Contrastive analysis and crashworthiness optimization of two composite thin-walled structures

For the safety protection of passengers when train crashes occur, special structures are crucially needed as a kind of indispensable energy absorbing device. With the help of the structures, crash kinetic-energy can be completely absorbed or dissipated for the aim of safety. Two composite structures(circumscribed circle structure and inscribed circle structure) were constructed. In addition, comparison and optimization of the crashworthy characteristic of the two structures were carried out based on the method of explicit finite element analysis(FEA) and Kriging surrogate model. According to the result of Kriging surrogate model, conclusions can be safely drawn that the specific energy absorption(SEA) and ratio of specific energy absorption to initial peak force(REAF) of circumscribed circle structure are lager than those of inscribed circle structure under the same design parameters. In other words, circumscribed circle structure has better performances with higher energy-absorbing ability and lower initial peak force. Besides, error analysis was adopted and the result of which indicates that the Kriging surrogate model has high nonlinear fitting precision. What is more, the SEA and REAF optimum values of the two structures have been obtained through analysis, and the crushing results have been illustrated when the two structures reach optimum SEA and REAF.

Geometric Accuracy and Energy Absorption Characteristics of 3D Printed Continuous Ramie Fiber Reinforced Thin-Walled Composite Structures

The application of continuous natural fibers as reinforcement in composite thin-walled structures offers a feasible approach to achieve light weight and high strength while remaining environmentally friendly.In addition,additive manufacturing technology provides a favorable process foundation for its realization.In this study,the printability and energy absorption properties of 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced thin-walled structures with different configurations were investigated.The results suggested that a low printing speed and a proper layer thickness would mitigate the printing defects within the structures.The printing geometry accuracy of the structures could be further improved by rounding the sharp corners with appropriate radii.This study successfully fabricated structures with vari-ous configurations characterized by high geometric accuracy through printing parameters optimization and path smoothing.Moreover,the compressive property and energy absorption characteristics of the structures under quasi-static axial compression were evaluated and compared.It was found that all studied thin-walled structures exhibited progressive folding deformation patterns during compression.In particular,energy absorption process was achieved through the combined damage modes of plastic deformation,fiber pullout and delamination.Furthermore,the com-parison results showed that the hexagonal structure exhibited the best energy absorption performance.The study revealed the structure-mechanical property relationship of 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced composite thin-walled structures through the analysis of multiscale failure characteristics and load response,which is valuable for broadening their applications.

Meter-Scale Thin-Walled Structure with Lattice Infill for Fuel Tank Supporting Component of Satellite:Multiscale Design and Experimental Verification

Lightweight thin-walled structures with lattice infill are widely desired in satellite for their high stiffness-to-weight ratio and superior buckling strength resulting fromthe sandwich effect.Such structures can be fabricated bymetallic additive manufacturing technique,such as selective laser melting(SLM).However,the maximum dimensions of actual structures are usually in a sub-meter scale,which results in restrictions on their appliance in aerospace and other fields.In this work,a meter-scale thin-walled structure with lattice infill is designed for the fuel tank supporting component of the satellite by integrating a self-supporting lattice into the thickness optimization of the thin-wall.The designed structure is fabricated by SLM of AlSi10Mg and cold metal transfer welding technique.Quasi-static mechanical tests and vibration tests are both conducted to verify the mechanical strength of the designed large-scale lattice thin-walled structure.The experimental results indicate that themeter-scale thin-walled structure with lattice infill could meet the dimension and lightweight requirements of most spacecrafts.

Functionally graded structure of a nitride-strengthened Mg_(2)Si-based hybrid composite

