bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of annealing onto physical properties of Co:ZnO thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis technique
Authors: Aboud Ahmed A. , Al-Dossari M. , AbdEL-Gawaad N. S. , Magdi Ahmed
Published: August 2023

In this work, the effect of annealing on the physical properties of Co-doped ZnO thin films has been explored. The Co doping level was fixed at 10 weight (wt) % and deposition has been performed using spray pyrolysis techniques. The deposited film was annealed at temperatures of 400, 450, and 500 °C under an air stream of 5 L min−1. The effect of annealing on the physical properties of the deposited film was investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope(SEM), x-ray dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and optical spectroscopy. XRD results revealed the formation of a single-phase ZnO thin film with no other phases even after annealing. The estimated crystallite size was found to be 34 nm for the un-annealed film which was reduced to 31 nm for film annealed at 400 °C. The SEM images show the formation of large grains which respond differently to the annealing process. Upon annealing the band gap value shows a reduction and the plasma fRequency shows an increase. The performance of all films as UV sensors shows the reduction in the response time for film annealed at 400 °C and the decay time, at the same voltage, for film annealed at 450 °C.
A dual-band dual-polarized low-side-lobe transmitarray using independent amplitude and phase controllable elements
Authors: Bian Chenge , Zhou Dongfang , Zhang Yi , Lv Dalong , Deng Hailin , Zhang Dewei
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a novel transmitarray (TA) element with independent control capability of amplitude and phase under dual-band dual-polarized operation is proposed. By changing the physical size of the TA element, the phase variation of the element can cover 360° at two bands. Moreover, the phase change of the frequency band is less than 30° when the phase of the other band is changed. Meanwhile, a higher maximal transmission amplitude can be maintained when varying the phase. Amplitude modulation is achieved by rotating the TA element. Utilizing the proposed TA element, a dual-band dual-linear polarization (LP) TA with low side lobe level (SLL) operating at 12.5 GHz and 14.25 GHz is designed. The SLL can be decreased by amplitude modulation of the elements. The measured peak gains of the proposed TA are 25.96 dBi and 25.89 dBi at 12.5 GHz and 14.25 GHz. In addition, the measured SLLs of the yoz/xoz planes are −22.4 dB/−22.4 dB and −22.5dB/−22.3 dB at 12.5 GHz and 14.25 GHz, respectively. The proposed TA shows good SLL performances and great application potential in satellite communication systems.
Cloud-assisted quantum primitive protocols and applications
Authors: Fang Xia-qin , Shi Run-hua
Published: August 2023

Security and privacy have always been key concerns for individuals in various cloud-assisted services. In order to enhance security, we focus on quantum cryptography in novel cloud-based applications. First, we present two quantum primitive protocols to compute XOR of two private bits and AND of two private bits with the assistance of a quantum cloud, respectively. Then, we generalize two-party protocols to the corresponding multi-party cases. These quantum primitive protocols can ensure information-theoretical security and provide long-term security, which are guaranteed by the principles of quantum mechanics. Furthermore, we present a grouping strategy to improve the communication efficiency of multiparty quantum protocols. In addition, we investigate privacy-preserving applications of these quantum primitive protocols in cloud-based environments, e.g., cloud-based Anonymous Voting and Multiparty Private Set Intersection. Finally, simulated experiments show our proposed quantum protocols are correct and feasible with the present quantum technology.
Spherical bispectrum: a novel visualization scheme for facilitating comparisons
Authors: Tomlinson Joseph , Jeong Donghui
Published: August 2023

Recent developments of Perturbation Theory (PT), specifically the Effective Field Theory of Large Scale Structure (EFTofLSS) and its equivalents, have proven powerful in analyzing galaxy clustering statistics such as the galaxy power spectrum and bispectrum. To further this pursuit, we have devised a novel spherical-bispectrum visualization scheme that collapses configuration dependencies to highlight the scale dependence of the bispectrum. The resulting one-dimensional curves facilitate the comparison between different bispectra, for example, from simulation and PT calculation. Using the new scheme, we present a quantitative analysis of the accuracy of PT modeling by comparing PT's analytical prediction to the result from a suite of Quijote simulations. Specifically, we determine k
NL, the wavenunmber below which the analytical prediction matches well with the N-body result by inspecting
both leading order (LO) and next-to-leading order (NLO) power spectrum and bispectrum at redshifts z = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3. We also quantify the binning effect in Fourier space and show that an appropriate correction must be applied to the analytic predictions in order to compare them with the discrete Fourier transform results obtained from N-body-simulation or real data.
Polarization formalism for ALP-induced X-ray emission from magnetars
Authors: Fortin Jean-François , Sinha Kuver
Published: August 2023

