bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-Physics Simulation for Morphology Design of Si Anode
Authors: Bansal Parth , Li Yumeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Due to a constant increase in the usage of portable battery power storage and delivery systems, there is a constant need for innovation in the area of battery design. One such possible innovation is the use of Silicon (Si) as the anode material in Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs). While Si is a much better anode material than the traditionally used graphite anode, its usage comes with its own issues. The intercalating mechanism in Si anodes for Li ion storage, causes an increase in the specific capacity of battery along with significant variation in the volume of Si during the charge/discharge cycling. Volumetric variations of up to 300% are observed during the lithiation/delithiation in the Si anode which results in the development of massive internal stresses in the anode. These internal stresses are observed to cause delamination of the anode from the metal substrate and also the cracking within the anode material itself, which ultimately decreases the capacity of the battery. A possible solution to this problem is to design the morphology of nickel backbones in Si anode to reduce the intensity of the internal stresses and therefore the resulted failure and capacity degradation. In this paper, multiphysics simulation based on finite element analysis is developed to understand and quantify the effect of the morphology of nickel backbone on the lithiation induced stress in the Si anode. A convex and concave anode structure, along with a flat design for comparison, will be simulated for different lithiation/delithiation rates, using the FE model and the FE analysis will be conducted to investigate the changes in the corresponding stresses in Si layer, the cracking pattern and the delaminated area. It is expected the developed multiphysics FE simulations can inform the morphological design of anode to minimize the mechanical degradation and reduce capability loss.
A Decentralized Multi-Agent Path Planning Approach Based on Imitation Learning and Global Static Feature Extraction
Authors: Feng Bohan , Bi Youyi , Li Mian , Lin Liyong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Multi-agent path planning is a crucial problem in numerous industrial robotic implementations, ranging from smart material transportation, mobile patrolling to automated warehousing. In this paper, we introduce a decentralized multi-agent path planning approach based on imitation learning and global static feature extraction. Our approach employs a convolutional neural network in the information extraction layer to obtain features from local field-of-view observations and expert-planned paths under a global static map. The information aggregation layer then uses a graph attention network to combine feature information from selected neighboring agents. The request-reply based selective communication is also applied in the information aggregation layer to identify appropriate neighboring agents to be included in the graph attention network. Finally, the action output layer translates the aggregated feature information into actions for each agent. Additionally, we develop a strategy switching mechanism that adaptively utilizes expert-planned paths under a global static map to support agents to escape from local traps. The effectiveness of our proposed approach is evaluated in simulated grid environments with varying map sizes, obstacle densities, and numbers of agents. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach outperforms other decentralized path planning methods in success rate and generalizability. Furthermore, our approach is computationally efficient and scalable, making it suitable for real-world applications.
Understanding Governing Physical Mechanism of Bio-Inspired Nanostructured Antifouling Coating
Authors: Singh Akash , Li Yumeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Nanostructured anti-fouling surface has been discovered on the wings of insects like Cicada, which have the ability to kill bacteria on contact. The discovery of such nanostructured surface on cicada wings started a race amongst researchers to find and develop anti-biotic coating for implantable devices, which can prevent the infection from harmful bacteria and simultaneously reduce the use of antibiotic chemicals. To develop and design such biomimetic bactericidal surfaces, thorough understanding of the bactericidal mechanism is critical. However, due to extremely small relevant length and time scales, it is challenging to investigate the bactericidal process in an experimental setting. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation provides an exceptional tool to predict structural and material behaviors at small length and time scales with good accuracy and a fraction of costs relative to experimental testing. We have developed a coarse-grained model to simulate the deformation of bacteria on nanopillared array/surfaces to investigate the governing killing mechanism of bacteria. This study has investigated the effect of nanopillars height and bending rigidity of the bacteria’s membrane on the governing killing mechanism and bactericidal efficiency. It is suggested that for bacteria with high membrane bending rigidity, nanopillar height is not an important factor and piercing of the bacteria’s membrane is the dominating bactericidal mechanism. For bacteria’s with low bending rigidity sagging of the bacteria’s cell membrane between nanopillars and resulting stretching/tearing is the major killing mechanism. Therefore, nanopillar height is an important factor for governing the bactericidal efficiency because small nanopillars allow the bacteria to sag down and reach the bottom surface for extra support without damaging. In addition, the present study implies that there exists a critical height of nanopillars for the development of efficient antifouling surfaces against bacteria with low membrane bending rigidity.
