Synthesis of Reviews on Auscultation, Approaches, and Methods for Engineering Structures

Topometric auscultation is used to monitor the durability of structures, measure deformations linked to the structure of a structure or to the movement of the ground over a part of the globe, set up warning systems, etc. It first appeared as a visual method and rapidly evolved through the various techniques used. Some of these techniques using topography are used in several fields (civil engineering, geodesy, topography, mechanics, nuclear engineering, hydraulics, physics, etc.). These topometric techniques have undergone major changes as a result of technological advances, growing needs in the monitoring of movements or deformations, increased requirements and new challenges. The methodology adopted depends on the measuring instrument used, the parameters to be estimated and access to the area to be measured. There are two types of methods: destructive and non-destructive. In addition to the visual method, they can also be classified as mechanical, physico-chemical, dynamometric, electrophysical and geometric. The estimated parameter varies according to the methodology adopted. It can be defined by coordinates, distances, potential, electrical resistance, etc.

A symmetric substructuring method for analyzing the natural frequencies of conical origami structures

Conical origami structures are characterized by their substantial out-of-plane stiffness and energy-absorptioncapacity.Previous investigations have commonly focused on the static characteristics of these lightweight struc-tures.However,the efficient analysis of the natural vibrations of these structures is pivotal for designing conicalorigami structures with programmable stiffness and mass.In this paper,we propose a novel method to analyzethe natural vibrations of such structures by combining a symmetric substructuring method(SSM)and a gener-alized eigenvalue analysis.SSM exploits the inherent symmetry of the structure to decompose it into a finiteset of repetitive substructures.In doing so,we reduce the dimensions of matrices and improve computationalefficiency by adopting the stiffness and mass matrices of the substructures in the generalized eigenvalue analysis.Finite element simulations of pin-jointed models are used to validate the computational results of the proposedapproach.Moreover,the parametric analysis of the structures demonstrates the influences of the number of seg-ments along the circumference and the radius of the cone on the structural mass and natural frequencies of thestructures.Furthermore,we present a comparison between six-fold and four-fold conical origami structures anddiscuss the influence of various geometric parameters on their natural frequencies.This study provides a strategyfor efficiently analyzing the natural vibration of symmetric origami structures and has the potential to contributeto the efficient design and customization of origami metastructures with programmable stiffness.

Design,preparation,application of advanced array structured materials and their action mechanism analyses for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur battery(LSB)has brought much attention and concern because of high theoretical specific capacity and energy density as one of main competitors for next-generation energy storage systems.The widely commercial application and development of LSB is mainly hindered by serious“shuttle effect”of lithium polysulfides(Li PSs),slow reaction kinetics,notorious lithium dendrites,etc.In various structures of LSB materials,array structured materials,possessing the composition of ordered micro units with the same or similar characteristics of each unit,present excellent application potential for various secondary cells due to some merits such as immobilization of active substances,high specific surface area,appropriate pore sizes,easy modification of functional material surface,accommodated huge volume change,enough facilitated transportation for electrons/lithium ions,and special functional groups strongly adsorbing Li PSs.Thus many novel array structured materials are applied to battery for tackling thorny problems mentioned above.In this review,recent progresses and developments on array structured materials applied in LSBs including preparation ways,collaborative structural designs based on array structures,and action mechanism analyses in improving electrochemical performance and safety are summarized.Meanwhile,we also have detailed discussion for array structured materials in LSBs and constructed the structure-function relationships between array structured materials and battery performances.Lastly,some directions and prospects about preparation ways,functional modifications,and practical applications of array structured materials in LSBs are generalized.We hope the review can attract more researchers'attention and bring more studying on array structured materials for other secondary batteries including LSB.

A Deep Learning Approach to Shape Optimization Problems for Flexoelectric Materials Using the Isogeometric Finite Element Method

A new approach for flexoelectricmaterial shape optimization is proposed in this study.In this work,a proxymodel based on artificial neural network(ANN)is used to solve the parameter optimization and shape optimization problems.To improve the fitting ability of the neural network,we use the idea of pre-training to determine the structure of the neural network and combine different optimizers for training.The isogeometric analysis-finite element method(IGA-FEM)is used to discretize the flexural theoretical formulas and obtain samples,which helps ANN to build a proxy model from the model shape to the target value.The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through two numerical examples of parameter optimization and one numerical example of shape optimization.

