Effect of Progressive Substitution of Cement and Lime by Powdered Shells Used as a Curing Agent for Dredged Soil in a Port Area

This study aimed to address the challenges of solid waste utilization,cost reduction,and carbon reduction in the treatment of deep-dredged soil at Xuwei Port in Lianyungang city of China.Past research in this area was limited.Therefore,a curing agent made from powdered shells was used to solidify the dredged soil in situ.We employed laboratory orthogonal tests to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of the powdered shell-based curing agent.Data was collected by conducting experiments to assess the role of powdered shells in the curing process and to determine the optimal ratios of powdered shells to solidified soil for different purposes.The development of strength in solidified soil was studied in both seawater and pure water conditions.The study revealed that the strength of the solidified soil was influenced by the substitution rate of powdered shells and their interaction with cement.Higher cement content had a positive effect on strength.For high-strength solidified soil,the recommended ratio of wet soil:cement:lime:powdered shells were 100:16:4:4,while for low-strength solidified soil,the recommended ratio was 100:5.4:2.4:0.6.Seawater,under appropriate conditions,improved short-term strength by promoting the formation of expansive ettringite minerals that contributed to cementation and precipitation.These findings suggest that the combination of cement and powdered shells is synergistic,positively affecting the strength of solidified soil.The recommended ratios provide practical guidance for achieving desired strength levels while considering factors such as cost and carbon emissions.The role of seawater in enhancing short-term strength through crystal formation is noteworthy and can be advantageous for certain applications.In conclusion,this research demonstrates the potential of using a powdered shell-based curing agent for solidifying dredged soil in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.The recommended ratios for different strength requirements offer valuable insights for practical applications in the field of soil treatment,contributing to sustainable and efficient solutions for soil management.

Full-Scale Isogeometric Topology Optimization of Cellular Structures Based on Kirchhoff-Love Shells

Cellular thin-shell structures are widely applied in ultralightweight designs due to their high bearing capacity and strength-to-weight ratio.In this paper,a full-scale isogeometric topology optimization(ITO)method based on Kirchhoff-Love shells for designing cellular tshin-shell structures with excellent damage tolerance ability is proposed.This method utilizes high-order continuous nonuniform rational B-splines(NURBS)as basis functions for Kirchhoff-Love shell elements.The geometric and analysis models of thin shells are unified by isogeometric analysis(IGA)to avoid geometric approximation error and improve computational accuracy.The topological configurations of thin-shell structures are described by constructing the effective density field on the controlmesh.Local volume constraints are imposed in the proximity of each control point to obtain bone-like cellular structures.To facilitate numerical implementation,the p-norm function is used to aggregate local volume constraints into an equivalent global constraint.Several numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.After simulation and comparative analysis,the results indicate that the cellular thin-shell structures optimized by the proposed method exhibit great load-carrying behavior and high damage robustness.

Simple and High-Yield Synthesis of a Thinner Layer of Graphenic Carbon from Coconut Shells

Biomass has become of recent interest as a raw material for‘green’graphenic carbon(GC)since it promotes an environmentally friendly approach.Here,we investigate a single pyrolysis route to synthesize GC from coconut shells which provides a simple method and can produce a high yield,thus being convenient for large-scale pro-duction.The pyrolysis involves a stepped holding process at 350℃ for 1 h and at 650℃ or 900℃ for 3 h.The GC sample resulted at the 900℃ pyrolysis has a thinner sheet,a less porous structure,a higher C/O ratio,and an enhanced electrical conductivity than those pyrolyzed at 650℃.The addition of Na3PO4 catalyst has no signifi-cant effects on the GC structures obtained by this route.The single pyrolysis route generates thinner GC sheets compared to the two-step heat treatment followed by the liquid phase exfoliation(LPE)procedure.Nevertheless,the latter method offers a formation of clean samples with a porous or holey feature which has potential for advanced energy-storage applications.

