On the installation of an in situ large-scale vertical SEALing (VSEAL) experiment on bentonite pellet-powder mixture

Recently,the Institute for Radiological protection and Nuclear Safety(IRSN)has launched VSEAL(Vertical SEALing)project to investigate the impact of gas migration on the long-term performance of bentonite based vertical sealing systems(VSS).The first VSEAL in situ test was emplaced in IRSN’s Underground Research Laboratory(URL)in Tournemire(France)in 2019 and was equipped with 76 wired and wireless sensors.The test is still in progress,but the collected set of data provides already valuable information of the hydro-mechanical behavior of VSS during hydration.The swelling core consists of a mixture of highdensity pellets and powder of MX80 bentonite in a ratio of 80/20(in dry mass).An innovative method was adopted to drill a 1-m diameter and w10-m deep shaft in order to minimize the rock perturbation at the sidewalls.Because a specific protocol was adopted to install the bentonite mixture together with a careful characterization of the core during construction,VSEAL 1 constitutes the unique in situ sealing test with a well-known initial structural distribution of the pellets and the powder.Some heterogeneities occurred within the experiment during the installation process:a damaged zone developed around the shaft walls due to the interruption of the installation operations caused by COVID19 lockdown in France;a technological gap with a variable thickness between the last pellets layer and the top confining lid and a heterogeneous distribution of the bentonite powder at some layers inducing large inter pellets voids close to the bentonite-rock interface.Artificially injected water volume,relative humidity,water content and swelling pressure in both radial and axial directions were monitored.Comparison of the results showed that the presence of installation-induced heterogeneities led to the generation of preferential flow paths that influenced the swelling pressure evolution at radial and axial directions.

Analysis on the deformation and fracture behavior of carbon steel by in situ tensile test

The deformation and fracture behaviors of low-carbon steel, medium-carbon steel, and high-carbon steel were studied on internal microstructure using the scanning electron microscopy in situ tensile test. The microstructure mechanism of their deformation and fracture behavior was analyzed. The results show that the deformation and fracture behavior of low-carbon steel depends on the grain size of ferrite, the deformation and fracture behavior of medium-carbon steel depends on the size of ferrite grain and pearlite lump, and the deformation and fracture behavior of high-carbon steel depends on the size of pearlite lump and the pearlitic interlamellar spacing.

Comparison of in situ Shear Test and In-Lab Triaxial Shear Test of Compacted Rockfill

The in situ shear test and in-lab triaxial shear test on compacted rockfill of Fuling safety embankment were carried out and their advantages and disadvantages were compared. The discreteness of cohesive force C and internal frictional angle by in situ shear test is much severer than that by in-lab triaxial shear test. The consolidation of in-lab triaxial shear test is bigger than actual consolidation in rockfill engineerings, so the confining pressure should be reduced to a low level in-lab triaxial shear test.

Seasonal influence on cone penetration test: An unsaturated soil site example

Interpretation of electric cone penetration test(CPT) based pore water pressure measurement(CPTu) is well established for soils with behavior that follows classical soil mechanics. The literature on the interpretation of these tests performed on unsaturated tropical soils is limited, and little is known about the influence of soil suction on in situ test data. In this context, the CPT data are presented and discussed to illustrate the seasonal variability in an unsaturated tropical soil site. The test data show that soil suction significantly influenced CPT data up to a depth of 4 m at the study site. It shows the importance of considering seasonal variability in unsaturated soil sites caused by soil suction, which was related to water content through a soil-water retention curve(SWRC). It is also important to consider this aspect in the interpretation of CPT data from these soils.

Application of ultrasonic fatigue technology in very-high-cycle fatigue testing of aviation gas turbine engine blade materials:A review

The need for very-high-cycle fatigue(VHCF)testing up to 1010cycles of aviation gas turbine engine blade materials under combined mechanical loads and complex environments has encouraged the development of VHCF testing instrumentation and technology.This article begins with a comprehensive review of the existing available techniques that enable VHCF testing.Recent advances in ultrasonic fatigue testing(UFT)techniques are highlighted,containing their new capabilities and methods for single load,multiaxial load,variable amplitude fatigue,and combined cycle fatigue.New techniques for conducting UFT in high-temperature,humid environments,and corrosive environments are summarized.These developments in mechanical loading and environmental building techniques provide the possibility of laboratory construction for real service conditions of blade materials.New techniques that can be used for in situ monitoring of VHCF damage are summarized.Key issues in the UFT field are presented,and countermeasures are collated.Finally,the existing problems and future trends in the field are briefly described.

