Self-recoverable semi-crystalline hydrogels with thermomechanics and shape memory performance

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels have become one of the most popular artificial soft materials due to their excellent adaption to complex environments. Thermoresponsive hydrogels triggered by temperature change can be efficiently utilized in many applications. However, these thermoresponsive hydrogels mostly cannot recover their mechanical states under large strain during the process. Herein, we utilize the heterogeneous comb-type polymer network with semicrystalline hydrophobic side chains to design self-recovery semi-crystalline hydrogels. Based on hydrophilic/hydrophobic cooperative complementary interaction and heterogeneous polymer network, hydrogels can be endowed with excellent thermosensitive properties and mechanical performance. The hydrogels exhibit high compressive strength(7.57 MPa) and compressive modulus(1.76 MPa) due to the semi-crystalline domains formed by association of the hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) PCL. The melting-crystalline transition of PCL and elastic polymer network provide the hydrogels excellent thermomechanical performance and self-recovery property. Furthermore, the hydrogels exhibit shape memory behavior, which can be realized by simple process and smart surface patterning. With these excellent properties, our hydrogels can be applied in sensors, flexible devices and scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Magneto-Photo-Thermoelastic Excitation Rotating Semiconductor Medium Based on Moisture Diffusivity

In this research,we focus on the free-surface deformation of a one-dimensional elastic semiconductor medium as a function of magnetic field and moisture diffusivity.The problem aims to analyze the interconnection between plasma and moisture diffusivity processes,as well as thermo-elastic waves.The study examines the photothermoelasticity transport process while considering the impact of moisture diffusivity.By employing Laplace’s transformation technique,we derive the governing equations of the photo-thermo-elastic medium.These equations include the equations for carrier density,elastic waves,moisture transport,heat conduction,and constitutive relationships.Mechanical stresses,thermal conditions,and plasma boundary conditions are used to calculate the fundamental physical parameters in the Laplace domain.By employing numerical techniques,the Laplace transform is inverted to get complete time-domain solutions for the primary physical domains under study.Referencemoisture,thermoelastic,and thermoelectric characteristics are employed in conjunction with a graphical analysis that takes into consideration the effects of applied forces on displacement,moisture concentration,carrier density,stress due to forces,and temperature distribution.

Thermal fatigue and wear of compacted graphite iron brake discs with various thermomechanical properties

The increase in payload capacity of trucks has heightened the demand for cost-effective yet high performance brake discs.In this work,the thermal fatigue and wear of compacted graphite iron brake discs were investigated,aiming to provide an experimental foundation for achieving a balance between their thermal and mechanical properties.Compacted graphite iron brake discs with different tensile strengths,macrohardnesses,specific heat capacities and thermal diffusion coefficients were produced by changing the proportion and strength of ferrite.The peak temperature,pressure load and friction coefficient of compacted graphite iron brake discs were analyzed through inertia friction tests.The morphology of thermal cracks and 3D profiles of the worn surfaces were also discussed.It is found that the thermal fatigue of compacted graphite iron discs is determined by their thermal properties.A compacted graphite iron with the highest specific heat capacity and thermal diffusion coefficient exhibits optimal thermal fatigue resistance.Oxidization of the matrix at low temperatures significantly weakens the function of alloy strengthening in hindering the propagation of thermal cracks.Despite the reduced hardness,increasing the ferrite proportion can mitigate wear loss resulting from low disc temperatures and the absence of abrasive wear.

THE GLOBAL EXISTENCE OF STRONG SOLUTIONS TO THERMOMECHANICAL CUCKER-SMALE-STOKES EQUATIONS IN THE WHOLE DOMAIN

We study the global existence and uniqueness of a strong solution to the kinetic thermomechanical Cucker-Smale(for short,TCS) model coupled with Stokes equations in the whole space.The coupled system consists of the kinetic TCS equation for a particle ensemble and the Stokes equations for a fluid via a drag force.In this paper,we present a complete analysis of the existence of global-in-time strong solutions to the coupled model without any smallness restrictions on the initial data.