A Framework on Performing Virtual Building Energy Audit
Authors: Guo Qi , Chiasson Andrew , Almoatham Sulaiman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This article outlines a method for conducting virtual energy audits in situations where on-site visits are not possible. The approach provides a systematic methodology, including utility cost analysis, facility energy balance analysis, and lean energy analysis, to identify and prioritize energy-saving measures. The critical areas examined during a virtual visit include the building envelope, lighting, and HVAC systems. The paper also includes a case study that highlights the efficacy of the proposed framework. The study recommends several energy-saving measures, such as consolidating electricity meters, using photosensors for sidewalk lights, replacing traditional bulbs with LED bulbs, and upgrading parking lot lights to LED bulbs. The article contributes significantly to the field of energy auditing, especially in cases where physical access to buildings is restricted. The proposed framework provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional energy audits and allows organizations to promote environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption.
System Parameter Design for Community Microgrid Energy System Based on a Bi-Level Optimization Model
Authors: Liu Jiangshan , Bi Youyi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
With the increasing use of renewable energy in the context of global climate change, microgrids are expected to be a promising form of accessing and distributing renewable energy sources. However, existing design methods for microgrid energy systems usually consider the system planning and system operation as separate problems, which cannot guarantee the safety, reliability and cost economy of microgrids from a holistic view. To fill this gap, we propose a system parameter design approach for community microgrid based on a bi-level optimization model. This approach can generate optimal system configuration parameters and operation parameters for a community microgrid energy system in an integrated way. To demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach, we use the construction and operation of a medium-sized community microgrid system in a southern-China city as the illustrative example. The results show that the generated system planning and operation strategies can effectively improve the reliability and lower the operation cost of the microgrid system without raising customers’ power consumption expenditures. In addition, the influence of the environmental sensitivity of renewable energy and the dynamics of customers’ power consumption patterns on the reliability and economy of microgrid are also examined and discussed. Our study contributes to the development of advanced design and operation methods for smart-community energy systems.
A Reduced Order Model for Static and Buckling Analysis of Thin-Walled Stiffened Plate on a Non-Conformal Mesh
Authors: Hashemian Fatemeh , Zhao Wei , Wang Yi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Thin-walled stiffened plates can be susceptible to buckling-induced instability failures. An accurate and efficient model is essential for optimizing stiffener size and shape and analyzing buckling while considering geometric complexity, location, loading, and boundary conditions. A full-scale finite element analysis (FEA) was previously employed to determine the buckling load of the stiffened plate during the stiffener shape and size optimization. A non-conformal mesh method based on an inverse isoparametric mapping algorithm (IIMA) was developed recently to model stiffened plates with complex-shaped stiffeners keeping the base plate unchanged. Built on this work, this paper presents a reduced order modeling (ROM) approach to accelerate the static and buckling analysis of the stiffened plate. The principle is to use the base plate’s free-vibration modal shapes to estimate its displacement and link the ROM of the base plate with stiffeners through displacement compatibility at the interface. ROM is used again to approximate the eigenvalues in the buckling analysis of the stiffened plate. The proposed ROM approaches turned out to be accurate and significantly reduce computational time compared to full-scale FEA.
Identification of Carbon Diffusivity of S9310 Utilizing Correlated Numerical and Experimental Investigations
Authors: Xu Dong , Kim Jeongho , Frame Lesley D. , Tang Jiong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The characterization of carbon diffusion behavior in austenite is essential for the design and implementation of heat-treating processes. Traditional carbon diffusion models may not accurately predict the carbon diffusion profile of alloy steels such as S9310. Indeed, the local carbon concentration of the alloy affects the rate of carburization, and thus carburization parameters should be considered as a function of carbon concentration. In this research, we first establish a systematic approach of modeling the low-pressure carburizing (vacuum carburizing) of S9310. By assessing the finite element simulation results and comparing them with experimental data, we preselect a carbon diffusion model architecture. In this model architecture, the carburization parameters are functions of both temperature and carbon concentration. We then carry out parametric identification by correlating numerical analysis with experimental result. Specifically, an optimization problem is formulated which identifies the coefficients in the carbon diffusion model by minimizing the difference between the finite element simulation and the experimental data in the parameter space under different operating conditions. The proposed carbon diffusion model can generally lead to better matching between numerical simulation and experiment. The outcome of this research can benefit the carburization process of S9310.