The ex-situ incorporation of the secondary SiC reinforcement,along with the in-situ incorporation of the tertiary and quaternary Mg_(3)N_(2) and Si_(3)N_(4) phases,in the primary matrix of Mg_(2)Si is employed in order to provide ultimate wear resistance based on the laser-irradiation-induced inclusion of N_(2) gas during laser powder bed fusion.This is substantialized based on both the thermal diffusion-and chemical reactionbased metallurgy of the Mg_(2)Si–SiC/nitride hybrid composite.This study also proposes a functional platform for systematically modulating a functionally graded structure and modeling build-direction-dependent architectonics during additive manufacturing.This strategy enables the development of a compositional gradient from the center to the edge of each melt pool of the Mg_(2)Si–SiC/nitride hybrid composite.Consequently,the coefficient of friction of the hybrid composite exhibits a 309.3%decrease to–1.67 compared to–0.54 for the conventional nonreinforced Mg_(2)Si structure,while the tensile strength exhibits a 171.3%increase to 831.5 MPa compared to 485.3 MPa for the conventional structure.This outstanding mechanical behavior is due to the(1)the complementary and synergistic reinforcement effects of the SiC and nitride compounds,each of which possesses an intrinsically high hardness,and(2)the strong adhesion of these compounds to the Mg_(2)Si matrix despite their small sizes and low concentrations.

Suppression of Co(Ⅱ)ion deposition and hazards:Regulation of SEI film composition and structure

Despite the presence of Li F components in the solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)formed on the graphite anode surface by conventional electrolyte,these Li F components primarily exist in an amorphous state,rendering them incapable of effectively inhibiting the exchange reaction between lithium ions and transition metal ions in the electrolyte.Consequently,nearly all lithium ions within the SEI film are replaced by transition metal ions,resulting in an increase in interphacial impedance and a decrease in stability.Herein,we demonstrate that the SEI film,constructed by fluoroethylene carbonate(FEC)additive rich in crystalline Li F,effectively inhibits the undesired Li^(+)/Co^(2+)ion exchange reaction,thereby suppressing the deposition of cobalt compounds and metallic cobalt.Furthermore,the deposited cobalt compounds exhibit enhanced structural stability and reduced catalytic activity with minimal impact on the interphacial stability of the graphite anode.Our findings reveal the crucial influence of SEI film composition and structure on the deposition and hazards associated with transition metal ions,providing valuable guidance for designing next-generation electrolytes.

Floristic Composition, Population Structure, and Recruitment Status of Plant Species: A Case Study of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration Practices in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya

The technique of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is being promoted as a cost-effective approach for restoring degraded arable dry lands. Its effectiveness has been observed in many countries across the globe, where it is a traditional practice, and is now being encouraged across the African continent. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of FMNR on floristic Composition, Vegetation Structure, and Regeneration Status of woody Plant Species in the severely degraded Central Rift, Kenya. The study systematically assessed how FMNR influenced species composition, vegetation structure and regeneration status from two sample plots involved in FMNR practices. Transect lines and quadrats methods were utilized to collect data, specifically regarding the floristic composition, vegetation structure, and regeneration status of woody plant species. Quadrats and sub-quadrats of varying sizes (10 m by 10 m, 5 m by 5 m, and 1 m by 1 m) were nested along the transect lines for data collection. Furthermore, measurements of tree growth and development, including root collar diameter, diameter at breast height (D130) and heights within the study blocks, were taken. The data was then analyzed using R-software. Results showed a marked progressive increase in numbers of trees, saplings, seedlings, shrubs and herbs in all FMNR sites and reductions in all non-FMNR sites. The study advocates for widespread promotion of the FMNR practice both as an environmental conservation and restoration strategy.

Numerical investigation of the mechanical behavior of the backfill–rock composite structure under triaxial compression

To ensure safe and economical backfill mining,the mechanical response of the backfill–rock interaction system needs to be understood.The numerical investigation of the mechanical behavior of backfill–rock composite structure(BRCS)under triaxial compression,which includes deformation,failure patterns,strength characteristics,and acoustic emission(AE)evolution,was proposed.The models used in the tests have one rough interface,two cement–iron tailings ratios(CTRs),four interface angles(IAs),and three confining pressures(CPs).Results showed that the deformation,strength characteristics,and failure patterns of BRCS under triaxial compression depend on IA,CP,and CTR.The stress–strain curves of BRCS under triaxial compression could be divided into five stages,namely,compaction,elasticity,yield,strain softening,and residual stress.The relevant AE counts have corresponding relationships with different stages.The triaxial compressive strengths of composites increase linearly with the increase of the CP.Furthermore,the CP stress strengthening effect occurs.When the IAs are45°and 60°,the failure areas of composites appear in the interface and backfill.When the IAs are 75°and 90°,the failure areas of composites appear in the backfill,interface,and rock.Moreover,the corresponding failure modes yield the combined shear failure.The research results provide the basis for further understanding of the stability of the BRCS.