Missions like NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) are poised to provide an unprecedented view of the Universe in polarized X-rays. Polarization probes physical anisotropies, a fact exploited by particle physicists to look for the anisotropic a
E·B operator in the axion-like-particle (ALP) Lagrangian. Such studies have typically focused on polarization in the radio and microwaves, through local or cosmic birefringence effects. To such polarization studies we add X-rays emanating from magnetars — a class of neutron stars with near-critical strength magnetic fields — that are important targets for IXPE. ALPs produced in the neutron star core convert to X-rays in the magnetosphere; such X-rays are polarized along the direction parallel to the dipolar magnetic field at the point of conversion. We develop the full theoretical formalism for ALP-induced polarization in the presence of dipolar magnetic fields. For uncorrelated photon and ALP production mechanisms, we completely disentangle the ALP contributions to the Stokes parameters in terms of the ALP intensity, the ALP-to-photon conversion probability, and the ALP-induced birefringence. In the proper limit, our results demonstrate that the inclusion of ALPs suppresses the observed degree of circular polarization compared to its pure astrophysical value. Our results can also be used to impose limits on ALP couplings with IXPE polarization data from magnetars 4U 0142+61 and 1RXS J170849.0-400910, the subject of upcoming work.
Logical stochastic resonance in a cross-bifurcation non-smooth system
Authors: Zhang 张 Yuqing 宇青 , Lei 雷 Youming 佑铭
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates logical stochastic resonance (LSR) in a cross-bifurcation non-smooth system driven by Gaussian colored noise. In this system, a bifurcation parameter triggers a transition between monostability, bistability and tristability. By using Novikov’s theorem and the unified colored noise approximation method, the approximate Fokker–Planck equation is obtained. Then we derive the generalized potential function and the transition rates to analyze the LSR phenomenon using numerical simulations. We simulate the logic operation of the system in the bistable and tristable regions respectively. We assess the impact of Gaussian colored noise on the LSR and discover that the reliability of the logic response depends on the noise strength and the bifurcation parameter. Furthermore, it is found that the bistable region has a more extensive parameter range to produce reliable logic operation compared with the tristable region, since the tristable region is more sensitive to noise than the bistable one.
Lifetime measurement of the 3d9
2D3/2 metastable level in Mo15+ at an electron beam ion trap
Authors: Liu 刘 Jialin 佳林 , Wang 王 Yintao 银涛 , Tu 屠 Bingsheng 秉晟 , Huang 黄 Liangyu 良玉 , Si 司 Ran 然 , Li 李 Jiguang 冀光 , Zhang 张 Mingwu 明武 , Fu 傅 Yunqing 云清 , Zou 邹 Yaming 亚明 , Yao 姚 Ke 科
Published: August 2023

An experimental measurement of the lifetime of 3d9
2D3/2 metastable level in Mo15+ is reported in this work. The Mo15+ ions are produced and trapped in an electron beam ion trap with a magnetic field of 0.65 T. The decay photons emitted from 3d9
2D3/2 level are subsequently recorded via a cooled photomultiplier tube. Through meticulous scrutiny of potential systematic uncertainties affecting the measurement outcomes, we have determined the lifetime of Mo15+ 3d9
2D3/2 metastable level to be 2.83(22) ms. The experimental result provides a clear distinguishment from existing calculations based on various theoretical approaches.
Challenges in the Detection and Attribution of Northern Hemisphere Surface Temperature Trends Since 1850
Authors: Connolly Ronan , Soon Willie , Connolly Michael , Baliunas Sallie , Berglund Johan , Butler C. J. , Gustavo Cionco Rodolfo , Elias Ana G. , Fedorov Valery M. , Harde Hermann , Henry Gregory W. , Hoyt Douglas V. , Humlum Ole , Legates David R. , Scafetta Nicola , Solheim Jan-Erik , Szarka László , Velasco Herrera Víctor M. , Yan Hong , Zhang Weijia
Published: August 2023

Since 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has heavily relied on the comparison between global climate model hindcasts and global surface temperature (ST) estimates for concluding that post-1950s global warming is mostly human-caused. In Connolly et al., we cautioned that this approach to the detection and attribution of climate change was highly dependent on the choice of Total Solar Irradiance (TSI) and ST data sets. We compiled 16 TSI and five ST data sets and found by altering the choice of TSI or ST, one could (prematurely) conclude anything from the warming being “mostly human-caused” to “mostly natural.” Richardson and Benestad suggested our analysis was “erroneous” and “flawed” because we did not use a multilinear regression. They argued that applying a multilinear regression to one of the five ST series re-affirmed the IPCC’s attribution statement. They also objected that many of the published TSI data sets were out-of-date. However, here we show that when applying multilinear regression analysis to an expanded and updated data set of 27 TSI series, the original conclusions of Connolly et al. are confirmed for all five ST data sets. Therefore, it is still unclear whether the observed warming is mostly human-caused, mostly natural or some combination of both.
Recycling and Reuse Production Technology of Waste Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Zhu Shangwen , Gu Xiaohua , Liu Yan , Zhu Yanwei , Wang Tong , Fan Anyu , Kang Li
Published: August 2023

Waste polyurethane foam is a kind of manufacturing and construction industry waste used as raw material to produce polyol polymer with high added value. In this way, the recycling economy of waste polyurethane foam is developed. In this paper, a production process line for recycling waste polyurethane foam was designed and established. The economic benefits of the production line were evaluated with the production cost as the index and the actual production data. Compared with the price of commercial polyether polyol, the price of regenerated polyether polyol was 13, 920 CNY/t, which was reduced by 30.4%. The re-foaming of the regenerated polyether polyol was observed by scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the polyurethane foam foamed with regenerated polyether polyol had a complete bubble structure. The bubble structure is regular and completely hexagonal, with a strong skeleton, an excellent cross-linking structure, and a uniform and dense bubble distribution. Therefore, the production process can be widely promoted as a sustainable, green, and high-value-added waste polyurethane treatment process.
Properties of Cellulose/Polypropylene Nanocomposites Modified by KH550 Silane Coupling Agent
Authors: Cheng Fangyue , Yu Shuxian , Zhao Changjun , Guo Qing , Shao Ziqiang , Lyu Shaoyi
Published: August 2023