Unloading performances and stabilizing practices for columnar jointed basalt:A case study of Baihetan hydropower station

The columnar jointed rock mass(CJR), composed of polygonal cross-sectional columns cut by several groups of joints in various directions, was exposed during the excavations of the Baihetan hydropower station, China. In order to investigate the unloading performances and the stability conditions during excavation of the columns, an experimental field study was performed. Firstly, on-site investigations indicated that the geotechnical problems, including rock relaxation, cracking and collapse, were the most prominent for the CJR Class I that contains intensive joint network and the smallest column sizes.Comprehensive field tests, including deformation measurement by multi-point extensometers, ultrasonic wave testing, borehole television observation and stress monitoring of rock anchors, revealed that the time-dependent relaxation of the CJRs was marked. The practical excavation experiences for the Baihetan columnar jointed rock masses, such as blasting scheme, supporting time of shotcrete and rock bolts, were presented in the excavations of the diversion tunnels. These detailed investigations and practical construction experiences can provide helpful information for similar geotechnical works in jointed rock mass.

Application of wave equation theory to improve dynamic cone penetration test for shallow soil characterisation

Among the geotechnical in situ tests,the dynamic penetration test(DPT)is commonly used around the world.However,DPT remains a rough technique and provides only one failure parameter:blow count or cone resistance.This paper presents an improvement of the dynamic cone penetration test(DCPT)for soil characterisation based on the wave equation theory.Implemented on an instrumented lightweight dynamic penetrometer driving with variable energy,the main process of the test involves the separation and reconstruction of the waves propagating in the rods after each blow and provides a dynamic cone load-penetration(DCLT)curve.An analytical methodology is used to analyse this curve and to estimate additional strength and deformation parameters of the soil:dynamic and pseudo-static cone resistances,deformation modulus and wave velocity.Tests carried out in the laboratory on different specimens(wood,concrete,sand and clay)in an experimental sand pit and in the field demonstrated that the resulting DCLT curve is reproducible,sensitive and reliable to the test conditions(rod length,driving energy,etc.)as well as to the soil properties(nature,density,etc.).Obtained results also showed that the method based on shock polar analysis makes it possible to evaluate mechanical impedance and wave velocity of soils,as demonstrated by the comparisons with cone penetration test(CPT)and shear wave velocity measurements made in the field.This technique improves the method and interpretation of DPT and provides reliable data for shallow foundation design.

Forming Limit Stress Diagram Prediction of Aluminum Alloy 5052 Based on GTN Model Parameters Determined by In Situ Tensile Test

The conventional forming limit diagram （FLD） is described as a plot of major strain versus minor strain. However, FLD is dependent on forming history and strain path. In the present study, a forming limit stress-based diagram （FLSD） has been adopted to predict the fracture limit of aluminum alloy （AA） 5052-O1 sheet. Nakazima test is simulated by plastic constitutive formula derived from the modified Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman （GTN） model. An in situ tensile test with scanning electron microscope （SEM） is proposed to determine the parameters in GTN model. The damage evolution is observed and recorded, and the parameters of GTN model are identified through counting void fraction at three damage stages of AA5052-O 1. According to the experimental results, the original void volume fraction, the volume fraction of potential nucleated voids, the critical void volume fraction, the void volume fraction at the final failure of material are assigned as 0.002 918, 0.024 9, 0.030 103, 0.048 54, respectively. The stress and strain are obtained at the last loading step before crack. FLSD and FLD of AA5052-O 1 are plotted. Compared with the experimental Nakazima test and uniaxial tensile test, the predicted results show a good agreement. The parameters determined by in situ tensile test can be applied to the research of the forming limit for ductile metals.

A miniature triaxial apparatus for investigating the micromechanics of granular soils with in situ X-ray micro-tomography scanning

The development of a miniature triaxial apparatus is presented.In conjunction with an X-ray microtomography(termed as X-ray fiCT hereafter)facility and advanced image processing techniques,this apparatus can be used for in situ investigation of the micro-scale mechanical behavior of granular soils under shear.The apparatus allows for triaxial testing of a miniature dry sample with a size of 8 mm x 16 mm(diameter x height).In situ triaxial testing of a 0.4-0.8 mm Leighton Buzzard sand(LBS)under a constant confining pressure of 500 kPa is presented.The evolutions of local porosities(i.e.,the porosities of regions associated with individual particles),particle kinematics(i.e.,particle translation and particle rotation)of the sample during the shear are quantitatively studied using image processing and analysis techniques.Meanwhile,a novel method is presented to quantify the volumetric strain distribution of the sample based on the results of local porosities and particle tracking.It is found that the sample,with nearly homogenous initial local porosities,starts to exhibit obvious inhomogeneity of local porosities and localization of particle kinematics and volumetric strain around the peak of deviatoric stress.In the post-peak shear stage,large local porosities and volumetric dilation mainly occur in a localized band.The developed triaxial apparatus,in its combined use of X-ray|iCT imaging techniques,is a powerful tool to investigate the micro-scale mechanical behavior of granular soils.