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbons from Palm Nut Shells: Effects of Calcination Temperature on Porosity and Chemical Properties

Activated carbons (ACs) calcined at 400˚C, 500˚C, and 600˚C (AC-400, AC-500, and AC-600) were prepared using palm nut shells from Gabon as raw material and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as a chemical activating agent. Prepared ACs were characterized by physisorption of nitrogen (N2), determination of diode and methylene blue numbers for studies of porosity and by quantification and determination of surface functional groups and pH at point of zero charge (pHpzc) respectively, for studies of chemical properties of prepared ACs. Then, effects of calcination temperature (Tcal) on porosity and chemical properties of prepared ACs were studied. The results obtained showed that when the calcination temperature increases from 500˚C to 600˚C, the porosity and chemical properties of prepared ACs are modified. Indeed, the methylene blue and iodine numbers determined for activated carbons AC-400 (460 and 7.94 mg·g−1, respectively) and AC-500 (680 and 8.90 mg·g−1, respectively) are higher than those obtained for AC-600 (360 and 5.75 mg·g−1, respectively). Compared to the AC-500 adsorbent, specific surface areas (SBET) and microporous volume losses for AC-600 were estimated to 44.7% and 45.8%, respectively. Moreover, in our experimental conditions, the effect of Tcal on the quantities of acidic and basic functional groups on the surface of the ACs appears negligible. In addition, results of the pHpzc of prepared ACs showed that as Tcal increases, the pH of the adsorbents increases and tends towards neutrality. Indeed, a stronger acidity was determined on AC-400 (pHpzc = 5.60) compared to those on AC-500 and AC-600 (pHpzc = 6.85 and 6.70, respectively). Also according to the results of porosity and chemical characterizations, adsorption being a surface phenomenon, 500˚C appears to be the optimal calcination temperature for the preparation of activated carbons from palm nut shells in our experimental conditions.

Study on Adsorption Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Modified Mussel Shells

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)are typical persistent organic pollutants(POPs)that are commonly found in the environment.They are carcinogenic,teratogenic,mutagenic and biodegradable obviously.In this paper,the modified mussel shells were used to adsorb and remove anthracene.The results show that the adsorption removal rate of the mussel shells was higher after calcination at 600℃.5%H_(3)PO_(4) solution was more suitable for shell treatment than 3 mol/L ZnCl_(2) solution.As the dosage of the modified shells was 0.5 g/L,the adsorption reached a stable state,and the removal rate of PAHs was about 69.44%;the adsorption efficiency rose with the increase of time.It can be seen that as a new and cheap biological adsorbent,the modified shells can be used to remove PAHs from wastewater.

COMPLEX EQUATIONS OF FLEXIBLE CIRCULAR RINGSHELLS OVERALL_BENDING IN A MERIDIAN PLANE AND GENERAL SOLUTION FOR THE SLENDER RING SHELLS

Complex equations of circular ring shells and slender ring shells overall-bending in a meridian plane are presented based on E. L. Axelrad's equations of flexible shells of revolution render asymmetrical lending. It turns out that the equations are analogous to Novozhilov's equations of symmetrical ring shells, where general sollutions have been given by W. Z. Chien. Therefore, by analogy with Chien's solution, a general solution for equations of the slender ring shells is put forward, which can be used to salve bellow's overall-bending problems.

Application of Non-homogeneous Solution for Equations of Slender Ring Shells to Overall-Bending Problem of Ω-Shaped Bellows

A linear complex equation for slender ring shells overall bending in a meridian plane is given based on E. L. Axelrad's theory of flexible shells. And the non homogeneous solution is obtained from W. Z. Chien's solution for axial symmetrical slender ring shells to investigate the overall bending problem of Ω shaped bellows subjected to pure bending moments. The values calculated in the present paper are very close to the existing experiment. Thus Chien's work on axial symmetrical problems for ring shells has been extended to overall bending problems.

A DONNELL TYPE THEORY FOR FINITE DEFLECTION OF STIFFENED THIN CONICAL SHELLS COMPOSED OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

A Donnell type theory is developed for finite deflection of closely stiffened truncated laminated composite conical shells under arbitrary loads by using the variational calculus and smeared-stiffener theory. The most general bending-stretching coupling and the effect of eccentricity of stiffeners are considered. The equilibrium equations, boundary conditions and the equation of compatibility are derived. The new equations of the mixed-type of stiffened laminated composite conical shells are obtained in terms of the transverse deflection and stress function. The simplified equations are also given for some commonly encountered cases.