Boundary Element Analysis forModeⅢCrack Problems of Thin-Walled Structures from Micro-to Nano-Scales

This paper develops a new numerical framework for modeⅢcrack problems of thin-walled structures by integrating multiple advanced techniques in the boundary element literature.The details of special crack-tip elements for displacement and stress are derived.An exponential transformation technique is introduced to accurately calculate the nearly singular integral,which is the key task of the boundary element simulation of thin-walled structures.Three numerical experiments with different types of cracks are provided to verify the performance of the present numerical framework.Numerical results demonstrate that the present scheme is valid for modeⅢcrack problems of thin-walled structures with the thickness-to-length ratio in the microscale,even nanoscale,regime.

Composite wave-absorbing structure combining thin plasma and metasurface

In order to solve the thickness dependence of plasma absorption of electromagnetic waves and further reduce the backward radar scattering cross section(RCS)of the target,we designed a novel composite structure of a metasurface and plasma.A metasurface with three absorption peaks is designed by means of an equivalent circuit based on an electromagnetic resonance type metamaterial absorber.The reflection and absorption of the composite structure are numerically and experimentally verified.The finite integration method was used to simulate a composite structure of finite size to obtain the RCS.The experimental measurements of electromagnetic wave reflection were conducted by a vector network analyzer(Keysight N5234A)and horn antennas,etc.The research showed that the absorption capacity of this composite structure was substantially improved compared to either the plasma or the metasurface,and it is more convenient for application due to its low plasma thickness requirement and easy fabrication.

Tuning energy output of PTFE/Al composite materials through gradient structure

As a typical energetic composite,polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)/aluminum(Al)has been widely applied in explosives,pyrotechnics,and propellants due to its ultra-high energy density and intense exothermic reaction.In this work,the radial gradient(RG)structure of PTFE/Al cylinders with three different PTFE morphologies(200 nm and 5μm particles and 5μm fiber)and content changes are prepared by 3D printing technology.The effect of radial gradient structure on the pressure output of PTFE/Al has been studied.Compared with the morphology change of PTFE,the change of component content in the gradient structure has an obvious effect on the pressure output of the PTFE/Al cylinder.Furthermore,the relationships of the morphology,content of PTFE and the combustion reaction of the PTFE/Al cylinder reveal that the cylinder shows a more complex flame propagation process than others.These results could provide a strategy to improve the combustion and pressure output of PTFE/Al.

Failure characteristics and the damage evolution of a composite bearing structure in pillar-side cemented paste backfilling

A backfilling body-coal pillar-backfilling body(BPB)structure formed by pillar-side cemented paste backfilling can bear overburden stress and ensure safe mining.However,the failure response of BPB composite samples must be investigated.This paper examines the deformation characteristics and damage evolution of six types of BPB composite samples using a digital speckle correlation method under uniaxial compression conditions.A new damage evolution equation was established on the basis of the input strain energy and dissipated strain energy at the peak stress.The prevention and control mechanisms of the backfilling body on the coal pillar instability were discussed.The results show that the deformation localization and macroscopic cracks of the BPB composite samples first appeared at the coal-backfilling interface,and then expanded to the backfilling elements,ultimately appearing in the coal elements.The elastic strain energy in the BPB composite samples reached a maximum at the peak stress,whereas the dissipated energy continued to accumulate and increase.The damage evolution curve and equation agree well with the test results,providing further understanding of instability prevention and the control mechanisms of the BPB composite samples.The restraining effect on the coal pillar was gradually reduced with decreasing backfilling body element's volume ratio,and the BPB composite structure became more vulnerable to failure.This research is expected to guide the design,stability monitoring,instability prevention,and control of BPB structures in pillar-side cemented paste backfilling mining.