The effect of a 3-amino-propyltriethoxy-silane coupling agent on modified polypropylene (PP) matrix has been studied extensively. In this work, the effect of reinforced modification (KH550 of nano cellulose crystals, temporary cellulose nanofibers) on the final overall property of the PP composite system was investigated. PP was filled with 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% silane-treated and untreated cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNF) at different weight ratios to prepare a uniform mixture of PP and nano cellulose fillers. Finally, the mechanics, chemistry, and morphology of the composites were studied. The mechanical properties of CNC with 3% were the highest, and the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of pure PP matrix were increased by 12% and 34%, respectively. The effect of the liquid-modified CNC fiber sample as filler was better than that of the liquid-modified CNF sample (calculated by adding 3% nano cellulose), and Young’s modulus was increased by 13% and elongation at the break by 12%.
Using Structural Intensity Approach to Study the Energy Attenuation in Metamaterial Plate
Authors: Wang Yirui , Lei Jincheng , Liu Zishun
Published: August 2023

Metamaterials have been extensively studied because of their bandgap characteristics, which can be used in vibration isolation. Current studies on the effect of vibration attenuation in metamaterials mainly focus on vibration amplitude, velocity, and acceleration. The structure intensity is a more effective approach to evaluating vibration. In this study, the structural intensity method is adopted to describe the vibration suppression effect of elastic metamaterial plates. The energy flow density in the stop band and the passband in the metamaterial plate can be obtained, and the mechanism for the vibration blocking of the metamaterial plate in the stop band is revealed. The study demonstrates that the power flows around the vibration source, which is calculated by the loop integral of structure intensity around the vibration source, can be used to describe the attenuation and transmission characteristics of vibration.
Rheological Properties of Desulfurized Crumb Rubber Modified Warm Mix Asphalt
Authors: Yuan Zhaodi , Sun Qirun , Huang Junrui , Zhang Zhaojie , Zhang Huan , Li Xian
Published: August 2023

In order to study the rheological properties of warm mix asphalt modified by desulfurized rubber powder with different meshes, the desulfurized rubber powder was mixed with matrix asphalt at the best content. Dynamic shear rheological test (DSR) was used to study the high temperature rheological properties of asphalt modified by waste rubber powder. Multi-stress creep test (MSCR) was used to study the high temperature deformation resistance of asphalt modified with waste rubber powder. The low temperature rheological properties of Sasobit and crumb rubber modified asphalt with different mesh numbers were evaluated by bending beam rheological test (BBR). The test results show that compared with the base asphalt, the complex modulus and rutting factor of CRMA 60 are significantly improved, and the effect is more obvious than that of CRMA 40 and CRMA 80. With the addition of Sasobit, the high temperature performance of WCRMA first increased and then decreased. With the addition of Sasobit, the creep stiffness modulus of WCRMA decreases, the creep rate increases, and the low-temperature properties first increase and then decrease. From the atomic force microscope (AFM), it can be seen that Sasobit promotes the compatibility between rubber powder and asphalt, and the performance of asphalt modified by 60 mesh rubber powder is best. When the mass fraction of Sasobit is 2.5%, WCRMA has the best comprehensive performance.
Optimization of Grain Boundary Character Distribution of Fe-19Cr-10Mn-1Ni-0.53N High Nitrogen Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Shi Feng , Fan Chengxue , Guan Xianjun , Liu Chunming , Li Xiaowu
Published: August 2023

High nitrogen austenitic stainless steel (HNASS) has outstanding mechanical properties, but in its hot working, welding, and high-temperature use, there will be a precipitation phase, especially nitride precipitation that reduces its intergranular corrosion, stress corrosion, corrosion fatigue, and other grain boundary-related properties. At present, the traditional methods of suppressing precipitation phase precipitation, such as solution treatment and alloying, have drawbacks. Grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) optimization of Fe-19Cr-10Mn-1Ni-0.53N HNASS was characterized by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in this work. This study reveals that after grain boundary engineering (GBE) treatment, the percentage of low Σ coincidence site lattice (CSL) boundaries of the solid solution treated sample rises from 53.94% to 82.41%, because the sample was cold-rolled (CR) by 5%, followed by annealing at 1423 K for 10 min, and the twin related domains (TRD) size increases from 23.99 μm to 169.82 μm and ν (the ratio of TRD size to grain size) raises from 1.74 to 7.52. The connectivity of the random high-angle grain boundary (RHAGB) web is interrupted and the GBCD of the experimental steel is remarkably optimized.
Blending Compatibility Simulation of UV-thermal Curing Solution with Epoxy Resin
Authors: Chen Fengjun , Liu Fan , Du Xiaogang
Published: August 2023