Dynamic response of honeycomb-FGS shells subjected to the dynamic loading using non-polynomial higher-order IGA

The main goal of this study is to use higher-order isogeometric analysis(IGA)to study the dynamic response of sandwich shells with an auxetic honeycomb core and two different functionally graded materials(FGM)skin layers(namely honeycomb-FGS shells)subjected to dynamic loading.Touratier's non-polynomial higher-order shear deformation theory(HSDT)is used due to its simplicity and performance.The governing equation is derived from Hamilton's principle.After verifying the present approach,the effect of input parameters on the dynamic response of honeycomb-FGS shells is carried out in detail.

Kentish Plover(Charadrius alexandrinus) and Little Tern(Sternula albifrons) prefer shells for nesting:A field experiment

Shorebird populations are declining worldwide,mainly due to human disturbances and loss of coastal wetlands.However,supratidal habitats as saltpans could play a role in buffering human impact.Saltpans have shown to be important as feeding or breeding sites of some shorebird species.A potential conservation strategy to increase shorebird populations in saltpans is to manipulate the cues that birds use to select optimal breeding habitat.Here it is hypothesized that shorebirds are attracted to bivalve shells due to the advantages they offer.Following this hypothesis,we supplemented a restored saltpan in 2019 and 2021 with bivalve shells,expecting an increase in the number of breeding birds’ nests.More than 75% of Kentish Plover(Charadrius alexandrinus) and Little Tern(Sternula albifrons) nests were found in patches with shells in both years.The best model for both species indicates that the presence of shells is the factor that most correlates with the location of nests.The probability of choosing one place over another to settle their nest increases in areas with an abundance of shells,double in the case of the Kentish Plover and triple in the case of the Little Tern.The result of this study may constitute a valuable tool for attracting birds to restored saltpans and could contribute to the success of expensive restoration projects where time is usually a constraint.

Revolutionizing Biodegradable and Sustainable Materials:Exploring the Synergy of Polylactic Acid Blends with Sea Shells

This study explores the mechanical properties of a novel composite material,blending polylactic acid(PLA)with sea shells,through a comprehensive tensile test analysis.The tensile test results offer valuable insights into the material’s behavior under axial loading,shedding light on its strength,stiffness,and deformation characteristics.The results suggest that the incorporation of sea shells decrease the tensile strength of 14.55%and increase the modulus of 27.44%for 15 wt%SSP(sea shell powder)into PLA,emphasizing the reinforcing potential of the mineral-rich sea shell particles.However,a potential trade-off between decreased strength and reduced ductility is noted,highlighting the need for a delicate balance in material composition.The study underscores the importance of uniform sea shell particle distribution within the PLA matrix for consistent mechanical performance.These results offer a basis for additional PLA-sea shell blend optimization,directing future efforts to balance strength,flexibility,and other critical attributes for a range of applications,including biomedical devices and sustainable packaging.This investigation opens the door to more sustainable and mechanically strong materials in the field of additive manufacturing by demonstrating the positive synergy between nature-inspired materials and cutting-edge testing techniques.

Transient responses of double-curved sandwich two-layer shells resting on Kerr's foundations with laminated three-phase polymer/GNP/fiber surface and auxetic honeycomb core subjected to the blast load

This work uses refined first-order shear theory to analyze the free vibration and transient responses of double-curved sandwich two-layer shells made of auxetic honeycomb core and laminated three-phase polymer/GNP/fiber surface subjected to the blast load.Each of the two layers that make up the double-curved shell structure is made up of an auxetic honeycomb core and two laminated sheets of three-phase polymer/GNP/fiber.The exterior is supported by a Kerr elastic foundation with three characteristics.The key innovation of the proposed theory is that the transverse shear stresses are zero at two free surfaces of each layer.In contrast to previous first-order shear deformation theories,no shear correction factor is required.Navier's exact solution was used to treat the double-curved shell problem with a single title boundary,while the finite element technique and an eight-node quadrilateral were used to address the other boundary requirements.To ensure the accuracy of these results,a thorough comparison technique is employed in conjunction with credible statements.The problem model's edge cases allow for this kind of analysis.The study's findings may be used in the post-construction evaluation of military and civil works structures for their ability to sustain explosive loads.In addition,this is also an important basis for the calculation and design of shell structures made of smart materials when subjected to shock waves or explosive loads.

