Aluminum alloys AA6061 reinforced with various amounts （0, 2.5% and 5%, mass fraction） of TiC particles were synthesized by the in situ reaction of inorganic salt K2TiF6 and ceramic particle SiC with molten aluminum...Aluminum alloys AA6061 reinforced with various amounts （0, 2.5% and 5%, mass fraction） of TiC particles were synthesized by the in situ reaction of inorganic salt K2TiF6 and ceramic particle SiC with molten aluminum. The casting was carried out at an elevated temperature and held for a longer duration to decompose SiC to release carbon atoms. X-ray diffraction patterns of the prepared AMCs clearly revealed the formation of TiC particles without the occurrence of any other intermetallic compounds. The microstructure of the prepared AA6061/TiC AMCs was studied using field emission scanning electron microscope （FESEM） and electron backscatter diffraction （EBSD）. The in situ formed TiC particles were characterized with homogeneous distribution, clear interface, good bonding and various shapes such as cubic, spherical and hexagonal. EBSD maps showed the grain refinement action of TiC particles on the produced composites. The formation of TiC particles boosted the microhardness and ultimate tensile strength （UTS） of the AMCs.展开更多
The fields of biomechanics and mechanobiology have long been predicated on the premise that mechanics governs cell behavior. However, over the past few years, a growing body of evidence has suggested that the mechanic...The fields of biomechanics and mechanobiology have long been predicated on the premise that mechanics governs cell behavior. However, over the past few years, a growing body of evidence has suggested that the mechanical environment very close to cells–the cell microenvironment–plays the most important role in determining what a cell feels and how it responds to tissue-level stimuli. To complicate matters further, cells can actively manipulate their microenvironments through pathways of recursive mechanobiological feedback. Harnessing this recursive behavior to understand and control cell physiology and pathophysiology is a critical frontier in the field of mechanobiology. Recent results suggest that the key to opening this scientific frontier to investigation and engineering application is understanding a different frontier: the physical frontier that cells face when probing their mechanical microenvironments.展开更多
This article aims tomodel and analyze the heat and fluid flow characteristics of a carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC)nanofluid within a convergent-divergent shaped microchannel(Two-dimensional).The base fluid,water+CMC(0.5%...This article aims tomodel and analyze the heat and fluid flow characteristics of a carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC)nanofluid within a convergent-divergent shaped microchannel(Two-dimensional).The base fluid,water+CMC(0.5%),is mixed with CuO and Al2O3 nanoparticles at volume fractions of 0.5%and 1.5%,respectively.The research is conducted through the conjugate usage of experimental and theoretical models to represent more realistic properties of the non-Newtonian nanofluid.Three types of microchannels including straight,divergent,and convergent are considered,all having the same length and identical inlet cross-sectional area.Using ANSYS FLUENT software,Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the laminar flow of the non-Newtonian nanofluid.The study examines the effects of Reynolds number,nanoparticle concentration and type,and microchannel geometry on flow and heat transfer.The results prove that the alumina nanoparticles outperform copper oxide in increasing the Nusselt number at a 0.5% volume fraction,while copper oxide nanoparticles excel at a 1.5%volume fraction.Moreover,in the selected case study,as the Reynolds number increases from 100 to 500,the Nusselt number rises by 56.26% in straight geometry,52.93% in divergent geometry,and 59.10%in convergent geometry.Besides,the Nusselt number enhances by 18.75% when transitioning from straight to convergent geometry at a Reynolds number of 500,and by 19.81%at a Reynolds number of 1000.Finally,the results of the research depict that the use of thermophysical properties derived from the experimental achievements,despite creating complexity in the modeling and the solution method,leads to more accurate and realistic outputs.展开更多
Friction stir spot welding technique was employed to join pure copper （C11000） and pure aluminium （AA1060） sheets. The evolving properties of the welds produced were characterized. The spot welds were produced by ...Friction stir spot welding technique was employed to join pure copper （C11000） and pure aluminium （AA1060） sheets. The evolving properties of the welds produced were characterized. The spot welds were produced by varying the rotational speed, shoulder plunge depth using different tool geometries. The presence of a copper ring of different lengths was observed on both sides of the welds indicating that Cu extruded upward into the Al sheet which contributed to obtaining strong welds. The microstructure showed the presence of copper particles in the aluminium matrix which led to the presence of various intermetallics observed by the energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The maximum tensile failure load increases with an increase in the shoulder plunge depth, except for the weld produced at 800 r/min using a conical pin and a concave shoulder. A nugget pull-out failure mode occurred in all the friction stir spot welds under the lap-shear loading conditions. High peaks of Vickers microhardness values were obtained in the vicinity of the keyhole of most of the samples which correlated to the presence of intermetallics in the stir zone of the welds.展开更多
