming increasingly crucial in automotive lightweighting.However,current research primarily emphasizes layer count and orientation,often neglecting the potential of microstructural design,constraints in the layup process,and performance reliability.This study,therefore,introduces a multiscale reliability-based design optimization method for carbon fiber-reinforced plastic(CFRP)drive shafts.Initially,parametric modeling of the microscale cell was performed,and its elastic performance parameters were predicted using two homogenization methods,examining the impact of fluctuations in microscale cell parameters on composite material performance.A finite element model of the CFRP drive shaft was then constructed,achieving parameter transfer between microscale and macroscale through Python programming.This enabled an investigation into the influence of both micro and macro design parameters on the CFRP drive shaft’s performance.The Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization(MOPSO)algorithm was enhanced for particle generation and updating strategies,facilitating the resolution of multi-objective reliability optimization problems,including composite material layup process constraints.Case studies demonstrated that this approach leads to over 30%weight reduction in CFRP drive shafts compared to metallic counterparts while satisfying reliability requirements and offering insights for the lightweight design of other vehicle components.

Early Treatment Outcome of Humeral Shaft Fracture Non-Union in Adults: Comparative Study of Plating versus Interlocking Nailing

Background: Fractures of humeral shaft in adults are common injuries. Humeral shafts non-union either from late presentation after initial treatment by traditional bone setters or failed non-operative orthodox care is a major problem in this part of the world. This non-union is a major treatment challenge with increased cost of care and morbidity in this part of the world. Humeral shaft non-union can be treated with locked intra-medullary nailing (LIMN) or dynamic compression plating (DCP). Study on comparison of these methods of fixation in this part of the world is scarce in literature search, hence the reason for this study. Objective: The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare early clinical outcome following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN;(2) to compare the time of radiologic fracture union of DCP with LIMN;(3) to compare complications following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN. Patients and Methods: This was a randomized control study done for 2 years in which fifty adult patients with humeral shaft non-union were recruited. The patients were grouped into 2 (P = DCP & N = LIMN). Forty five of the patients completed the follow up periods of the study and then analyzed. The P group had ORIF with DCP while the N group had ORIF with LIMN. Both groups had grafting with cancellous bones. Each patient was followed up for a period of 6 months at the time which radiographic union is expected. Any patient without clinical and/or radiographic evidence of union after six months of surgery was diagnosed as having recurrent non-union. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS Version 23. The results were presented in charts and tables. The paired t-test was used while considering p value Result: Forty five patients completed follow up. There was a male preponderance (4:1), right humerus predominated (3:2). Motor vehicular accidents were the commonest cause of the fractures (62%). Most non-union fractures occurred at the level of the middle 3rd of the humeral shaft (60%). Failed TBS treatment was the commonest indication for the osteosynthesis (71%). More patients had plating (53%) compared to 47% who had LIMN. Most patients (93.4%) had union between 3 to 6 months irrespective of fixation type with no significant statistical difference between the union rate of DCP and LIMN (p value 0.06) with similar functional outcome and complication rates irrespective of the type of fixation. Conclusion: This study showed that the success rates in term of fracture union, outcome functional grades and complication rates were not directly dependent on the types of the fixation: plating or locked intra-medullary nailing.

Functional Outcomes of Adult Tibia Shaft Fractures Treated with Solid Intramedullary Nails versus Hollow Nails: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The management of fractures of the tibia shaft is an important aspect of orthopaedic care, and the selection of the surgical method for fixation can substantially impact patient outcomes. The current review aims to compare the outcomes of adult tibia fractures treated with solid nails to those treated with hollow nails. Methods: A search on Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, using three keywords (Outcome, Tibia shaft fractures, Nail) was conducted in April 2023. Results were compiled and two independent reviewers screened and selected eligible articles After removing duplicates, titles and abstracts were read to exclude ineligible studies. Full-text articles of the remaining papers were read to select eligible studies which were further critically appraised to ascertain their methodological quality. The data extracted from the selected papers were synthesized using a combination of pooling of results, tests of statistical difference (t-test and chi-square) and narrative synthesis methods. Results: A total of 2295 articles were obtained from the databases and citation searching. A total of 9 papers were identified as eligible and included in the review. Findings revealed that there is no statistical difference in the outcomes of tibia fractures treated with either solid or hollow nail groups such as duration of surgery (p = 0.541), rate of delayed and non-union (p = 0.342), and rate of surgical site infections (p = 0.395). Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing of tibia shaft fractures with either solid or hollow nails have similar functional outcomes.