Simulation of wave scattering over a floating platform in the ocean with a coupled CFD-IBM model

A numerical study of linear wave scattering over a floating platform has been simulated by an efficient numericalmodel in this letter.The non-hydrostatic model is used to simulate the free surface and the uneven bottom.For thesolid body modelling,the immersed boundary method(IBM)is implemented by introducing a virtual boundaryforce into the momentum equations to emulate the boundary conditions.This implementation enhances theability of the model to simulate interactions between waves and floating structures.A numerical case involvingwave interactions with a floating platform is studied to validate the numerical model.By simulating the wavepropagation,the numerical model captures the variation of the wave scattering very well,which verifies theperformance of the numerical model and the robust strategy of the IBM.

The effects of population aging on industrial structure upgrading:Empirical analysis of provincial and threshold characteristics in China

Global population aging trends are intensifying,presenting multifaceted economic and social challenges for countries worldwide.As the world’s largest developing country,China has entered a phase of extreme demographic aging,posing significant questions about its impact on the ongoing upgrading of industrial structures.How does this demographic shift influence the upgrading of industrial structures,and does technological innovation mitigate or exacerbate this impact?The empirical results indicate that population aging impedes upgrading the industrial structure,while technological innovation positively affects the relationship between the two.Moreover,using technological innovation as a threshold variable,the impact of population aging on industrial structure upgrading evolves in a“gradient”manner from“impediment”to“insignificant”to“promotion”as the technological innovation levels increase.These findings offer practical guidance for tailoring industrial policies to different stages of technological advancement.

MULTI-SCALE FE COMPUTATION FOR THE STRUCTURES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS WITH SMALL PERIODIC CONFIGURATION UNDER CONDITION OF COUPLED THERMOELASTICITY

In this paper,the multi-scale computational method for a structure of composite materials with a small periodic configuration under the coupled thermoelasticity condition is presented. The two-scale asymptotic(TSA)expression of the displacement and the increment of temperature for composite materials with a small periodic configuration under the condition of thermoelasticity are briefly shown at first,then the multi-scale finite element algorithms based on TSA are discussed.Finally the numerical results evaluated by the multi-scale computational method are shown.It demonstrates that the basic configuration and the increment of temperature strongly influence the local strains and local stresses inside a basic cell.

Algorithms for Empirical Equations in Terms of the Cosmic Microwave Background Temperature

Previously, we presented several empirical equations using the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature. Next, we propose an empirical equation for the fine-structure constant. Considering the compatibility among these empirical equations, the CMB temperature (Tc) and gravitational constant (G) were calculated to be 2.726312 K and 6.673778 × 10−11 m3∙kg−1∙s−2, respectively. Every equation can be explained numerically in terms of the Compton length of an electron (λe), the Compton length of a proton (λp) and α. Furthermore, every equation can also be explained in terms of the Avogadro number and the number of electrons at 1 C. We show that every equation can be described in terms of the Planck constant. Then, the ratio of the gravitational force to the electric force can be uniquely determined with the assumption of minimum mass. In this report, we describe the algorithms used to explain these equations in detail. Thus, there are no dimension mismatch problems.

The CALYPSO methodology for structure prediction

Structure prediction methods have been widely used as a state-of-the-art tool for structure searches and materials discovery, leading to many theory-driven breakthroughs on discoveries of new materials. These methods generally involve the exploration of the potential energy surfaces of materials through various structure sampling techniques and optimization algorithms in conjunction with quantum mechanical calculations. By taking advantage of the general feature of materials potential energy surface and swarm-intelligence-based global optimization algorithms, we have developed the CALYPSO method for structure prediction, which has been widely used in fields as diverse as computational physics, chemistry, and materials science. In this review, we provide the basic theory of the CALYPSO method, placing particular emphasis on the principles of its various structure dealing methods. We also survey the current challenges faced by structure prediction methods and include an outlook on the future developments of CALYPSO in the conclusions.