This work is focused on developing AA2124/4 wt.%B4 C nano-composite coatings on Ti-6 A1-4 V using friction surfacing to improve the wear resistance. The composite was produced using conventional stir casting method an...This work is focused on developing AA2124/4 wt.%B4 C nano-composite coatings on Ti-6 A1-4 V using friction surfacing to improve the wear resistance. The composite was produced using conventional stir casting method and coatings were laid using an indigenously-developed friction surfacing machine. The rotational speed of the mechtrode was varied. The microstructure of the composite coating was observed using conventional and advanced microscopic techniques. The sliding wear behavior was evaluated using a pin-on-disc apparatus. The coating geometry(thickness and width) increased with increased rotational speed. The interface was straight without thick intermetallic layer. Homogenous distribution of nano B4C particles and extremely fine grains was observed in the composite coating. The interfacial bonding between the aluminum matrix and B4C particles was excellent. The composite coating improved the wear resistance of the titanium alloy substrate due to the reduction in effective contact area,lower coefficient of friction and excellent interfacial bonding.展开更多
Hydrogen storage and delivery technology is still a bottleneck in the hydrogen industry chain.Among all kinds of hydrogen storage methods,light-weight solid-state hydrogen storage(LSHS)materials could become promising...Hydrogen storage and delivery technology is still a bottleneck in the hydrogen industry chain.Among all kinds of hydrogen storage methods,light-weight solid-state hydrogen storage(LSHS)materials could become promising due to its intrinsic high hydrogen capacity.Hydrolysis reaction of LSHS materials occurs at moderate conditions,indicating the potential for portable applications.At present,most of review work focuses on the improvement of material performance,especially the catalysts design.This part is important,but the others,such as operation modes,are also vital to to make full use of material potential in the practical applications.Different operation modes of hydrolysis reaction have an impact on hydrogen capacity to various degrees.For example,hydrolysis in solution would decrease the hydrogen capacity of hydrogen generator to a low value due to the excessive water participating in the reaction.Therefore,application-oriented operation modes could become a key problem for hydrolysis reaction of LSHS materials.In this paper,the operation modes of hydrolysis reaction and their practical applications are mainly reviewed.The implements of each operation mode are discussed and compared in detail to determine the suitable one for practical applications with the requirement of high energy density.The current challenges and future directions are also discussed.展开更多
Utilizing fly ash(FA)as reinforcement for magnesium matrix composites(MMCs)brings down the production cost and the land pollution.Magnesium alloy AZ31 was reinforced with FA particles(10 vol.%)successfully by two diff...Utilizing fly ash(FA)as reinforcement for magnesium matrix composites(MMCs)brings down the production cost and the land pollution.Magnesium alloy AZ31 was reinforced with FA particles(10 vol.%)successfully by two different processing methods namely conventional stir casting and friction stir processing(FSP).The microstructural features were observed using optical microscope,scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction.The sliding wear behavior was tested using a pin-on-disc wear apparatus.The stir cast composite showed inhomogeneous particle dispersion and coarse grain structure.Some of the FA particles decomposed and reacted with the matrix alloy to produce undesirable compounds.Conversely,FSP composite showed superior particle dispersion and fine,equiaxed grains by dynamic recrystallization.FA particles encountered disintegration but there was no interfacial reaction.FSP composite demonstrated higher strengthening and wear resistance to that of stir cast composite.The morphology of the worn surface and the wear debris were studied in detail.展开更多