Nonlinear Dynamic Modeling for a Diesel Engine Propeller Shafting Used in Large Marines

Longitudinal vibration,torsional vibration and their coupled vibration are the main vibration modes of the crankshaft-sliding bearing system.However,these vibrations of the propeller-crankshaft-sliding bearing system generated by the fluid exciting force on the propeller are much more complex.Currently,the torsional and longitudinal vibrations have been studied separately while the research on their coupled vibration is few,and the influence of the propeller structure to dynamic characteristics of a crankshaft has not been studied yet.In order to describe the dynamic properties of a crankshaft accurately,a nonlinear dynamic model is proposed taking the effect of torsional-longitudinal coupling and the variable inertia of propeller,connecting rod and piston into account.Numerical simulation cases are carried out to calculate the response data of the system in time and frequency domains under the working speed and over-speed,respectively.Results of vibration analysis of the propeller and crankshaft system coupled in torsional and longitudinal direction indicate that the system dynamic behaviors are relatively complicated especially in the components of the frequency response.For example,the 4 times of an exciting frequency acting on the propeller by fluid appears at 130 r/min,while not yield at 105 r/min.While the possible abnormal vibration at over-speed just needs to be vigilant.So when designing the propeller shafting used in marine diesel engines,strength calculation and vibration analysis based only on linear model may cause great errors and the proposed research provides some references to design diesel engine propeller shafting used in large marines.

Transient Model for Shafting Vibration of Hydro Turbine Generating Sets

The shafting vibration is closely related to the rotational angular speed.The angular speed of hydro turbine generating sets(HTGS)is rapidly change in fault transient,it maybe reduce the shafting damage.By means of energy analysis,the differential equation of shafting vibration for the HTGS is derived,in which include the equation of generator rotor and hydro turbine runner,it can be applied to transient analysis.Shafting model is transformed into first order differential equation groups,and is combined with the motion equation of HTGS to build integrated model.Various additional forces of shafting are taken as input inspire in proposed model,the generality of model is good.At last,the shafting vibration in emergency stop transient is simulated.

CFD simulation of hydrodynamics and mixing performance in dual shaft eccentric mixers

This work aims to systematically study hydrodynamics and mixing characteristics of non-Newtonian fluid(carboxyl methyl cellulose,CMC)in dual shaft eccentric mixer.Fluid rheology was described by the power law rheological model.Computational fluid dynamics was employed to simulate the velocity field and shear rate inside the stirred tank.The influence mechanism of the rotational modes,height difference between impellers,impeller eccentricities,and impeller types on the flow field have been well investigated.We studied the performance of different dual-shaft eccentric mixers at the constant power input with its fluid velocity profiles,average shear strain rate,mixing time and mixing energy.The counter-rotation mode shows better mixing performance than co-rotation mode,and greater eccentricity can shorten mixing time on the basis of same stirred condition.To intensify the hydrodynamic interaction between impellers and enhance the overall mixing performance of the dual shaft eccentric mixers,it is critical to have a reasonable combination of impellers and an appropriate spatial position of impellers.

Bioinspired Nanostructured Superwetting Thin-Films in a Self-supported form Enabled“Miniature Umbrella”for Weather Monitoring and Water Rescue

Two-dimensional(2D)soft materials,especially in their self-supported forms,demonstrate attractive properties to realize biomimetic morphing and ultrasensitive sensing.Although extensive efforts on design of self-supported functional membranes and integrated systems have been devoted,there still remains an unexplored regime of the combination of mechanical,electrical and surface wetting properties for specific functions.Here,we report a self-supported film featured with elastic,thin,conductive and superhydrophobic characteristics.Through a well-defined surface modification strategy,the surface wettability and mechanical sensing can be effectively balanced.The resulted film can function as a smart umbrella to achieve real-time simulated raining with diverse frequencies and intensity.In addition,the integrated umbrella can even response sensitively to the sunlight and demonstrate a positively correlation of current signals with the intensity of sun illumination.Moreover,the superhydrophobic umbrella can be further employed to realize water rescue,which can take the underwater object onto water surface,load and rapidly transport the considerable weight.More importantly,the whole process of loaded objects and water flow velocity can be precisely detected.The self-supported smart umbrella can effectively monitor the weather and realize a smart water rescue,demonstrating significant potentials in multifunctional sensing and directional actuation in the presence of water.