The ICM method with objective function transformed by variable discrete condition for continuum structure

ICM （Independent Continuous Mapping） method can solve topological optimization problems with the minimized weight as the objective and subjected to displacement constraints. To get a clearer topological configuration, by introducing the discrete condition of topological variables and integrating with the original objective, an optimal model with multi-objectives is formulated to make the topological variables approach 0 or 1 as near as possible, and the model reduces the effect of deleting rate on the result. The image-filtering method is employed to eliminate the checkerboard patterns and mesh dependence that occurred in the topology optimization of a continuum structure. The computational efficiency is enhanced through selecting quasi-active displacement constraints and a design region. Numerical examples indicate that this algorithm is robust and practicable, though the number of iterations is slightly increased with respect to the original algorithm.

Study of the impacts of upstream natural gas market reform in China on infrastructure deployment and social welfare using an SVM-based rolling horizon stochastic game analysis

Natural gas is expected to play a much more important role in China in future decades, and market reform is crucial for its rapid market penetration. At present, the main gas fields, pipelines and liquefied natural gas(LNG) infrastructure are mainly monopolized by large state-owned companies, and one of the important market reform policies is to open up LNG import rights to smaller private companies and traders. Therefore, in the present study, a game theoretical model is proposed to analyze and compare the impacts of different market structures on infrastructure deployment and social welfare. Moreover, a support vector machine-based rolling horizon stochastic method is adopted in the model to simulate real LNG price fluctuations. Four market reform scenarios are proposed considering different policies such as business separation, third-party access(TPA) and their combinations. The results indicate that, with third-party access(TPA)entrance into the LNG market, the construction of LNG infrastructure will be promoted and more gas will be provided at lower prices, and thus the total social welfare will be improved greatly.

Mechanical Behavior and Shape Optimization of Lining Structure for Subsea Tunnel Excavated in Weathered Slot

Subsea tunnel lining structures should be designed to sustain the loads transmitted from surrounding ground and groundwater during excavation. Extremely high pore-water pressure reduces the effective strength of the country rock that surrounds a tunnel, thereby lowering the arching effect and stratum stability of the structure. In this paper, the mechanical behavior and shape optimization of the lining structure for the Xiang＇an tunnel excavated in weathered slots are examined. Eight cross sections with different geometric parameters are adopted to study the mechanical behavior and shape optimization of the lining structure. The hyperstatic reaction method is used through finite element analysis software ANSYS. The mechanical behavior of the lining structure is evidently affected by the geometric parameters of crosssectional shape. The minimum safety factor of the lining structure elements is set to be the objective function. The efficient tunnel shape to maximize the minimum safety factor is identified. The minimum safety factor increases significantly after optimization. The optimized cross section significantly improves the mechanical characteristics of the lining structure and effectively reduces its deformation. Force analyses of optimization process and program are conducted parametrically so that the method can be applied to the optimization design of other similar structures. The results obtained from this study enhance our understanding of the mechanical behavior of the lining structure for subsea tunnels. These results are also beneficial to the optimal design of lining structures in general.

The height-width ratio limited value for rubber bearing isolated structure computed by uniform design method

Rubber isolation is the most mature control technology in practical application, and is widely used by short rigid buildings. However, many high isolation buildings have been built around the world in recent years, which do not follow the existing criterions and codes. Many researchers began to research the special problems caused by larger height-width ratio isolation structures. The overturning effect of high height-width ratio structures with rubber bearing is firstly studied. Considering the main factors, such as the height-width ratio of structures, type of site, the designed basic acceleration of ground motion and the decouple factor in horizon, computing experiment is defined with the Uniform Design Method, which is also known as designing isolation structure. The forces of the bearing under edge of structures based on the position of the rubber bearing are calculated. The result indicates that the rubber bearings will lose its functionality under very high tension and compressing force of earthquake motion in horizon and vertical, when the height-width ratio is over a certain value. Thus, based on the calculation result of isolation structures defined in the uniform design method, regression analysis is conducted, and also the rubber edge force regression formula are gotten, which has higher correlation and smaller standard deviation. This formula can be used to roughly calculate whether the pull force occurs at the edge of the building. By the edge bearings of isolation structure minimum force formula, the height-width ratio limited value of the isolation structure is deducted when rubber bearing has minimum force of zero.