A Coupled Thermomechanical Crack Propagation Behavior of Brittle Materials by Peridynamic Differential Operator

This study proposes a comprehensive,coupled thermomechanical model that replaces local spatial derivatives in classical differential thermomechanical equations with nonlocal integral forms derived from the peridynamic differential operator(PDDO),eliminating the need for calibration procedures.The model employs a multi-rate explicit time integration scheme to handle varying time scales in multi-physics systems.Through simulations conducted on granite and ceramic materials,this model demonstrates its effectiveness.It successfully simulates thermal damage behavior in granite arising from incompatible mineral expansion and accurately calculates thermal crack propagation in ceramic slabs during quenching.To account for material heterogeneity,the model utilizes the Shuffle algorithm andWeibull distribution,yielding results that align with numerical simulations and experimental observations.This coupled thermomechanical model shows great promise for analyzing intricate thermomechanical phenomena in brittle materials.

Corrosion behavior of 2A97 Al-Cu-Li alloys in different thermomechanical conditions by quasi-in-situ analysis

As a promising material in the aircraft industry,2A97 Al-Cu-Li alloy exhibits high corrosion susceptibility that may limit its application.In the present work,to illustrate the influences of precipitate and grain-stored energy on localized corrosion evolution in 2A97 Al-Cu-Li alloy,cold working and artificial aging were carried out to produce 2A97 Al-Cu-Li alloys under different thermomechanical conditions.Quasi-in-situ analysis,traditional immersion test and electrochemical measurement were then conducted to examine the corrosion behavior of 2A97 alloys.It is revealed that precipitate significantly affects Cu enrichment at corrosion fronts,which determines corrosion susceptibility of alloys,whereas grain-stored energy distribution is closely associated with localized corrosion propagation.It is also indicated that quasi-in-situ analysis exhibits a consistent corrosion evolution with traditional immersion tests,which is regarded as a proper method to explore localized corrosion mechanisms by providing local microstructural information with enhanced time and spatial resolutions.

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight(MALDI-TOF)-Mass Spectrometry and^(13)C-NMR-Identified New Compounds in Paraberlinia bifoliolata(Ekop-Beli)Bark Tannins

Extracts of plant origin,particularly tannins,are attracting growing interest for the sustainable development of materials in the industrial sector.The discovery of new tannins is therefore necessary.The aim of this work was to contribute to the understanding of the properties of Paraberlinia bifoliolata tannin by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectroscopy MALDI-TOF/MS and Carbon 13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(13C NMR).The chemical composition of tannin extracted from Paraberlinia bifoliolata bark was determined,as was the mechanical strength of the resin hardened with Acacia nilotica extracts.Yield by successive water extraction was 35%.MALDI-TOF/MS analysis revealed the presence of three new compounds in this tannin,previously unknown in this family of extracts.These are 3-hydroxyproline acid,N-methyl-4-hydroxypipecolic acid and N-methyl-5-dihydroxypipecolic acid.The identification of the above molecules means that this tannin can be used for industrial applications,as a resin in the manufacture of particleboard and in the formulation of green corrosion inhibitors.This information is reinforced by 13C NMR spectrometry,which indicates the presence of several polyflavonoid units,confirming the condensed nature of the tannin.Thermomechanical analysis of the resin formed by the purified tannin of Paraberlinia bifoliolata to which a vegetal biohardener has been added provided a Modulus of Elasticity(MOE)value of 4840 MPa at 150℃,confirming its possible use as a binder resin in the manufacture of wood panels as well as for the formulation of a corrosion inhibitor.