Experimental study on integral axial squeeze film damper to suppress longitudinal vibration of propulsion shafting

This paper aims at investigating the effectiveness of squeeze oil film in suppressing the longitudinal vibration of propulsion shaft systems through a novel integral axial squeeze film damper(IASFD).After designing the IASFD,a propulsion shafting test rig for the longitudinal vibration control is built.Longitudinal vibration control experiments of the propulsion shafting are carried out under different magnitude and frequency of the excitation force.The results show that both IASFD elastic support and IASFD elastic damping support have excellent vibration attenuation characteristics,and can effectively suppress the longitudinal vibration of the shaft system in a wide frequency range.However,IASFD elastic damping support has a more significant vibration reduction effect than the other supports,and increasing the damping of the system has obvious effect on reducing the shafting vibration.For an excitation force of 45 N,the maximum reduction of the vibration amplitude is 89.16%.Also,the vibration generated by the resonance phenomenon is also significantly reduced.

Research on self-supporting T-shaped gate structure of GaN-based HEMT devices

A self-supporting T-shaped gate(SST-gate) GaN device and process method using electron beam lithography are proposed.An AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor(HEMT) device with a gate length of 100 nm is fabricated by this method.The current gain cutoff frequency(f_(T)) is 60 GHz,and the maximum oscillation frequency(f_(max)) is 104 GHz.The current collapse has improved by 13% at static bias of(V_(GSQ),V_(DSQ))=(-8 V,10 V),and gate manufacturing yield has improved by 17% compared with the traditional floating T-shaped gate(FT-gate) device.

Eigen value analysis of composite hollow shafts using modified EMBT formulation considering the shear deformation along the thickness direction

Composite hollow shafts are used in power transmission applications due to their high specific stiffness and high specific strength.The dynamic characteristics of these shafts are important for transmission applications.Dynamic modelling of these shafts is generally carried out using Equivalent Modulus Beam Theory(EMBT)and Layerwise Beam Theory(LBT)formulations.The EMBT formulation is modified by considering stacking sequence,shear normal coupling,bending twisting coupling and bending stretching coupling.It is observed that modified EMBT formulation is underestimating the shafts stiffness at lower length/mean diameter(l/dm)ratios.In the present work,a new formulation is developed by adding shear deformation along the thickness direction to the existing modified EMBT formulation.The variation of shear deformation along the thickness direction is found using different shear deformation theories,i.e.,first-order shear deformation theory(FSDBT),parabolic shear deformation theory(PSDBT),trigonometric shear deformation theory(TSDBT),and hyperbolic shear deformation theory(HSDBT).The analysis is performed at l/d_(m) ratios of 5,10,15,20,25,30,35,and 40 for carbon/epoxy composites,E-glass/epoxy composites,and boron/epoxy composite shafts.The results show that new formulation has improved the bending natural frequency of the composite shafts for l/d_(m)<15 in comparison with modified EMBT.The effect of new formulation is more significant for the second and third bending modes of natural frequencies.

Parameter Study on a Composite Sound-Absorbing Structure Liner in Elevator Shafts

With the growing global environmental awareness,the development of renewable and green materials has gained increased worldwide interest to substitute conventional materials and are favorable for sustainable economic development.This paper proposed a novel eco-friendly sound absorbing structure(NSAS)liner for noise reduction in elevator shafts.The base layer integrated with the shaft walls is a damping gypsum mortarboard,and a rock wool board and a perforated cement mortarboard are used to compose the NSAS.Based on the acoustic impedance theory of porous materials and perforated panels,the sound absorption theory of the NSAS was proposed;the parameter effects of the rock wool board(flow resistivity,porosity,structure factor)and perforated panel(perforated rates,thickness,density,perforated diameter)on NSAS absorption were discussed theoretically for absorption improvement,and experiments were also conducted.Numerical results showed that the perforation rate,the thickness of the perforated plate,and the porosity,flow resistance,and volume density of the rock wool board played a key issue in the absorption performances of the NSAS.Experiments verified the accuracy of the proposed theoretical model.Wideband sound absorption performance of the NSAS at frequencies between 500–1600 Hz was achieved in both numerical analysis and experiments,and the sound absorption coefficient was improved to 0.72 around 1000 Hz after parameter adjustments.The NSAS proposed in this paper can also be made of other renewable materials with preferable structure strength and still has the potential to broaden the absorption bandwidth.It can provide a reference for controlling the elevator shaft noise.