To make a UV-thermal curing solution based on bisphenol A, epoxy acrylate (EA) and epoxy resin of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) were uniformly mixed. The Blends module in the Materials Studio software was used to carry out molecular dynamics simulation of blending compatibility and evaluate the rationality to achieve UV-thermal curing through interaction parameters, binding energy, and phase diagram. The binding energy distribution of DGEBA and EA is not consistent at 298 K, and the interaction parameter is 6.4335. When the temperature rises to 365 K, the interaction parameter diminishes to 3.5795. The compatibility of the UV thermal curing solution is improved by changing the molar ratio of DGEBA and EA to 0.45 and raising the temperature to 340 K. The results can be used to guide and predict the UV-thermal curing process and properties of epoxy resin.
Preparation technology and experiments of textile lattice sandwich composites
Authors: Hu Wei , An Xiyue
Published: August 2023

Textile lattice sandwich composite (TLSC) with excellent debonding resistance has been widely investigated. In this paper, the preparation technology of TLSC was improved by foam filling technology, namely hand lay-up and vacuum infusion process, and the flexural properties were studied. The microscope images of TLSC specimens were observed. The structure and resin distribution of TLSC specimens prepared by the above technology was compared. Three-point bending experiments studied the bending properties of foam-filled specimens. The results show that the TLSC specimen prepared by the vacuum infusion process has more resin distribution and high-quality structural form. The obvious resin-rich region appears on the TLSC specimen prepared by hand lay-up. The foam-filling technology can significantly enhance the strength and stiffness of the structure.
Design Technique of the Test Static for Large Curvature Composite Radome
Authors: Hu Botao , Cheng Linan , Sun Xiaobo , Deng Fanchen
Published: August 2023

The radome is an important component that maintains the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft, makes the electrical property stable, and ensures flight safety. Composite is used in most aircraft radome in the world to reduce the weight of the aircraft. For the sake of safety, a static strength test was usually conducted on the radome to verify whether its strength and stiffness meet the requirements. In this paper, the load was treated equivalently, and a lever loading system of nonparallel force was put forward considering the characteristics of the large curvature of the radome structure and that it was difficult to apply load. All test cases were completed successfully, and the test results indicate that the test system works stably and reliably, and the strength and stiffness of the radome meet the design requirements.
Study on the Effect of Free-edge Conditions on Bending Properties of Composite Materials
Authors: Lou Chen
Published: August 2023

The glass fiber is selected as the reinforcement, and the structural design of the composite is carried out to enhance the continuity of the edge fiber of the laminate. The influence of the width of the edge fiber on the bending mechanical properties is discussed. It is found that when the edge fiber of the laminate is continuous, the failure mode of the laminate bending can be changed to a certain extent, and the strength of the reinforcement and the matrix bonding is strengthened. The width of the laminate is not the influence factor in improving the bending strength.
Glass-forming ability and properties of Hf-Cu-Ni-Al-Ag bulk metallic glasses
Authors: Zhou Bingwen , Sun Qianya , Zhu MengQi , Meng Linggang , Bin Ya , Zhang Xingguo
Published: August 2023

A new Hf-based Hf-Cu-Ni-Al-Ag glassy alloy was synthesized to be formed by copper mold casting. The influence of Ag addition on the properties of Hf48Cu29.25Ni9.75Al13-xAgx (x=0-5at%) glassy alloys was studied by differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffractometer, quasi-static compression, and electrochemical corrosion test. The experimental results show that adding Ag can improve the thermal stability and glass-forming ability of glassy alloys. The Hf48Cu29.25Ni9.75Al12Ag1 exhibits the best glass-forming ability with a critical diameter of 12 mm and the highest compressive strength (2363 MPa) among glassy Hf48Cu29.25Ni9.75Al13-xAgx (x=0-5at%). The total plastic deformation of Hf48Cu29.25Ni9.75Al12Ag1 before fracture approaches 4%. In addition, there is a passivation interval of about 3 V for Hf48Cu29.25Ni9.75Al12Ag1 glassy alloy in 1 mol/L H2SO4 solution, which makes the passivation film more stable and increases the corrosion resistance. In 1 mol/L KOH solution, the corrosion tendency and rate decreased with the addition of Ag content, leading to increased corrosion resistance.
Introduction study on the influence of residual stress on contact stiffness of joint surface
Authors: Chen Shun
Published: August 2023

The effects of residual stress on material properties can be divided into two main categories: its influence on material strength, such as fatigue, and its influence on harmful deformation, such as dimension deviation during or after processing. To investigate the effects of residual stress on the mechanical properties of material components, we select a simple structure that underwent loading and unloading cycles. In our finite element numerical simulation, we establish both a macroscopic solid model and an asperity model. Three different models are chosen, and load-displacement curves are obtained. The effects of residual stress on the stiffness of the contact surface are analyzed. Our results show that residual stress has a significant impact on the stiffness of the joint surface, from macroscopic to microscopic perspectives. Specifically, stiffness increases with residual stress when it is tensile stress.
Study on surface nitriding treatment of the sintered SUS430 ferritic stainless steel
Authors: Wang Yuanxin , Li Mengyong , Zhang Dongxu , Xia Ming
Published: August 2023