Size-dependent thermomechanical vibration characteristics of rotating pre-twisted functionally graded shear deformable microbeams

A three-dimensional(3D)thermomechanical vibration model is developed for rotating pre-twisted functionally graded(FG)microbeams according to the refined shear deformation theory(RSDT)and the modified couple stress theory(MCST).The material properties are assumed to follow a power-law distribution along the chordwise direction.The model introduces one axial stretching variable and four transverse deflection variables including two pure bending components and two pure shear ones.The complex modal analysis and assumed mode methods are used to solve the governing equations of motion under different boundary conditions(BCs).Several examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the developed model.By coupling the slenderness ratio,gradient index,rotation speed,and size effect with the pre-twisted angle,the effects of these factors on the thermomechanical vibration of the microbeam with different BCs are investigated.It is found that with the increase in the pre-twisted angle,the critical slenderness ratio and gradient index corresponding to the thermal instability of the microbeam increase,while the critical material length scale parameter(MLSP)and rotation speed decrease.The sensitivity of the fundamental frequency to temperature increases with the increasing slenderness ratio and gradient index,and decreases with the other increasing parameters.Moreover,the size effect can suppress the dynamic stiffening effect and enhance the Coriolis effect.Finally,the mode transition is quantitatively demonstrated by a modal assurance criterion(MAC).

Thermomechanical Modelling of Industrial Vessels that Contain Refractory Masonry Linings

Some refractory linings that protect metallic vessels from the hot temperature of the products they contain are made of masonries with or without mortar.The joints play an important role,reducing the stresses in the masonries during heating.Furthermore,the presence of these joints makes the behaviour of the masonry nonlinear and orthotropic.To perform a thermomechanical simulation using a finite element method of an industrial vessel that contains hundreds or thousands of bricks and joints,microscopic models are not suitable due to the high computational time and the management of the behaviour of the joints(opening/closing)which affects the convergence.To overcome these problems,it is proposed to replace the masonry by a homogeneous material that has a behaviour equivalent to the set of bricks and joints,using a periodic homogenization technique.Since the joints can be closed or open,the equivalent material will have a different behaviour according to the joint state.Furthermore,refractory materials have an elastic-viscoplastic behaviour at high temperatures.So,the equivalent material will have an orthotropic elastic-viscoplastic behaviour,requiring a nonlinear homogenisation technique.An overview of this approach developed at University of Orléans is presented with two industrial applications(blast-furnace and steel ladle).

Thermoelectric Stirling Engine (TEG-Stirling Engine) Based on the Analysis of Thermomechanical Dynamics (TMD)

The thermoelectric energy conversion technique by employing the Disk-Magnet Electromagnetic Induction (DM-EMI) is examined in detail, and possible applications to heat engines as one of the energy-harvesting technologies are discussed. The idea is induced by the analysis of thermomechanical dynamics (TMD) for a nonequilibrium irreversible thermodynamic system of heat engines, such as a drinking bird and a low temperature Stirling engine, resulting in thermoelectric energy generation different from conventional heat engines. The current thermoelectric energy conversion with DM-EMI can be applied to wide ranges of machines and temperature differences. The mechanism of DM-EMI energy converter is categorized as the axial flux generator (AFG), which is the reason why the technology is applicable to sensitive thermoelectric conversions. On the other hand, almost all the conventional turbines use the radius flux generator to extract huge electric power, which uses the radial flux generator (RFG). The axial flux generator is helpful for a low mechanoelectric energy conversion and activations of waste heat from macroscopic energy generators such as wind, geothermal, thermal, nuclear power plants and heat-dissipation lines. The technique of DM-EMI will contribute to solving environmental problems to maintain clean and sustainable energy as one of the energy harvesting technologies.

The Method of Thermoelectric Energy Generations Based on the Axial and Radial Flux Electromagnetic Inductions*

The traditional thermoelectric energy conversion techniques are explained in detail in terms of the axial flux electromagnetic (AFE) and the radial flux electromagnetic (RFE) inductions, and applications to heat engines for the energy-harvesting technologies are discussed. The idea is induced by the analysis of thermomechanical dynamics (TMD) for a nonequilibrium irreversible thermodynamic system of heat engines (a drinking bird, a low temperature Stirling engine), resulting in thermoelectric energy generation different from conventional heat engines. The mechanism of thermoelectric energy conversion can be categorized as the axial flux generator (AFG) and the radial flux generator (RFG). The axial flux generator is helpful for low mechanoelectric energy conversion and activations of waste heat from macroscopic energy generators, such as wind, geothermal, thermal, nuclear power plants and heat-dissipation lines, and the device contributes to solving environmental problems to maintain clean and sustainable energy as one of the energy harvesting technologies.