Development of Nickel-ZIF-8 Doped Nitrogen Reduced Graphene Oxide Catalytic Materials for PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Shirzadi Jahromi Hassan , Saxena Shivi , Sridhar Sudharsan , Ghantasala Muralidhar K. , Guda Ramakrishna , Rozhkova Elena A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper presents the results of our investigation on new catalyst materials for Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and poor electrochemical durability of platinum-based catalysts necessitated the study of new materials. Recently, pyrolytic transition metal nitrogen-carbon material (M-N-C) based catalysts have gained considerable attention for their unique electronic structure and other physical properties, which can facilitate better ionic and electronic conductivities. Specifically, nickel-nitrogen-carbon (Ni-N-C) catalysts have demonstrated favorable catalytic activity and durability due to their fast electron transfer rates and improved kinetic reaction rates. This study describes a facile method for synthesizing Nitrogen-doped and pristine reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO and rGO) with Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) material, in making N-rGO-Ni-ZIFx and rGO-Ni-ZIFx Several characterization techniques, including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and EDS, were employed to assess the physical and chemical properties that impact the electrochemical performance of the synthesized materials. Based on the results obtained, it can be inferred that the inclusion of the transition metal and the process of high-temperature pyrolysis (at 600°C) have a considerable influence on the improvement of ORR activity. The N-rGO-Ni-ZIFx-600 sample exhibits superior ORR activity in acidic media, displaying comparable redox peaks to those observed with the commercially available 40 wt% Pt/C catalyst. The correlation of different properties with their respective electrochemical activity is discussed in this paper.
Raster Angle and Infill Percentage Influence on Selected Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Authors: Adams Aaron , Coates Cameron , Carlson Eugene , Tiller Andrew 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This work investigated the influence of raster angle and infill percentage on selected mechanical properties of two commonly used 3D Printed materials: Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) at room temperature. Their Elastic Modulus, Yield Strength, and Toughness were experimentally determined and compared for infill densities of 5%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, and raster angles of 0/90, 45/45, and 30/60. The materials were printed using Fused Deposition Modeling per ASTM D638-22 standards, with a layer thickness of 0.3 mm, an initial layer speed of 35 mm/s, and an infill speed of 50 mm/s. The initial layer speed and infill speeds were 35 mm/s and 50 mm/s, respectively.
The team concluded that PETG material, on average, outperformed HIPS when looking at Young’s Modulus of the printed samples. There are few instances where HIPS has a higher Young’s Modulus, i.e., 45-45 at infill 100%, 45-45 at infill 50%, and 30-60 at infill 100%. The PETG samples often exceeded the toughness of HIPS as well. As seen in the tables, there are a few cases in which HIPS has much higher toughness than the same raster and infill percentage as PETG. For instance, HIPS samples at 0-90 angles and infill percentages of 50% and 75%. Overall, the team concluded that PETG, on average, outperforms HIPS in both Young’s Modulus and toughness during the testing. PETG would be suitable for most situations, whereas HIPS would fail more often if substituted for PETG.
Design and Development of Shape Memory Polymer-Based Mechanical Thrombectomy Device
Authors: O’Brien Rory , Moritz Vicente , McDonald Paul , Devine Declan , Srivastava Rupal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the biomedical industry, research and application of shape memory polymers (SMP) have mainly been focused on drug-delivery implants, stents, orthopaedic devices, tissue engineering, and wound closure. Little focus has been given to using SMP as delivery catheters or access devices, which can benefit from greater flexibility and larger deformation relative to metals. This work aims at designing and developing a thrombectomy device prototype using an SMP at the distal tip of a microcatheter, which would recover to a desired shape to act as a retrieval mechanism, removing a thrombus from an occluded artery in an acute ischemic stroke. The catheter was built using a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) liner substrate, braided reinforcement, a Pebax jacket layer, and a coiled copper wire heating element. A shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) was extruded and reflowed over the copper coil. The SMPU was shape-set into a helical shape and was then formed into a temporary straight shape. Thermomechanical testing of the SMPU demonstrated the effect of temperature on the mechanical properties, as when the polymer was heated above the transition temperatures, the mechanical behaviour changed, resulting in a lower stress but a greater strain rate. Applying a direct current to heat the copper coil and cause a thermal stimulus in the SMPU successfully induced a shape recovery of the distal tip to its original helical shape. Within this frame of reference, this work describes an SMPU tubing material with a straight secondary shape that can recover its coiled primary shape once thermally stimulated. The prototype further strengthens the experimental success.