Ferritic stainless steels with the advantages of high thermal conductivity, low expansion coefficient, excellent oxidation resistance, resistance to stress corrosion capacity, and low cost are widely applied. The parts are prepared by powder metallurgy with SUS430 ferritic stainless steel. Under an H2 protective atmosphere, the compactions are sintered at 1300 °C, and the density of the as-sintered sample achieves 7.4 g/cm3. Then, high-temperature solid solution nitriding treatment is carried out at 1110 °C under an N2/H2 mixed atmosphere. The nitride layers are formed on the surface of the samples. The thickness of nitride layers is about 130–150 μm, and its microhardness is 490 HV. Moreover, it suggests that gas nitriding treatment can effectively improve surface hardness and wear resistance. Still, the core matrix with ferritic microstructure maintains good plasticities and ductilities, and its hardness is about 126 HV.
Cause Analysis of Leakage Failure of Seamless Steel Pipe during Pipeline Pressure Test
Authors: Xu Yan , Nie Xianghui , Feng Zhenjun , Li Liang , Chang Yonggang , Bai Qiang , Yang Fengping
Published: August 2023

By means of chemical analysis, tensile test, metallographic analysis, and energy spectrum analysis, the leakage causes of seamless steel pipe in the process of pipeline pressure test were analyzed. The analysis shows that the crack of steel pipe appears before rolling, and the non-metallic inclusions near the crack are the crack source or preferred path of steel pipe cracking. The leakage of steel pipe defects in the subsequent eddy current and ultrasonic inspection is one of the main reasons the unqualified steel pipe flows into the construction site and leads to the leakage of the pressure test.
Effects of Surface/Dislocation/Phase Transition on Fracture Energy in Nanoporous Metal
Authors: Ren Siyu , Ru Yan , Wang Ruru , Ma Qiaoyan
Published: August 2023

The internal ligament will undergo severe deformation and fracture when the nanoporous metal is loaded. Molecular dynamics simulates the uniaxial tensile fracture of a single ligament model of nanoporous copper at the atomic level. The side effect of the fracture energy of nanoporous metal ligaments and the relationship between the porosity of nanoporous metal and the fracture energy are explored. On this basis, the fracture toughness of nanoporous metal was obtained. The results show that phase transition is ligament tensile fracture’s main energy consumption mode. And the average proportion of phase transition energy in fracture energy is 61%. The fracture energy of nanoporous metal ligaments has an obvious size effect. Last, the fracture toughness of nanoporous metal with different porosity is given.
Wrinkle Prediction of Membrane Structures under Uniform Normal Tensions
Authors: Liu Mingjun , Zhang Weiliang , Shi Xiaofeng , Li Meng
Published: August 2023

Wrinkles always produce to counteract the compressive stress in the thin membrane structures, which has become a popular topic. In this paper, for the inhomogeneous membrane structure with depth-dependent Young’s modulus, a power-law index is introduced. The effect of inhomogeneity on the displacement and stress fields is analyzed. On this foundation, the membrane structures with uniform normal tension loadings are studied to be accorded with practical cases of engineering application. The stress fields are derived by the superposition of the concentrated tension solution based on the Airy stress superposition theory. Compressive stress generally leads to wrinkling, then the wrinkle regions under different tension conditions are predicted accurately. The proposed stress model is simple, and the computation complexity is reduced without using a finite element solution.
Finite element analysis of ultimate bending bearing capacity for a multi-span extradosed bridge based on Willam-Warnke yield criteria
Authors: Hu Shixiang , Zhu Yuqin , Cong Ling , Ma Wengang
Published: August 2023

To investigate the load-carrying capacities at failure and failure modes of a five-span extradosed bridge with four towers, a solid element model was established using ANSYS. The model utilized the five-parameter Willam-Warnke yield criteria and was compared to calculations provided by the current specifications highway reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete bridge culverts (JTG3362-2018). The entire range of loads was analyzed, and the results were analyzed for accuracy. The average error in ultimate load between the finite element model and the bridge code was 6.5%, with a maximum error of 8.6%. Two methods were used to evaluate the ultimate load-carrying capacity of the bridge, both of which produced comparable results. It was discovered that the load-bearing capacity of the bridge was at a minimum when the load was placed on the midspan, with a surplus capacity factor of 2.14. Although the bridge meets the safety requirements of the current bridge code, it is important to consider this loading condition during operation and maintenance.
Design of a Biaxially Stretchable Microstrip Antenna Enabled by Buckled Au Thin Film on an Elastomeric Substrate
Authors: Zhou Honglei
Published: August 2023

Wearable wireless biomedical electronics enable monitoring and wireless transmission of patient physiological and pathological signals to provide remote guidance for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. As a core component, the antenna must be flexible and stretchable to adapt to the complex mechanical deformations (e.g., stretching, bending, and twisting) induced by human motions. This work proposes a biaxially stretchable microstrip antenna based on buckled gold thin films bonded on an elastomeric substrate. A simplified analytic model validated by simulations and experiments is established to investigate the biaxial buckling behaviors of the thin films within 10% tensile strains. The properties, including resonance frequency, bandwidth, and radiation pattern of the fabricated biaxially stretchable microstrip antenna under various stretched states, are studied by combining experiments and finite element analysis. The effects of biaxial tensile deformations on the resonance frequency, bandwidth, and radiation properties are discussed. Results show that the designed microstrip antenna has a relatively stable performance under both natural and deformed states within 10% of uniaxial and biaxial tensile strains, which enables the designed antenna to have broad application prospects in wearable wireless medical devices for stable transmission of signals between body-worn sensors and terminals, especially for situations accompanied with complex deformations.
Self-centering Aseismic Device Based on Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Ren Hongmei , Zhang Fuwen , Peng Gongsheng
Published: August 2023