The influence of friction stir welding processing parameters on dissimilar joints conducted between aluminium alloy （AA5754） and commercially pure copper （C11000） was studied. The welds were produced by varying th...The influence of friction stir welding processing parameters on dissimilar joints conducted between aluminium alloy （AA5754） and commercially pure copper （C11000） was studied. The welds were produced by varying the rotational speed from 600 to 1200 r/min and the feed rate from 50 to 300 mm/min. The resulting microstructure and the corrosion properties of the welds produced were studied. It was found that the joint interfacial regions of the welds were characterized by interlayers of aluminium and copper. The corrosion tests revealed that the corrosion resistance of the welds was improved as the rotational speed was increased. The corrosion rates of the welds compared to the base metals were improved compared with Cu and decreased slightly compared with the aluminium alloy. The lowest corrosion rate was obtained at welds produced at rotational speed of 950 r/min and feed rate of 300 mm/min which corresponds to a weld produced at a low heat input.展开更多
Stir casting was used to produce AA6061/15%TiC （mass fraction） aluminum matrix composites （AMCs）. An empirical relationship was developed to predict the effect of stir casting parameters on the ultimate tensile ...Stir casting was used to produce AA6061/15%TiC （mass fraction） aluminum matrix composites （AMCs）. An empirical relationship was developed to predict the effect of stir casting parameters on the ultimate tensile strength （UTS） of AA6061/TiC AMCs. A central composite rotatable design consisting of four factors and five levels was used to minimize the number of experiments, i.e., castings. The factors considered were stirring speed, stirring time, blade angle and casting temperature. The effect of those factors on the UTS of AA6061/TiC AMCs was derived using the developed empirical relationship and elucidated using microstructural characterization. Each factor significantly influenced the UTS. The variation in the UTS was attributed to porosity content, cluster formation, segregation of TiC particles at the grain boundaries and homogenous distribution in the aluminum matrix.展开更多
Zinc-ion hybrid fiber supercapacitors(FSCs)are promising energy storages for wearable electronics owing to their high energy density,good flexibility,and weavability.However,it is still a critical challenge to optimiz...Zinc-ion hybrid fiber supercapacitors(FSCs)are promising energy storages for wearable electronics owing to their high energy density,good flexibility,and weavability.However,it is still a critical challenge to optimize the structure of the designed FSC to improve energy density and realize the continuous fabrication of super-long FSCs.Herein,we propose a braided coaxial zinc-ion hybrid FSC with several meters of Ti_(3)C_(2)T_x MXene cathode as core electrodes,and shell zinc fiber anode was braided on the surface of the Ti_(3)C_(2)T_x MXene fibers across the solid electrolytes.According to the simulated results using ANSYS Maxwell software,the braided structures revealed a higher capacitance compared to the spring-like structures.The resulting FSCs exhibited a high areal capacitance of 214 mF cm^(-2),the energy density of 42.8μWh cm^(-2)at 5 mV s^(-1),and excellent cycling stability with 83.58%capacity retention after 5000 cycles.The coaxial FSC was tied several kinds of knots,proving a shape-controllable fiber energy storage.Furthermore,the knitted FSC showed superior stability and weavability,which can be woven into watch belts or embedded into textiles to power smart watches and LED arrays for a few days.展开更多
Rice husk ash(RHA) is a potential particulate reinforcement to produce aluminum matrix composites(AMCs)economically.Compocasting method was applied to produce aluminum alloy AA6061 reinforced with various amounts(0,2%...Rice husk ash(RHA) is a potential particulate reinforcement to produce aluminum matrix composites(AMCs)economically.Compocasting method was applied to produce aluminum alloy AA6061 reinforced with various amounts(0,2%,4%,6%and 8%,mass fraction) of RHA particles.The prepared composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.X-ray diffraction patterns of AA6061/RHA AMCs revealed the presence of RHA particles without the formation of any other intermetallic compounds.The scanning electron micrographs showed a homogeneous distribution of RHA particles all over the aluminum matrix.Intragranular distribution of RHA particles was observed.Further,RHA particles were bonded well with the aluminum matrix and a clear interface existed.The reinforcement of RHA particles enhanced the microhardness and ultimate tensile strength(UTS) of the AMCs.The tensile behavior is correlated to the microstructure of the AMCs.展开更多