Thermal Simulations of a Composite Grid Structure Boom for Small Satellites
Authors: Scigliano Roberto , De Simone Valeria , Totaro Giovanni 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Italian Aerospace Research Centre (CIRA) has been working on composite grid structure for many years in the context of many EU / ESA challenging research programs like the Interstage 2/3 of the Vega C launcher. Small satellite industry demands more and more low mass structure to increase electronic payload. Grid structure seems to answer this request, but it is crucial to be able to predict numerically the performance of such structure. Indeed, such new structures are usually made of very thin and light materials which complicates the on-ground tests prior the launch. This paper presents a finite element modelling of a composite grid boom working on a LEO small satellite. In particular, a preliminary thermal assessment and a subsequent thermo-structural analysis to estimate the material safety w.r.t the designed orbit has been performed.
SWARM Applications Using Commercial Robots
Authors: Augustine Emmanuel , Shin Minchul 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This research aims to develop a robot swarm system for investigating highly uncertain terrains in space. The system consists of multiple robots that can self-assemble, equipped with an onboard microcontroller. The project aims to develop algorithms for edge-following, gradient formation, localization, self-assembly, and connection to enable cooperative operations within the swarm. Bluetooth and time-of-flight sensors will be used for communication and distance measurement, respectively. The development of the algorithms involves mathematical modeling, simulation, and experimental testing. The results section will present preliminary findings of the experiments, highlighting the potential performance of the swarm system in various tasks. The proposed work contributes to the field of robotics and space exploration and offers scientific merits and educational opportunities.
Effect of Stress Triaxiality on Creep Deformation of Polyaramid-Reinforced Elastic Cements
Authors: Contreras Elizabeth Q. , Heinold Thomas , Martinez Roland F. , Johnson Kenneth D. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
New methods for long-term performance evaluation based upon tri-axial load cell measurements are presented, quantitatively analyzing the reliability of new polyaramid-reinforced cement material by measuring cumulative fatigue damage to predict long-term failure. Compressive strength, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio measurements under dynamic force loading conditions result in the overall design of innovative polyaramid additives applied as non-metallic alternatives for the improvement of mechanical properties of high sulfate resistant Portland cement (HSR). In this study, strain-controlled cyclic tests to measure mechanical properties showed aramid-reinforced cements with 1.6% to 4.5% and 11% permanent strain (maximum) when compared to neat cement (with no admixture) at 30% permanent strain. Enhancement to cement mechanical properties is attributed to the unique response by novel polyaramid-reinforced samples under extreme strain-stress cyclic conditions up to 40 MPa. From this data, various new polyaramid-reinforced cements showed energy storage (low YM) and low strain rate, potentially prolonging the lifespan of HSR Portland cement without sacrificing compressive strength.
Optimization of Heat Exchanger Network via Pinch Technology: a Case Study of a Dairy Facility in Italy
Authors: Abbate Simona , Di Bartolomeo Marco , Giordano Lorena , Benedetti Miriam , Carapellucci Roberto 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Process integration via pinch technology is widely regarded as an effective approach to boost industrial sustainability and competitiveness by reducing process-related energy and material consumption and environmental impacts. So far, such approach has been mainly applied to energy-intensive processes. As a result, industrial sectors like the food industry still offer wide margins for energy efficiency improvement via pinch analysis. As well known, food manufacturing requires many process operations, such as pasteurization, sterilization, and drying, which involve the heat transfer between products and heating/cooling media. Therefore, the design and optimization of heat exchanger network is crucial to minimize external heating and cooling requirements and improve the recovery of waste heat streams. In this paper, a flexible open-source model is proposed for the design or retrofit of industrial heat exchanger networks (HENs) via pinch-analysis. The model is used to investigate a real dairy process for cream production with the aim to identify the energy saving opportunities and assess the potential techno-economic and environmental benefits. The study found out that the design of the heat exchangers network under conditions of maximum energy recovery results in a significant reduction of 95.8 kW in the thermal power exchanged with external utilities. This improvement provides a reduction in the thermal power of hot and cold utilities by 48.5% and 44.9% respectively compared to the reference case.