The seismic performance and quick resilience to build structures after an earthquake are paid more and more attention. The traditional seismic design of structures often adopts increasing the ductility of structures to meet the requirements of stronger earthquakes, but it may cause excessive residual deformation of structures after earthquakes, which leads to the difficulty of post-earthquake repair. The resilient structure can improve the seismic performance of the structure, and at the same time, the damage is concentrated on the dissipative components that can be quickly repaired. This requires the improvement of the seismic performance of the dissipative support, while effectively reducing the residual deformation of the components and enhancing the self-centering ability of the components. In this paper, a shape memory alloy (SMA) self-centering device suitable for rocking wall structure is developed from the aspects of SMA heat treatment, material properties, conceptual design, structural design, and mechanical properties test, so as to achieve a more efficient shock-proof structure with resilient functions.
Succinonitrile Plastic Crystal Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Su Yuefeng , Bai Youxiang , Lu Yun
Published: August 2023

Polymer electrolyte has attracted wide attention due to the advantages of easy fabrication, lightweight, and good mechanical flexibility. However, polymer electrolyte exhibits limited ionic conductivity at room temperature, so the batteries can only be used above room temperature. Here, a succinonitrile plastic crystal polymer composite electrolyte (SCPE) with high content of succinonitrile (SN) was fabricated by in-situ polymerization. SCPE exhibits high ionic conductivity, which can be used at room temperature. In addition, SCPE exhibits excellent stability to lithium and can stable cycle over 1500 h without short circuits. Furthermore, LFP|SCPE|Li can achieve 150 stable cycles, presenting excellent cyclic stability performance. This research provides a feasible method for high room temperature ionic conductivity plastic crystal polymer electrolyte.
Preparation of poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide)-ZIF-8 nanofiltration membranes with enhanced filter performance
Authors: Wu Wenwen , Li Na , Yu Junrong , Hu Zuming
Published: August 2023

Poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) membranes are prepared via evaporating part solvent of the casting solution before its nonsolvent-induced phase separation. Zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is added into the PMIA solution as an inorganic filler to improve the filtration capability of the PMIA membrane. The structure of composite membranes is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Zeta-potential analyzer (ζ-potential) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The filtering capabilities of the membranes for dyes and inorganic salts were deeply evaluated, in order to study the membrane separation performance. The PMIA-ZIF-8 membranes have excellent filtration properties for Congo red dye with a rejection rate of above 99.3%. The PMIA-ZIF-8 composite membranes have excellent properties that point to the possibility of using nanofiltration in commercial applications.
Thermochemical Cyclization Forms Core-Shell Structured Rutile TiO2@C-PAN as an Advanced Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hao Shuang , Zhang Kai , Tan Guoqiang , Wang Jing
Published: August 2023

Rutile TiO2 is a prospective lithium-ion anode material, which has the advantages of small volume change and excellent cycling performance. The low theoretical capacity and poor conductivity, however, prevent further application. In this work, we proposed a thermochemical cyclization coating strategy and successfully prepared rutile titanium dioxide anode material coated with conductive polymer Polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The coated material has an initial capacity of 246.5 mAh/g and a stable capacity of 125.5 mAh/g after 100 cycles. It is worth noting that this simple and effective coating method will contribute to the further application of rutile TiO2 materials.
Synthesis of High-capacity and High-rate Intergrown Cathodes for Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Yihong , Li Ning , Cao Duanyun , Su Yuefeng , Wu Feng
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, general energy storage and electric vehicles urgently need to develop advanced lithium-ion batteries (LIB) with high specific energy and low cost, and one of the great challenges is to invent cheap cathode materials. Manganese-based cathode materials have been widely studied due to the low prices and high reserves of precursors, such as lithium-rich manganese-based (LMR) and Mn-based disordered rock-salt (DRX) cathodes. Inspired by the concept of layered-layered intergrown structure in LMR, we design a spinel-rock salt intergrown nano-composite. The as-developed cathode (Li1.7Ni0.12Mn1.48O4) shows a partially intergrown structure of spinel- and DRX-phases. Most importantly, the material enables the combination of the structural and electrochemical merits of the individual spinel and rock-salt phases, and it yields ultrahigh-capacity in comparison with the LMR or DRX and displays outstanding rate performance. It is hoped this novel intergrown cathode with low cost can inspire the design of advanced cathode for LIB.
Monoatomic Fe and Pt-Co alloys on NC/Ti4O7 for efficient and durable oxygen reduction
Authors: Luo Yangjun , Wang Youyuan , Zhang Huijuan , Wang Yu
Published: August 2023