Support elements in conventional tunneling–Focus on long-term behavior

Owing to increasing traffic and the need for constructing second tunnel tubes including corresponding cross-passages,where only one tube existed thus far,sampling of tunnel-lining materials with an age of 30–40 years has been made possible.Laboratory and in situ tests were carried out to evaluate the long-term effects of the tunnel linings.This paper presents the outcomes regarding the long-term behav-ior of support elements and membranes after performing strength tests on inner and outer lining concrete samples,flat jack tests,rock bolt tests,and tests on re-extracted sheet membranes,as well as geotextiles.Furthermore,the interface connection mechanical behavior in a double-shell-lined tunnel was investigated with laboratory tests.The aim of this research was to determine the characteristics of sheet membranes and geotextiles in the case of reduced load-bearing capacity caused by degradation of the primary lining.The results provide information on the load-sharing effects of the interaction between the primary and secondary lining,depending on the waterproofing sheet membrane and geotextile properties.Based on the results,conclusions for new design approaches for underground infrastructure construction can be formulated.

Microstructure, property and deformation and fracture behavior of 800 MPa complex phase steel with different coiling temperatures

The microstructure characteristics and properties(especially hole expansion property)of 800 MPa hot-rolled complex phase steel with different coiling temperatures were studied.The microstructure consisted of polygonal ferrite and precipitates when the steel was coiled at 550℃,and when the steel was coiled between 460–520℃,the microstructure was composed of granular bainite and martensite and austenite(M/A)islands.The morphology of the crack was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy,and the in situ scanning electron microscope tensile test was used to find out the fracture mechanism and deformation behavior of the steel with different coiling temperatures.When the steel was coiled at 550℃,the cracks initiated at the ferrite grain boundary and propagated through the grains or along the grain boundaries.When the steel was coiled at 520℃,the cracks first initiated at the junction of ferrite and M/A island and then propagated through the grains.The steel coiled at 520℃ has quite good mechanical properties and relatively high hole expansion ratio.

Discrete twinning dynamics and size-dependent dislocation-to twin transition in body-centred cubic tungsten

Body-centred cubic(BCC) metals are known to have unstable intrinsic stacking faults and high resistance to deformation twinning, which can strongly influence their twinning behaviour. Though twinning mechanisms of BCC metals have been investigated for more than 60 years, the atomistic level dynamics of twinning remains under debate, especially regarding its impact on competition between twinning and slip. Here, we investigate the atomistic level dynamics of twinning in BCC tungsten(W) nanowires using in situ nanomechanical testing. Quantitative experimental studies directly visualize that deformation twins in W nanowires have a minimum size of six-layers and grow in increments of approximately three-layers at a time, in contrast to the layer-by-layer growth of deformation twins in face-centred cubic metals. These unique twinning dynamics induces a strong competition with ordinary dislocation slip,as exhibited by a size-dependent dislocation-to-twin transition in W nanowires, with a transition size of ~40 nm. Our work provides physical insight into the dynamics of twinning at the atomic level, as well as a size-dependent dislocation-twinning competition, which have important implications for the plastic deformation in a broad class of BCC metals and alloys.

Effects of chloride on electrochemical and stress corrosion cracking behavior of 9Cr ferritic-martensitic steel

The electrochemical and stress corrosion cracking behavior of 9Cr ferritic-martensitic steel is investigated in the chloride environment by using the traditional electrochemical method, the scanning vibrating electrode technique and the slow strain rate test (SSRT). Results of the static corrosion tests and corrosion morphology show that the prior austenite grain boundaries and martensite lath boundaries are the preferred sites for pit nucleation and growth in chloride environment. Results of SSRT coupled with insitu electrochemical test show that the transition from pitting corrosion to uniform corrosion, as well as the nucleation of stress corrosion crack, is the synergistic effects of the chloride and applied load. Stress corrosion cracking of the steel in the chloride environment can be divided into three different regions as follows: fast and uniform corrosion activ-ity, microcrack nucleation and propagation, and active crack growth regions.

High elasticity of CsPbBr_(3) perovskite nanowires for flexible electronics

Due to the enhanced ambient structural stability and excellent optoelectronic properties, all-inorganic metal halide perovskite nanowires have become one of the most attractive candidates for flexible electronics, photovoltaics and optoelectronics. Their elastic property and mechanical robustness become the key factors for device applications under realistic service conditions with various mechanical loadings. Here, we demonstrate that high tensile elastic strain (∼ 4% to ∼ 5.1%) can be achieved in vapor-liquid-solid-grown single-crystalline CsPbBr_(3) nanowires through in situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) buckling experiments. Such high flexural elasticity can be attributed to the structural defect-scarce, smooth surface, single-crystallinity and nanomechanical size effect of CsPbBr_(3) nanowires. The mechanical reliability of CsPbBr_(3) nanowire-based flexible photodetectors was examined by cyclic bending tests, with no noticeable performance deterioration observed after 5,000 cycles. The above results suggest great application potential for using all-inorganic perovskite nanowires in flexible electronics and energy harvesting systems.