Crack Fault Diagnosis and Location Method for a Dual-Disk Hollow Shaft Rotor System Based on the Radial Basis Function Network and Pattern Recognition Neural Network

The crack fault is one of the most common faults in the rotor system,and researchers have paid close attention to its fault diagnosis.However,most studies focus on discussing the dynamic response characteristics caused by the crack rather than estimating the crack depth and position based on the obtained vibration signals.In this paper,a novel crack fault diagnosis and location method for a dual-disk hollow shaft rotor system based on the Radial basis function(RBF)network and Pattern recognition neural network(PRNN)is presented.Firstly,a rotor system model with a breathing crack suitable for a short-thick hollow shaft rotor is established based on the finite element method,where the crack's periodic opening and closing pattern and different degrees of crack depth are considered.Then,the dynamic response is obtained by the harmonic balance method.By adjusting the crack parameters,the dynamic characteristics related to the crack depth and position are analyzed through the amplitude-frequency responses and waterfall plots.The analysis results show that the first critical speed,first subcritical speed,first critical speed amplitude,and super-harmonic resonance peak at the first subcritical speed can be utilized for the crack fault diagnosis.Based on this,the RBF network and PRNN are adopted to determine the depth and approximate location of the crack respectively by taking the above dynamic characteristics as input.Test results show that the proposed method has high fault diagnosis accuracy.This research proposes a crack detection method adequate for the hollow shaft rotor system,where the crack depth and position are both unknown.

Radial Head Dislocation Associated with an Ipsilateral Open Type II Gustilo-Anderson Fracture of the Radial Shaft

Radial head dislocation associated with an ipsilateral radial shaft fracture is a rare lesion, even more so for open lesions. Few cases have been found in the literature. We report this case due to its exceptional nature and discuss the mechanism of onset. A twenty-five-year-old patient presented with a dislocation of the radial head associated with a GUSTILO ANDERSON type II open fracture of the radial shaft following an occupational accident. He was managed twenty-four hours after the trauma. The mechanism was a direct blow. The dislocation was reduced by external manoeuvre following open reduction of the radial shaft. The fracture was stabilized by two Kirschner wires following reduction. The result at 12 months was satisfactory from a clinical and radiological standpoint.

顺行和逆行髓内钉治疗不同部位股骨干骨折的有限元分析

背景:髓内钉治疗股骨干骨折取得了较好的临床疗效,但仍有部分患者并发无菌性骨不连,其原因为机械性不稳定。股骨作为人体最长最大的骨骼,不同部位骨折是否具有不同的生物力学特征,及不同进钉方式对于不同部位骨折端稳定性存在何种影响均研究甚少。目的:分析顺行和逆行髓内钉治疗不同部位股骨干骨折的生物力学特点,评估最佳进钉方式,减少骨不连发生率。方法:选取一名志愿者CT资料导入Mimics 19.0和Geomagic studio 2017软件中进行提取、优化得到右侧股骨三维模型;运用Solidworks 2017软件画出顺行和逆行髓内钉模型并与不同骨折部位股骨干骨折模型按照标准手术技术装配,以STEP格式导入Abaqus 2017软件中设置材料属性参数、边界条件、施加载荷、提交运算,于可视化模块中查看结果。其中上段股骨干骨折顺行和逆行髓内钉分别为A1、A2模型,中段为B1、B2模型,下段为C1、C2模型。结果与结论:(1)A1、B1、C2模型股骨整体应力分布更为均匀,位移、骨折端间隙与成角、股骨近折端骨块内翻均更小;(2)对于上段和中段股骨干骨折,顺行髓内钉具有更好的生物力学效果;对于下段股骨干骨折,逆行髓内钉效果更优。