Thermomechanical Dynamics (TMD) and Bifurcation-Integration Solutions in Nonlinear Differential Equations with Time-Dependent Coefficients

The new independent solutions of the nonlinear differential equation with time-dependent coefficients (NDE-TC) are discussed, for the first time, by employing experimental device called a drinking bird whose simple back-and-forth motion develops into water drinking motion. The solution to a drinking bird equation of motion manifests itself the transition from thermodynamic equilibrium to nonequilibrium irreversible states. The independent solution signifying a nonequilibrium thermal state seems to be constructed as if two independent bifurcation solutions are synthesized, and so, the solution is tentatively termed as the bifurcation-integration solution. The bifurcation-integration solution expresses the transition from mechanical and thermodynamic equilibrium to a nonequilibrium irreversible state, which is explicitly shown by the nonlinear differential equation with time-dependent coefficients (NDE-TC). The analysis established a new theoretical approach to nonequilibrium irreversible states, thermomechanical dynamics (TMD). The TMD method enables one to obtain thermodynamically consistent and time-dependent progresses of thermodynamic quantities, by employing the bifurcation-integration solutions of NDE-TC. We hope that the basic properties of bifurcation-integration solutions will be studied and investigated further in mathematics, physics, chemistry and nonlinear sciences in general.

The Application of Thermomechanical Dynamics (TMD) to Thermoelectric Energy Generation by Employing a Low Temperature Stirling Engine

A thermoelectric generation Stirling engine (TEG-Stirling engine) is discussed by employing a low temperature Stirling engine and the dissipative equation of motion derived from the method of thermomechanical dynamics (TMD). The results and mechanism of axial flux electromagnetic induction (AF-EMI) are applied to a low temperature Stirling engine, resulting in a TEG-Stirling engine. The method of TMD produced thermodynamically consistent and time-dependent physical quantities for the first time, such as internal energy ℰ(t), thermodynamic work Wth(t), the total entropy (heat dissipation) Qd(t)and measure or temperature of a nonequilibrium state T˜(t). The TMD analysis produced a lightweight mechanical system of TEG-Stirling engine which derives electric power from waste heat of temperature (40˚CT100˚C) by a thermoelectric conversion method. An optimal low rotational speed about 30θ′(t)/(2π)60(rpm) is found, applicable to devices for sustainable, clean energy technologies. The stability of a thermal state and angular rotations of TEG-Stirling engine are specifically shown by employing properties of nonequilibrium temperature T˜(t), which is also applied to study optimal fuel-injection and combustion timings of heat engines.

Laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of NiTi shape memory alloys: a review

NiTi alloys have drawn significant attentions in biomedical and aerospace fields due to their unique shape memory effect(SME),superelasticity(SE),damping characteristics,high corrosion resistance,and good biocompatibility.Because of the unsatisfying processabilities and manufacturing requirements of complex NiTi components,additive manufacturing technology,especially laser powder bed fusion(LPBF),is appropriate for fabricating NiTi products.This paper comprehensively summarizes recent research on the NiTi alloys fabricated by LPBF,including printability,microstructural characteristics,phase transformation behaviors,lattice structures,and applications.Process parameters and microstructural features mainly influence the printability of LPBF-processed NiTi alloys.The phase transformation behaviors between austenite and martensite phases,phase transformation temperatures,and an overview of the influencing factors are summarized in this paper.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the mechanical properties with unique strain-stress responses,which comprise tensile mechanical properties,thermomechanical properties(e.g.critical stress to induce martensitic transformation,thermo-recoverable strain,and SE strain),damping properties and hardness.Moreover,several common structures(e.g.a negative Poisson’s ratio structure and a diamond-like structure)are considered,and the corresponding studies are summarized.It illustrates the various fields of application,including biological scaffolds,shock absorbers,and driving devices.In the end,the paper concludes with the main achievements from the recent studies and puts forward the limitations and development tendencies in the future.