The combination of metal monoatomic with alloys on carbon support facilitates the promising activity in oxygen reduction. However, the alloys still suffer from the degradation of catalyst stability due to carbon corrosion. Herein, the NC/Ti4O7 support was loaded with both monoatomic Fe and Pt-Co alloys using a one-step calcination method. The results indicate that chelation of Fe3+ with α-D-glucose, physical segregation of excess α-D-glucose and binding to N species at high temperatures are essential to increase the loading of monatomic Fe in Fe1/PtCo-NC/Ti4O7. Fe1/PtCo-NC/Ti4O7 demonstrates a half-wave potential of 0.941 V and a mass activity of 3.16 A mgPt
-1. This mass activity is as high as 6.87 times that of Fe/PtCo-NC/Ti4O7 (without α-D-glucose during the synthesis, 0.46 A mgPt
-1). Meanwhile, Fe1/PtCo-NC/Ti4O7 exhibits a peak power density of 210.5 mW cm-2 and a specific capacity of 771.1 mAh gZn
-1 in a zinc-air battery. This dual-substrate strategy provides a new perspective on the multilevel construction of catalysts.
Grid black start-up scheme based on the large-scale new energy grid
Authors: Liu Jin , Li Tong , Hu Yuanting , Hao Wenbo , Lei Xueting , Song Zhi
Published: August 2023

The uncertainty and intermittent characteristics of the output of new energy power sources make the output of grid-connected power sources change frequently. The self-excitation problem may occur in the process of black-start, which is one of the key factors to decide whether the black-start restoration scheme is feasible or not. Through theoretical research and simulation analysis, this paper discusses the criterion of hydropower self-excitation in the local power grid, and studies the effect of self-excitation on the system when different black-start schemes are formulated.
Convenient synthesis of Co-base metal-organic frameworks to effectively adsorb and remove Cr(VI) from aqueous
Authors: Xie Xiong , Li Xu , Dong Lichun
Published: August 2023

Herein, we reported the synthesis of a series of well-defined regular cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) from 3D to 2D phases through a facile synthesis method and confirm their effective adsorption behavior for Cr(VI) in aqueous. The equilibrium adsorptive capacities of ZIF-67, ZIF-L-Co-H, ZIF-L-Co-L, and ZIF-L-Co were 27.7, 28, 28.2, and 32 mg/g, respectively. ZIF-L-Co nanosheet morphology exhibited excellent adsorption performance for Cr(VI) in water for the first time, and sharp adsorption speed was also presented at the relevant initial concentrations. The Cr(VI) adsorption process demonstrated that the result well fitted the Langmuir isotherm model of 32.5 mg g-1 with uniform monolayer adsorption. The findings provided a broader understanding of Co-MOFs application as the Cr(VI) removal of wastewater.
Preparation of FeCoM Ternary Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Wu Yanling , Hou Mingqian , Ma Liping , Li Fangzhou , Chen Zhijie , Xu Kexin
Published: August 2023

LDHs have unique laminar structures, large interlaminar spacing ions, and highly adjustable components, which have been widely used in the field of electrochemistry. However, it is still a considerable challenge to regulate the microstructure and electronic structure of LDHs through reasonable design to obtain electrode materials with high activity. In this paper, three novel ternary-layered dihydroxide nano-compounds have been synthesized. Firstly, three LDHs materials (named as FeCoNi-LDHs, FeCoCu-LDHs, and FeCoZn-LDHs, respectively) were prepared by using the ZIF-67 framework material as a precursor by cation exchange strategy. Finally, the applications of these materials as electrode materials in oxygen evolution reactions (OER) and supercapacitors are explored based on current energy problems.
Development of the internal structure of an alkali-activated paste related to the length of curing
Authors: Kocáb D , Bílek V , Nápravník N , Kucharczyková B
Published: August 2023

This paper deals with the influence of the length of the moist curing period on the development of the internal structure of a paste based on alkali-activated slag. Waterglass was used as the activator. For the purpose of experiment, the test specimens subjected to the experiment were divided into five sets with different curing regimes combining moist and air curing. The reference set was kept in an environment with relative air humidity ≥ 95% during the entire maturing period. The development of the internal structure of the alkali-activated paste was mainly monitored using the resonance method. The obtained results show that the curing regime applied to the test specimens significantly influences the development of the internal structure of the material. The development of the observed dynamic properties (dynamic moduli and Poisson’s ratio) shows the formation of damage to the internal structure of the paste after its exposure to the air. Interestingly, a massive decrease in dynamic modulus of elasticity immediately after exposure to air drying was not prevented, even by intensive moist curing of the paste for 28 days.
The influence of steel fibre amount on the consistency, volume changes and compressive strength of concrete
Authors: Vymazal T , Misák P , Hrabová K , Kocáb D
Published: August 2023

The paper focuses on the consistency of fresh steel fibre reinforced concrete in relation to the amount of steel fibre used. Consistency was determined by the slump test and the flow table test. Furthermore, the paper deals with monitoring the compressive strength and volume changes during the maturing process of steel fibre reinforced concrete. Volume changes were monitored using a shrinkage drain. The results of the steel fibre reinforced concrete properties are compared with the values of the reference concrete without fibres and with each other. The result is an evaluation of how the amount of fibre affects the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. The dependence between consistency, compressive strength and shrinkage of steel fibre reinforced concrete is also established.
Abrupt drought termination in the British–Irish Isles driven by high atmospheric vapour transport
Authors: Parry Simon , Lavers David , Wilby Robert , Prudhomme Christel , Wood Paul , Murphy Conor , O’Connor Paul
Published: August 2023