经皮克氏针横行固定与微型钢板置入治疗第五掌骨干骨折的比较

背景:第五掌骨干骨折在临床上常见,手术治疗多采用切开复位钢板固定,但术后大多数患者要求取出内固定物,需二次住院治疗。经皮克氏针横行固定具有创伤小、切口小、不需再次住院手术取出等优点,但对第五掌骨干骨折的应用效果不明确。目的:对比分析经皮克氏针横行固定与微型钢板置入治疗第五掌骨干骨折的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析滨州医学院附属医院在2018年5月至2020年5月收治的第五掌骨干骨折并行手术治疗患者60例,根据治疗方式分为2组,钢板组30例采用切开复位微型钢板内固定置入治疗,克氏针组30例采用闭合复位经皮克氏针横行固定(其中5例小切口切开辅助)治疗。比较两组患者的住院时间、手术时间、切口愈合等级、手术切口长度、术中出血量、术中透视次数及术后并发症的发生情况,记录两组患者骨折愈合时间、握力、第五掌指关节活动度等,采用中华医学会手外科学会手指关节总活动度法评估患者的手指功能。结果与结论:①两组患者均获得随访,随访时间13-18个月;两组患者住院时间、手术时间、切口愈合等级相比差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);②克氏针组术中出血量、手术切口长度均小于钢板组(P<0.05),钢板组术中透视次数少于克氏针组(P<0.05),两组骨折愈合时间比较差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);③末次随访时,依据手指关节总活动度法评估疗效,克氏针组优良率为87%,钢板组优良率为90%,两组比较差异无显著性意义;两组末次随访的第五掌指关节活动度、握力比较差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);④克氏针组术后有1例发生钉道感染,周围略有红肿,给予碘伏加强换药后感染得到控制;1例出现针尾刺激皮肤症状,拔除克氏针后症状消失;钢板组有12例因个人原因于术后12个月以后住院行钢板取出术,克氏针组全都在门诊取出;钢板组出现3例第五掌骨远端背侧及小指指背侧皮肤感觉麻木,术后口服甲钴胺,症状逐渐消失;两组均未出现骨不愈合及内固定取出再骨折等情况;⑤结果表明,这两种术式治疗第五掌骨干骨折均获得良好疗效,手指功能恢复佳,但经皮克氏针横行固定具有创伤小、切口小、费用低、内固定取出方便等优点。

钻井法凿井气-液-固耦合排渣流场及刀盘吸渣口优化

针对西部地区侏罗系地层煤矿立井钻井法施工中出现的气举反循环洗井排渣与钻进效率低下问题,以陕西可可盖煤矿中央回风立井ϕ4.2 m超前钻井为工程背景,基于CFD-DEM(计算流体力学和离散单元法耦合)研究方法,建立了气-液-固多相耦合排渣数值模型,揭示了排渣管内、井底流场的速度及压力分布规律,并基于自研的气举反循环排渣试验装置,采用PIV(粒子图像测速法)测试技术对流场分布的正确性进行验证;提出了优化刀盘吸渣口评判指标和方法,对吸渣口的数量、长径比、面积比、总面积占比进行优化,得到了超前钻头刀盘吸渣口布置的最佳方式和相关参数;讨论了钻头转速、注气量、风管没入比和泥浆黏度等主要因素对排渣流场的影响。研究结果表明:(1)排渣管内流体的运移以轴向流动为主,且途经注气端时,流速发生跳跃式剧增;井底流体的运移主要以水平流动为主,流体的垂直上返仅存在于吸渣口附近;井底流体的水平流动以切向流动为主,径向流动仅在吸渣口两侧较为明显,且远离吸渣口处,径流速度较小易产生岩屑沉积;(2)当刀盘吸渣口数量为2,长径比为0.4,面积比为1,总面积占比为1.94%时,吸渣口的布置方式最佳,且清渣率较现行吸渣口布置方式提高66%;(3)增大钻头转速可显著增强吸渣口的吸附作用,注气量、风管没入比与井底和排渣管内流体的轴向速度均呈正相关关系,低黏、低密度的泥浆易获取高流速,但携岩能力较差。研究结果可为破解侏罗系地层深大立井钻井法洗井排渣与钻进效率低下技术难题,提供有益的理论参考。