Performance Analysis of Plant Shells/PVC Composites under Corrosion and Aging Conditions

To make full use of plant shellfibers(rice husk,walnut shell,chestnut shell),three kinds of wood-plastic com-posites of plant shellfibers and polyvinyl chloride(PVC)were prepared.X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out on three kinds of plant shellfibers to test their crystallinity.The aging process of the composites was conducted under 2 different conditions.One was artificial seawater immersion and xenon lamp irradiation,and the other one was deionized water spray and xenon lamp irradiation.The mechanical properties(tensile strength,flexural strength,impact strength),changes in color,water absorption,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),and microstructures of the composites before and after the two aging experiments were analyzed.The results showed that the chestnut shell had the highest crystallinity,which was 42%.The chestnut shell/PVC composites had the strongest interface bonding,the least internal defects,and the best general mechanical properties among the three composites.Its tensile strength,bending strength and impact strength were 23.81 MPa,34.12 MPa,and 4.32 KJ·m^(-2),respectively.Comparing the two aging conditions,artificial seawater immersion and xenon lamp irradiation destroyed the quality of the combination of plant shellfibers and PVC,making the internal defects of the composites increase.This made the water absorption ability and changes in the color of the composites more obvious and led to a great decrease in the mechanical properties.The general mechanical properties of the chestnut shell/PVC composites were the best,but their water absorption ability changed more obviously.

Research on Liquefaction Technology of Chestnut Shells

[Objective]This paper aimed at studying the liquefaction technology of chestnut shells [Method]Effects on chestnut shells liquefaction of six catalysts were studied,which were sodium hydroxide,sodium carbonate,acetic acid（99.5%）,phosphoric acid（85%）,hydrochloric acid（37%）,sulfuric acid（98%）.The research had analyzed the liquefaction effects of chestnut shells in presence of phenol and at liquefaction temperatures of 130,150 and 170 ℃,in which the proportion of added quantities of concentrated sulfuric acid,phosphoric acid,concentrated hydrochloric acid to phenol were 1%-6%.Properties of phenolic resin made from formaldehyde and phenol-liquefied products of chestnut shells catalyzed by concentrated sulfuric acid with an added amount of 4% at 150 ℃（WPF）were analyzed and compared with traditional phenolic formaldehyde resin（PF）.[Result]Acid catalysts were better than alkaline ones in the phenol-liquefaction of chestnut shells,and the liquefaction ratio increased with the increasing of acidic intensity.The liquefaction ratio had attained the maximum as 92.11 % when catalyzed by concentrated sulfuric acid with an added amount of 4% at 150 ℃.The phenolic resin made from the liquefied products of chestnut shells was basically in accordance with the standard of GB/T 14732-93 when the mass ratio of chestnut shells powders to phenol was 1∶3.[Conclusion]It was possible to produce phenolic resin with liquefied chestnut shells.

SNAP－THROUGH OF LAMINATED ORTHOTROPIC SHALLOW SPHERICAL IMPERFECT SHELLS WITH TRANSVERSE SHEAR

The equations of large deformations of laminated orthotropic spherical shellsare derived. The effects of transverse shear deformation and initial imperfection are considered. on this basis. the semi-analytical solution of the axisymrnetric snap-throughbuckling of laminated orthotropic shallow spherical shells under uniform pressure is obtained using orthogonal collocation method. The effects of material parameters, structuralparameters, initial imperfection and transverse shear deformation are discussed.

Nonlinear vibration of corrugated shallow shells under uniform load

Based on the large deflection dynamic equations of axisymmetric shallow shells of revolution, the nonlinear forced vibration of a corrugated shallow shell under uniform load is investigated. The nonlinear partial differential equations of shallow shell are reduced to the nonlinear integral-differential equations by the method of Green＇s function. To solve the integral-differential equations, expansion method is used to obtain Green＇s function. Then the integral-differential equations are reduced to the form with degenerate core by expanding Green＇s function as series of characteristic function. Therefore, the integral-differential equations become nonlinear ordinary differential equations with regard to time. The amplitude-frequency response under harmonic force is obtained by considering single mode vibration. As a numerical example, forced vibration phenomena of shallow spherical shells with sinusoidal corrugation are studied. The obtained solutions are available for reference to design of corrugated shells .