Large-eddy simulation（LES） is compared with experiment and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes（RANS）, and LES is shown to be superior to RANS in reproducing corner separation in the LMFA-NACA65 linear compressor casca...Large-eddy simulation（LES） is compared with experiment and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes（RANS）, and LES is shown to be superior to RANS in reproducing corner separation in the LMFA-NACA65 linear compressor cascade, in terms of surface limiting streamlines,blade pressure coefficient, total pressure losses and blade suction side boundary layer profiles. However, LES is too expensive to conduct an influencing parameter study of the corner separation.RANS approach, despite over-predicting the corner separation, gives reasonable descriptions of the corner separated flow, and is thus selected to conduct a parametric study in this paper. Two kinds of influencing parameters on corner separation, numerical and physical parameters, are analyzed and discussed： second order spatial scheme is necessary for a RANS simulation; incidence angle and inflow boundary layer thickness are found to show the most significant influences on the corner separation among the parameters studied; unsteady RANS with the imposed inflow unsteadiness（inflow angle varying sinusoidally with fluctuating amplitude of 0.92°） does not show any non-linear effect on the corner separation.展开更多
Based on the growth mechanism of natural biological branching systems and inspiration from the morphology of plant root tips,a bionic design method called Improved Adaptive Growth Method(IAGM)has been proposed in the ...Based on the growth mechanism of natural biological branching systems and inspiration from the morphology of plant root tips,a bionic design method called Improved Adaptive Growth Method(IAGM)has been proposed in the authors’previous research and successfully applied to the reinforcement optimization of three-dimensional box structures with respect to natural frequencies.However,as a kind of ground structure methods,the final layout patterns of stiffeners obtained by using the IAGM are highly subjected to their ground structures,which restricts the optimization effect and freedom to further improve the dynamic performance of structures.To solve this problem,a novel post-processing geometry and size optimization approach is proposed in this article.This method takes the former layout optimization result as start,and iteratively finds the optimal layout angles,locations,and lengths of stiffeners with a few design variables by optimizing the positions of some specific node lines called active node lines.At the same time,thick-nesses of stiffeners are also optimized to further improve natural frequencies of three-dimensional box structures.Using this method,stiffeners can be successfully separated from their ground structures and further effectively improve natural frequencies of three-dimensional box structures with less material consumption.Typical numerical examples are illustrated to validate the effectiveness and advantages of the suggested method.展开更多
Straight and Bent nano-cantilever specimens are respectively proposed to investigate the single-mode and mixed-mode crack initiation at the Cu/Si interface edge in nanoscale components. With a minute loading apparatus...Straight and Bent nano-cantilever specimens are respectively proposed to investigate the single-mode and mixed-mode crack initiation at the Cu/Si interface edge in nanoscale components. With a minute loading apparatus, all nanoscale samples are in situ loaded and observed. Numerical analysis is employed to acquire the critical interfacial stress distributions during crack initiation. The stress concentration regions near the edge of Cu/Si interface in all specimens are within the scale of 100 nm, and the critical normal and shear stresses have a circular relation in nanoscale components, which represents the fracture criterion of the interface in nanoscale components.展开更多
Contents of fly ash are important factors for the operation of coal-fired plants. Real-time monitoring of coal and fly ash such as unburned carbon in fly ash can be an indicator of the combustion conditions. Because o...Contents of fly ash are important factors for the operation of coal-fired plants. Real-time monitoring of coal and fly ash such as unburned carbon in fly ash can be an indicator of the combustion conditions. Because of the strong signal intensity and the relative simplicity of the LIBS (Laser- Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) technique, LIBS can be applicable for real-time composition measurement of coal and fly ash. This research presented here focused on the clarification of the effects of plasma temperature and coexisting materials on quantitative measurement of fly ash contents. Quantitative capability of LIBS was improved using the proposed plasma temperature correction method. The CO2 effect was also discussed to accurately evaluate unburned carbon in fly ash in exhausts. Using the results shown in this study, quantitative measurement of fly ash contents has been improved for wider applications of LIBS to practical fields.展开更多
Self-shaping materials such as shape memory polymers have recently drawn considerable attention owing to their high shape-changing ability in response to changes in ambient conditions, and thereby have promising appli...Self-shaping materials such as shape memory polymers have recently drawn considerable attention owing to their high shape-changing ability in response to changes in ambient conditions, and thereby have promising applications in the biomedical, biosensing, soft robotics and aerospace fields. Their design is a crucial issue of both theoretical and technological interest. Motivated by the shape-changing ability of Towel Gourd tendril helices during swelling/deswelling, we present a strategy for realizing self-shaping function through the deformation of micro/nanohelices. To guide the design and fabrication of selfshaping materials, the shape equations of bent configurations, twisted belts, and helices of slender chiral composite are developed using the variation method. Furthermore, it is numerically shown that the shape changes of a chiral composite can be tuned by the deformation of micro/nanohelices and the fabricated fiber directions. This work paves a new way to create self-shaping composites.展开更多