Characterization of the sequence spectrum of DNA based on the appearance frequency of the nucleotide sequences of the genome——A new method for analysis of genome structure

The nucleotide (base) sequence of the genome might reflect biological information beyond the coding sequences. The appearance frequencies of successive base sequences (key sequences) were calculated for entire genomes. Based on the appearance frequency of the key sequences of the genome, any DNA sequences on the genome could be expressed as a sequence spectrum with the adjoining base sequences, which could be used to study the corresponding biological phenomena. In this paper, we used 64 successive three- base sequences (triplets) as the key sequences, and determined and compared the spectra of specific genes to the chromosome, or specific genes to tRNA genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Escherichia coli. Based on these analyses, a gene and its corresponding position on the chromosome showed highly similar spectra with the same fold enlargement (approximately 400-fold) in the S. cerevisiae, S. pombe and E. coli genomes. In addition, the homologous structure of genes that encode proteins was also observed with appropriate tRNA gene(s) in the genome. This analytical method might faithfully reflect the encoded biological information, that is, the conservation of the base sequences was to make sense the conservation of the translated amino acids sequence in the coding region, and might be universally applicable to other genomes, even those that consisted of multiple chromosomes.

Synthesis and Structure Transformation of Orthorhombic LiMnO2 Cathode Materials by Sol-gel Method

Orthorhombic LiMnO2 cathode materials were synthesized successfully at lower temperature by sol-gel method. When LiMnO2 precursor prepared by sol-gel method was fired in air, the product was a mixture of spinel structure LiMn2O4 and rock-salt structure Li2MnO3, whereas in argon single-phase orthorhombic LiMnO2 could obtain at the range of 750℃ to 920℃. The substitution of Mn by Zn2+ or Co3+ in LiMnO2 led to the structure of LiMnO2 transiting to Qα-LiFeO2. The results of electrochemical cycles indicated that the discharged capacity of orthorhombic-LiMnO2 was smaller at the initial stages, then gradually increased with the increasing of cycle number, finally the capacity stabilized to certain value after about 10th cycles. This phenomenon reveals that there is an activation process for orthorhombic LiMnO2 cathode materials during electrochemical cycles, which is a phase transition process from orthorhombic LiMnO2 to tetragonal spinel Li2Mn2O4. The capacity of orthorhombic LiMnO2 synthesized at lower temperature is larger than that synthesized at high temperature.

Determining relative block structure rating for rock erodibility evaluation in the case of non-orthogonal joint sets

The most commonly used method for assessing the hydraulic erodibility of rock is Annandale's method.This method is based on a correlation between the erosive force of flowing water and the capacity of rock resistance. This capacity is evaluated using Kirsten's index, which was initially developed to evaluate the excavatability of earth materials. For rocky material, this index is determined according to certain geomechanical factors related to intact rock and rock mass, such as compressive strength of intact rock, rock block size, discontinuity shear strength and relative block structure. To quantify the relative block structure, Kirsten(1982) developed a mathematical expression that accounts for the shape and orientation of the blocks relative to the direction of flow. Kirsten's initial concept for assessing the relative block structure considers that the geological formation is mainly fractured by two joint sets forming an orthogonally fractured system. An adjusted concept is proposed to determine the relative block structure when the fractured system is non-orthogonal where the angle between the planes of the two joint sets is greater or less than 90°. An analysis of the proposed relative block structure rating shows that considering a non-orthogonally fractured system has a significant effect on Kirsten's index and, as a consequence, on the assessment of the hydraulic erodibility of rock.