During protracted dry spells, there is considerable interest from water managers, media and the public in when and how drought termination (DT) will occur. Robust answers to these questions require better understanding of the hydroclimatic drivers of DT than currently available. Integrated vapour transport (IVT) has been found to drive DT in Western North America, but evidence elsewhere is lacking. To evaluate this association for the British–Irish Isles, event coincidence analysis is applied to 354 catchments in the UK and Ireland over the period 1900–2010 using ERA-20C reanalysis IVT data and 7589 DT events extracted from reconstructed river flow series. Linkages are identified for 53% of all DT events across all catchments. Associations are particularly strong for catchments in western and southern regions and in autumn and winter. In Western Scotland, 80% of autumn DTs are preceded by high IVT, whilst in Southern England more than two thirds of winter DTs follow high IVT episodes. High IVT and DT are most strongly associated in less permeable, wetter upland catchments of Western Britain, reflecting their maritime setting and orographic enhancement of prevailing south-westerly high IVT episodes. Although high IVT remains an important drought-terminating mechanism further east, it less frequently results in DT. Furthermore, the highest rates of DT occur with increasing IVT intensity, and the vast majority of the most abrupt DTs only occur following top decile IVT and under strongly positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) conditions. Since IVT and NAO forecasts may be more skilful than those for rainfall which underpin current forecasting systems, incorporating these findings into such systems has potential to underpin enhanced forecasting of DTs. This could help to mitigate impacts of abrupt recoveries from drought including water quality issues and managing compound drought–flood hazards concurrently.
Deep decarbonization and U.S. biofuels production: a coordinated analysis with a detailed structural model and an integrated multisectoral model
Authors: Vimmerstedt Laura , Atnoorkar Swaroop , Bergero Candelaria , Wise Marshall , Peterson Steve , Newes Emily , Inman Daniel
Published: August 2023

Scenarios for deep decarbonization involve biomass for biofuels, biopower, and bioproducts, and they often include negative emissions via carbon capture and storage or utilization. However, critical questions remain about the feasibility of rapid growth to high levels of biomass utilization, given biomass and land availability as well as historical growth rates of the biofuel industry. We address these questions through a unique coordinated analysis and comparison of carbon pricing effects on biomass utilization growth in the United States using a multisectoral integrated assessment model, the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM), and a biomass-to-biofuels system dynamics model, the Bioenergy Scenario Model (BSM). We harmonized and varied key factors—such as carbon prices, vehicle electrification, and arable land availability—in the two models. We varied the rate of biorefinery construction, the fungibility of feedstock types across conversion processes, and policy incentives in BSM. The rate of growth in biomass deployment under a carbon price in both models is within the range of current literature. However, the reallocation of land to biomass feedstocks would need to overcome bottlenecks to achieve growth consistent with deep decarbonization scenarios. Investments as a result of near-term policy incentives can develop technology and expand capacity—reducing costs, enabling flexibility in feedstock use, and improving stability—but if biomass demand is high, these investments might not overcome land reallocation bottlenecks. Biomass utilization for deep decarbonization relies on extraordinary growth in biomass availability and industrial capacity. In this paper, we quantify and describe the potential challenges of this rapid change.
Changes in groundwater irrigation withdrawals due to climate change in Kansas
Authors: Obembe Oladipo S , Hendricks Nathan P , Krishna Jagadish S V
Published: August 2023

Warming temperatures increase the evapotranspiration demand of crops, leading to an increase in irrigation and exacerbating water scarcity. Previous research relies on models of irrigation water requirements to understand the potential impacts of climate change, but these models have significant uncertainty and ignore the risk-averse behavior of irrigators. Here we develop regression models to estimate how changes in vapor pressure deficit and precipitation affect groundwater withdrawals for corn, soybeans, and wheat using well-level data from the Kansas portion of the High Plains Aquifer. Withdrawals are expected to increase for all three crops, with the largest increase for soybeans. Even after accounting for the CO2 improvements in transpiration efficiency, we find that total withdrawals are expected to increase by 5.9% (7.6%) by mid-century under RCP 4.5 (8.5). The increase in withdrawals is expected to accelerate the decline in aquifer water levels and is therefore important to consider when projecting future aquifer conditions.
Third quantization for bosons: symplectic diagonalization, non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, and symmetries
Authors: Kim Steven , Hassler Fabian
Published: August 2023

Open quantum systems that interact with a Markovian environment can be described by a Lindblad master equation. The generator of time-translation is given by a Liouvillian superoperator

acting on the density matrix of the system. As the Fock space for a single bosonic mode is already infinite-dimensional, the diagonalization of the Liouvillian has to be done on the creation- and annihilation-superoperators, a process called ‘third quantization’. We propose a method to solve the Liouvillian for quadratic systems using a single symplectic transformation. We show that the non-Hermitian effective Hamiltonian of the system, next to incorporating the dynamics of the system, is a tool to analyze its symmetries. As an example, we use the effective Hamiltonian to formulate a

-‘symmetry’ of an open system. We describe how the inclusion of source terms allows us to obtain the cumulant generating function for observables such as the photon current.