Surface metal-matrix composites based on AZ91 magnesium alloy via friction stir processing:A review

This monograph presents an overview of friction stir processing(FSP)of surface metal-matrix composites(MMCs)using the AZ91 magnesium alloy.The reported results in relation to various reinforcing particles,including silicon carbide(SiC),alumina(Al_(2)O_(3)),quartz(SiO_(2)),boron carbide(B_(4)C),titanium carbide(TiC),carbon fiber,hydroxyapatite(HA),in-situ formed phases,and hybrid reinforcements are summarized.AZ91 composite fabricating methods based on FSP are explained,including groove filling(grooving),drilled hole filling,sandwich method,stir casting followed by FSP,and formation of in-situ particles.The effects of introducing second-phase particles and FSP process parameters(e.g.,tool rotation rate,traverse speed,and the number of passes)on the microstructural modification,grain refinement,homogeneity in the distribution of particles,inhibition of grain growth,mechanical properties,strength–ductility trade-off,wear/tribological behavior,and corrosion resistance are discussed.Finally,useful suggestions for future work are proposed,including focusing on the superplasticity and superplastic forming,metal additive manufacturing processes based on friction stir engineering(such as additive friction stir deposition),direct FSP,stationary shoulder FSP,correlation of the dynamic recrystallization(DRX)grain size with the Zener–Hollomon parameter similar to hot deformation studies,process parameters(such as the particle volume fraction and external cooling),and common reinforcing phases such as zirconia(ZrO_(2))and carbon nanotubes(CNTs).

Micro-alloyed Mg-Ca:Corrosion susceptibility to heating history and a plain problem-solving approach

The exceptionally low corrosion rate(∼0.1 mm y^(–1)in concentrated NaCl solution for 7 days)enables lean Mg-Ca alloys great potential for diverse applications,particularly if relevant properties(e.g.mechanical strength,electrochemical performance,etc.)can be enhanced by thermomechanical processing.However,herein it is demonstrated that the corrosion performance of lean Mg-Ca is susceptible to the heating process.The corrosion rate of Mg-0.15 wt%Ca alloy is remarkably accelerated after annealing even for a short time(4 h at 400℃)because Fe precipitation readily takes place.Fortunately,it is found that micro-alloying with dedicated additional elements is able to solve this problem.Nevertheless,the problem-solving capability is dependent on the element category,particularly the ability of the alloying element to constrain the Fe precipitation.Among the three studied elements(i.e.Sn,Ge and In),only In shows good competence of restricting the formation of Fe-containing precipitates,thereby contributing to retention of the superior corrosion resistance after annealing even at a rigorous condition(24 h at 450℃).The finding creates good foundation for follow-up work of developing lean Mg-Ca-based alloys combining high corrosion resistance,superior electrochemical performance with excellent mechanical properties for applications as biodegradable implants and anode materials for aqueous batteries.

Unveiling the influence of dendrite characteristics on the slip/twinning activity and the strain hardening capacity of Mg-Sn-Li-Zn cast alloys

This work explores the correlation between the characteristics of the cast structure(dendrite growth pattern,dendrite morphology and macro-texture)and strain hardening capacity during high temperature deformation of Mg-5Sn-0.3Li-0 and 3Zn multi-component alloys.The three dimensional(3D)morphology of the dendrite structure demonstrates the transition of the growth directions from<1123>,<1120>and<1122>to<1123>and<1120>due to the addition of Zn.The simultaneous effects of growing tendency and the decrement of dendrite coarsening rate at the solidification interval lead to dendrite morphology transition from the globular-like to the hyper-branch structure.This morphology transition results in the variation of the solidification macro-texture,which has effectively influenced the dominant deformation mechanisms(slip/twin activity).The higher activity of the slip systems increases the tendency of the dendrite arms for bending along the deformation direction and fragmentation.Apart from this,the dendrite holding hyper-branch structure with an average thickness below 20μm are more favorable for fragmentation.The dendrite fragmentation leads to considerable softening fractions,and as an effective strain compensation mechanism increases the workability of dendritic structure.