Constructing BaTiO_(3)/TiO_(2)@polypyrrole composites with hollow multishelled structure for enhanced electromagnetic wave absorbing properties

BaTiO_(3)/TiO_(2)@polypyrrole(PPy)composites with hollow multishelled structure(HoMS)were constructed to enhance the electromagnetic wave absorbing properties of BaTiO_(3)-based absorbing material.BaTiO_(3)/TiO_(2)HoMSs were prepared by hydrothermal crystallization using TiO_(2)Ho MSs as template.Then,FeCl3 was introduced to initiate the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole monomer,forming BaTiO_(3)/TiO_(2)@PPy HoMSs successfully.The electromagnetic wave absorbing properties of BaTiO_(3)/TiO_(2)HoMSs and BaTiO_(3)/TiO_(2)@PPy Ho MSs with different shell number were investigated using a vector network analyzer.The results indicate that BaTiO_(3)/TiO_(2)@PPy HoMSs exhibit improved microwave absorption compared with BaTiO_(3)/TiO_(2)HoMSs.In particular,tripled-shelled BaTiO_(3)/TiO_(2)@PPy HoMS has the most excellent absorbing performance.The best reflection loss can reach up to-21.80 dB at 13.34 GHz with a corresponding absorber thickness of only 1.3 mm,and the qualified absorption bandwidth of tripled-shelled BaTiO_(3)/TiO_(2)@PPy HoMS is up to 4.2 GHz.This work paves a new way for the development of high-performance composite microwave absorbing materials.

An origami shield with supporting frame structures optimized by a feature-driven topology optimization method

In this paper,the design,manufacture and testing of an origami protective shield with a supporting frame structure are presented.It consists of an origami shield surface and a deployable supporting frame structure that needs to be portable and sufficiently stiff.First,for the design of the shield surface,a threestage origami crease pattern is developed to reduce the shield size in the folded state.The shield surface consists of several stiff modular panels and layered with flexible fabric.The modular panels are made of a multi-layer composite where a ceramic layer is made of small pieces to improve durability as those small pieces enable restriction of crack propagation.Then,the supporting frame structure is designed as a chain-of-bars structure in order to fold into a highly compact state as a bundle of bars and deploy in sequence.Thus,a feature-driven topology structural optimization method preserving component sequence is developed where the inter-dependence of sub-structures is taken into account.A bar with semi-circular ends is used as a basic design feature.The positions of the bar’s end points are treated as design variables and the width of the bars is kept constant.Then,a constraint on the total length of the chain of bars is introduced.Finally,the modular panels made of multi-layer composite and the full-scale prototype of the origami shield are fabricated and tested to verify the bullet-proof performance.

A strategy for lightweight designing of a railway vehicle car body including composite material and dynamic structural optimization

Rolling stock manufacturers are finding structural solutions to reduce power required by the vehicles,and the lightweight design of the car body represents a possible solution.Optimization processes and innovative materials can be combined in order to achieve this goal.In this framework,we propose the redesign and optimization process of the car body roof for a light rail vehicle,introducing a sandwich structure.Bonded joint was used as a fastening system.The project was carried out on a single car of a modern tram platform.This preliminary numerical work was developed in two main steps:redesign of the car body structure and optimization of the innovated system.Objective of the process was the mass reduction of the whole metallic structure,while the constraint condition was imposed on the first frequency of vibration of the system.The effect of introducing a sandwich panel within the roof assembly was evaluated,focusing on the mechanical and dynamic performances of the whole car body.A mass saving of 63%on the optimized components was achieved,corresponding to a 7.6%if compared to the complete car body shell.In addition,a positive increasing of 17.7%on the first frequency of vibration was observed.Encouraging results have been achieved in terms of weight reduction and mechanical behaviour of the innovated car body.

Structure Investigation of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Collagen Composite

Naturally derived collagen protein was mixed thoroughly with medical grade poly (vinyl alcohol)(PVA) at the ratio of 90:10 (w/w) and was crosslinked by formaldehyde to form a homogeneous composite membrane. The buIk structure of the membrane was characterized ly means of Xray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscoor (TEM). The membrane surface Structure was investigated using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (attenuated totalrefraction) (FTIR-ATR), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and contact angle measurement. lt was found that collagen and PVA can remain Stable. This was supported by the fact that no sign of phase separation had been observed. The use of crosslinking agent can Substantially influence the Structure of the composite. It is suggested that this new compositedeserves further investigation and is potentially usable as a biomedical material.