PERTURBATIONAL FINITE VOLUME METHOD FOR THE SOLUTION OF 2-D NAVIER-STOKES EQUATIONS ON UNSTRUCTURED AND STRUCTURED COLOCATED MESHES

Based on the first-order upwind and second-order central type of finite volume (UFV and CFV) scheme, upwind and central type of perturbation finite volume (UPFV and CPFV) schemes of the Navier-Stokes equations were developed. In PFV method, the mass fluxes of across the cell faces of the control volume (CV) were expanded into power series of the grid spacing and the coefficients of the power series were determined by means of the conservation equation itself. The UPFV and CPFV scheme respectively uses the same nodes and expressions as those of the normal first-order upwind and second-order central scheme, which is apt to programming. The results of numerical experiments about the flow in a lid-driven cavity and the problem of transport of a scalar quantity in a known velocity field show that compared to the first-order UFV and second-order CFV schemes, upwind PFV scheme is higher accuracy and resolution, especially better robustness. The numerical computation to flow in a lid-driven cavity shows that the under-relaxation factor can be arbitrarily selected ranging from (0.3) to (0.8) and convergence perform excellent with Reynolds number variation from 10~2 to 10~4.

Structure and Performance of Fe-N_x-C Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction Prepared by Vacuum Casting Method and the Second Pyrolysis

Affordable non-precious metal（NPM） catalysts played a vital role in the wide application of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells（PEMFC）. In current work, a facile vacuum casting reacting method based on vacuum casting was introduced to prepare Fe-N_x-C oxygen reduction reaction（ORR） catalysts with high efficient in acid medium. The catalysts were prepared with ammonium ferrous sulfate hexahydrate（AFS） and 1,10-phenanthroline monohydrate utilizing homemade mesoporous silica template. The heat treatment and its influence on structure and performance were systematically evaluated to achieve superior ORR performance and some clues were found. And 850 ℃ was found to be the best temperature for the first and second pyrolysis. The linear sweep voltammetry（LSV） results showed that there were only 18 mV slightly negative shifts of half-wave potential（E_（1/2）） of the optimal catalyst（749 mV） compared with the commercial Pt/C（20 μg·Pt·cm^-2）. Besides, I850 R also showed better electrochemical stability and methanol-tolerance than that of Pt/C. All evidences proved that our vacuum casting reacting strategy and heat treatment process were prospective for the future R＆D of high performance Fe-N_x-C ORR catalysts.

Bcklund Transformation and Localized Coherent Structure for the (2+1)-Dimensional Asymmetric Nizhnik-Novikov-Veselov Equation

This article is concerned with the extended homogeneous balance method for studying the abundant localized solution structure of the (2+1) dimensional asymmetric Nizhnik Novikov Veselov equation. A B a¨ cklund transformation was first obtained, and then the richness of the localized coherent structures was found, which was caused by the entrance of two variable separated arbitrary functions, in the model. For some special choices of the arbitrary functions, it is shown that the localized structures of the model may be dromions, lumps, and ring solitons.

Analyzing the Urban Hierarchical Structure Based on Multiple Indicators of Economy and Industry: An Econometric Study in China

For a city,analyzing its advantages,disadvantages and the level of economic development in a country is important,especially for the cities in China developing at flying speed.The corresponding literatures for the cities in China have not considered the indicators of economy and industry in detail.In this paper,based on multiple indicators of economy and industry,the urban hierarchical structure of 285 cities above the prefecture level in China is investigated.The indicators from the economy,industry,infrastructure,medical care,population,education,culture,and employment levels are selected to establish a new indicator system for analyzing urban hierarchical structure.The factor analysis method is used to investigate the relationship between the variables of selected indicators and obtain the score of each common factor and comprehensive scores and rankings for 285 cities above the prefecture level in China.According to the comprehensive scores,285 cities above the prefecture level are clustered into 15 levels by using K-means clustering algorithm.Then,the hierarchical structure system of the cities above the prefecture level in China is obtained and corresponding policy implications are proposed.The results and implications can not only be applied to the urban planning and development in China but also offer a reference on other developing countries.The methodologies used in this paper can also be applied to study the urban hierarchical structure in other countries.