Thermomechanical Energy Converters for Harvesting Thermal Energy:A Review

Thermal energy,i.e.,the electromagnetic energy in the infrared range that originates from the direct solar radiation,outgoing terrestrial radiation,waste heat from combustion of fuels,heat-emitting electrical devices,decay of radioactive isotopes,organic putrefaction and fermentation,human body heat,and so on,constitutes a huge energy flux circulating on the earth surface.However,most energy converters designed for the conversion of electromagnetic energy into electricity,such as photovoltaic cells,are mainly focused on using a narrow part of the solar energy lying in the visible spectrum,while thermomechanical engines that are fueled by heat in the broad energy range and then convert it into mechanical work or store it as mechanical deformation,are paid less attention.Although the efficiency of thermomechanical devices is relatively low,they can be applied to collect waste heat which otherwise contributes to negative climate changes.In this review,operational principles of thermomechanical energy converters and a description of basic devices and materials that utilize thermal energy are given.In addition to conventional macroscopic engines,based on thermoacoustic,thermomagnetic,thermoelastic,hydride heat converters,and shape memory alloys,the emergent devices are described which are classified as smart actuators,breathing frameworks,thermoacoustic micro-transducers,nanomechanical resonators,plasmomechanical systems,and optothermal walkers.The performance of the different types of thermomechanical energy converters is described and compared.

Thermomechanical and Hydrous Effect of Heavy Fuel Oil in a Building Material Based on Silty Clayey Soil

This study focuses on the use of heavy fuel oil in construction in Burkina Faso.Mixed with silty and/or clay soil,it is used as a coating to reinforce the walls of raw soil constructions which are very sensitive to water.The interest of this paper is to shed light on the thermomechanical and above all water effects of heavy fuel oil on a sample of silty clayey soil.To achieve this,we used heavy fuel oil added in different proportions to silty clayey soil,to make sample of bricks on which tests were carried out.At the end of the experimental tests carried out on materials made(bricks)with our soil sample,it appears that heavy fuel oil moderately reduces the mechanical resistance of bricks and slightly increases thermal diffusion through them.On the contrary,we note a very good water resistance of the bricks thanks to the heavy fuel oil,in particular their water absorption by capillarity.This confirms that the mixture of heavy fuel oil and a silty-clayey soil used as a coating makes it possible to prevent the infiltration of water into the walls of raw soil constructions.However,its use as a construction material does not guarantee very good mechanical resistance,and slightly increases thermal diffusion.

The Application of Thermomechanical Dynamics (TMD) to the Analysis of Nonequilibrium Irreversible Motion and a Low-Temperature Stirling Engine

We applied the method of Thermomechanical Dynamics (TMD) to a low-temperature Stirling engine, and the dissipative equation of motion and time-evolving physical quantities are self-consistently calculated for the first time in this field. The thermomechanical states of the heat engine are in Nonequilibrium Irreversible States (NISs), and time-dependent thermodynamic work W(t), internal energy E(t), energy dissipation or entropy Qd(t), and temperature T(t), are precisely studied and computed in TMD. We also introduced the new formalism, Q(t)-picture of thermodynamic heat-energy flows, for consistent analyses of NISs. Thermal flows in a long-time uniform heat flow and in a short-time heat flow are numerically studied as examples. In addition to the analysis of time-dependent physical quantities, the TMD analysis suggests that the concept of force and acceleration in Newtonian mechanics should be modified. The acceleration is defined as a continuously differentiable function of Class C2 in Newtonian mechanics, but the thermomechanical dynamics demands piecewise continuity for acceleration and thermal force, required from physical reasons caused by frictional variations and thermal fluctuations. The acceleration has no direct physical meaning associated with force in TMD. The physical implications are fundamental for the concept of the macroscopic phenomena in NISs composed of systems in thermal and mechanical motion.