Disbond detection with piezoelectric wafer active sensors in RC structures strengthened with FRP composite overlays

The capability of embedded piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) to perform in-situ nondestructive evaluation (NDE) for structural health monitoring (SHM) of reinforced concrete (RC) structures strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite overlays is explored. First, the disbond detection method were developed on coupon specimens consisting of concrete blocks covered with an FRP composite layer. It was found that the prescnce of a disbond crack drastically changes the electromecbanical (E/M) impedance spectrum measured at the PWAS terminals. The spectral changes depend on the distance between the PWAS and the crack tip. Second, large scale experiments were conducted on a RC beam strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite overlay. The beam was subject to an acccleratcd fatigue load regime in a three-point bending configuration up to a total of807,415 cycles. During these fatigue tests, the CFRP overlay experienced disbonding beginning at about 500,000 cycles. The PWAS were able to detect the disbonding before it could be reliably seen by visual inspection. Good correlation between the PWAS readings and the position and extent of disbond damage was observed. These preliminary results demonstrate the potential of PWAS technology for SHM of RC structures strengthened with FRP composite ovcrlays.

A Study on the Tensile Properties of the MWK Structures for Composite Reinforcement

In this paper, the tensile properties of the MWK structures produced with different basic stitches for composite reinforcement were experimentally studied. The results show that the MWK structures with the double loop pillar stitches have better mechanical properties.

SOLIDIFYING STRUCTURES OF Al_2O_3 SHORT FIBER／Al－Si ALLOY MATRIX COMPOSITE PREPARED BY SQUEEZE CASTING

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Phase Structure and Cycle Stabilities of Mg_2Ni/Mm_(0.3)Ml_(0.7)Ni_(3.55)Co_(0.75)Mn_(0.4)Al_(0.3) Composite Hydrogen Storage Alloys Prepared by Two-step re-melting

Mm0.3Ml0.7Ni3.55Co0.75Mn0.4-Al0.3 alloy has high chemical activity and favorable plateaus pressure. Mg2Ni is in favor of high hydrogen storage capacity and low weight, but it is difficult to be activated. In order to improve the capacity and cycle performances of hydrogen-storage alloy electrodes, Mm0.3Ml0.7Ni3.55Co0.75Mn0.4-Al0.3-x%Mg2Ni(x=0, 5, 10, 30) composite hydrogen storage alloys prepared by two-step re-melting were investigated in this work. The influences of Mg2Ni content on the cycle stabilities were analyzed by electrochemical methods. It was observed by XRD that the main phase of all the alloys is LaNi5 and the crystal lattice parameters of LaNi5 are changed with the increasing of x value, i.e, a-axis and unit cell volume decrease and c-axis decreases nonlinearly. The c-axis of alloy with x=5 is larger than the others. With the increasing of x value, capacity retentions of the composite hydrogen storage alloys rise from 66.21% while x=0 to 82.04% while x=10, but the capacity retention of the composite alloy with 30% Mg2Ni declines because of its decreasing axial ratio. More over, the composite alloy with 5% Mg2Ni shows the best cycle stability and higher discharge capacity, and it is an appropriate candidate for battery materials.

Structure and properties of bone-like-nanohydroxyapatite/gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol composites

Bone-like nanohydroxyapatite powders (b-nanoHA) were synthesized in simulated body fluid (SBF). The b-nanoHA, gelatin (Gel) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) were used to prepare bone-like composites (b-nanoHA/ Gel/PVA) at room temperature. Characterizations of b-nanoHA powders and b-nanoHA/Gel/PVA composites were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Bending strength and compressive strength of the composite were tested. It was found that microstructure of the b-nanoHA powders was whisker shape and its crystalline degree was low similar to natural bone, bending strength and compressive strength of the b-nanoHA/Gel/PVA composite depended on the mixing ratio of HA, Gel and PVA, and also PVA could induce the network formation in the b-nanoHA/Gel/ PVA composite.