Nonlinear dynamical behavior of shallow cylindrical reticulated shells

By using the method of quasi-shells , the nonlinear dynamic equations of three-dimensional single-layer shallow cylindrical reticulated shells with equilateral triangle cell are founded. By using the method of the separating variable function, the transverse displacement of the shallow cylindrical reticulated shells is given under the conditions of two edges simple support. The tensile force is solved out from the compatible equations, a nonlinear dynamic differential equation containing second and third order is derived by using the method of Galerkin. The stability near the equilibrium point is discussed by solving the Floquet exponent and the critical condition is obtained by using Melnikov function. The existence of the chaotic motion of the single-layer shallow cylindrical reticulated shell is approved by using the digital simulation method and Poincare mapping.

Static and Buckling Analysis of Concrete Spherical Shells

A finite element analysis, including static and buckling analysis is presented for several notable concrete spherical shells around the world. Also, the structural optimization study of these shells was performed for thickness distribution and structure shape to reduce overall tensile stress, deflection and reinforcements. The finite element analysis using Sofistik software shows that a distributed concrete thickness reduces shell stresses, deflections and reinforcements. A geometrically non-linear analysis of these structures with and without imperfections was also performed. To take into account the possible plastification of the material an analysis with non-linear material was performed simultaneously with the geometrically non-linear analysis. This helps in developing an understanding of the structural behaviour and helps to identify all potential failure causes using failure analysis.

Yolk-shell Si/C composites with multiple Si nanoparticles encapsulated into double carbon shells as lithium-ion battery anodes

The conceptual design of yolk-shell structured Si/C composites is considered to be an effective way to improve the recyclability and conductivity of Si-based anode materials. Herein, a new type of yolk-shell structured Si/C composite (denoted as TSC-PDA-B) has been intelligently designed by rational engineering and precise control. In the novel structure, the multiple Si nanoparticles with small size are successfully encapsulated into the porous carbon shells with double layers benefiting from the strong etching effect of HF. The TSC-PDA-B product prepared is evaluated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The TSC-PDA-B product exhibits an excellent lithium storage performance with a high initial capacity of 2108 mAh g^-1 at a current density of 100 mA g^-1 and superior cycling performance of 1113 mAh g^-1 over 200 cycles. The enhancement of lithium storage performance may be attributed to the construction of hybrid structure including small Si nanoparticles, high surface area, and double carbon shells, which can not only increase electrical conductiv让y and intimate electrical contact with Si nanoparticles, but also provide built-in buffer voids for Si nanoparticles to expand freely without damaging the carbon layer. The present findings can provide some scientific insights into the design and the application of advanced Si-based anode materials in energy storage fields.

Optimization of Ultrasound-assisted Extraction Conditions for Polysaccharides from Pinus tabulaeformis Seed Shells

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the optimal technological condi- tions for ultrasouqd-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Pinus tabulaeformis seed shells. [Melhod] Polysaccharides were extracted from P. tabulaeformis seed shells by ultrasound-assisted hot water extraction method and detected by phenol- concentrated sulfuric acid method. The effect of extraction temperature, extraction duration, solid-liquid ratio and extraction frequency on the extraction of polysaccha- rides was investigated using single-factor gradient experiment and the extraction conditions for polysaccharides from P. tabulaeformis seed shells were optimized us- ing L9（34） orthogonal design. [Result] The content of polysaccharides extracted twice at 60 ℃ for 25 min with solid-liquid ratio of 1：3.5 reached the maximum. The re- covery rate （n=-5） ranged from 97.71% to 100.67% and RSD was 1.56%, suggesting high stability. [Conclusion] A simple and efficient method for ultrasound-assisted ex- traction of polysaccharides from P. tabulaeformis seed shells was established in this study, which laid solid foundation for the development and utilization of abandoned pine nut shell resources.