Rutile(TiO_2) particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites were prepared by friction stir processing. The microstructure was studied using conventional and advanced characterization techniques. TiO_2 particles were ...Rutile(TiO_2) particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites were prepared by friction stir processing. The microstructure was studied using conventional and advanced characterization techniques. TiO_2 particles were found to be dispersed uniformly in the composite. Clusters of TiO_2 particles were observed at a higher particle content of 18 vol%. The interface between the TiO_2 particle and the aluminum matrix was characterized by the absence of pores and reactive layer.Sub-grain boundaries, ultra-fine grains and dislocation density were observed in the composites. TiO_2 particles improved the mechanical properties of the composites. However, a drop in tensile strength was observed at a higher particle content due to cluster formation. All the prepared composites exhibited ductile mode of fracture.展开更多
The fractional calculus approach in the constitutive relationship model of viscoelastic fluid was introduced. The velocity and temperature fields of the vortex flow of a generalized second fluid with fractional deriva...The fractional calculus approach in the constitutive relationship model of viscoelastic fluid was introduced. The velocity and temperature fields of the vortex flow of a generalized second fluid with fractional derivative model were described by fractional partial differential equations. Exact analytical solutions of these differential equations were obtained by using the discrete Laplace transform of the sequential fractional derivatives and generalized Mittag-Leffler function. The influence of fractional coefficient on the decay of vortex velocity and diffusion of temperature was also analyzed.展开更多
The laser metal deposition （LMD） was conducted on copper by varying the processing parameters in order to achieve the best possible settings. Two sets of experiments were conducted. The deposited composites were cha...The laser metal deposition （LMD） was conducted on copper by varying the processing parameters in order to achieve the best possible settings. Two sets of experiments were conducted. The deposited composites were characterized through the evolving microstructure, microhardness profiling and mechanical properties. It was found that the evolving microstructures of the deposited composites were characterized with primary, secondary and tertiary arms dendrites, acicular microstructure as well as the alpha and beta eutectic structures. From the two sets of experiments performed, it was found that Sample E produced at a laser power of 1200 W and a scanning speed of 1.2 m/min has the highest hardness of HV （190±42） but exhibits some lateral cracks due to its brittle nature, while Sample B produced at laser power of 1200 W and a scanning speed of 0.3 m/min shows no crack and a good microstructure with an increase in dendrites. The strain hardening coefficient of the deposited copper composite obtained in this experiment is 3.35.展开更多
Ion bombardment analysis of perovskite materials is challenging owing to their peculiar structure.This shortcoming renders the reliability on the technique somewhat questionable.In this research,three structured modif...Ion bombardment analysis of perovskite materials is challenging owing to their peculiar structure.This shortcoming renders the reliability on the technique somewhat questionable.In this research,three structured modifications(i.e.,scan angle,low energy,and large ion bombardment)were adopted to improve the ion bombardment analysis of 99,999 ions using Monte Carlo simulations.The modified technique was used to analyze the effects of a chemically pressurized‘‘A’’site in the perovskite lattice system.The LaCeTh0.1Cu2Oy compound was used in this experiment.Despite the low probing energy,it was observed that the high number of ions bombarding the material resulted in external pressure on the lattice structure of the material.Moreover,the chemically pressurized‘‘A’’site perovskite material was characterized by lattice mismatch,lattice fluctuations,grain boundary collapse,and oxygen displacement.The novel discovery of this research is the inter-and intra-extended lattice mismatches that are likely to connect.Hence,further investigation of the connection between inter-and intraextended lattice mismatches is recommended as they may enable fabrication of room-temperature superconductors.展开更多
文摘Aluminum alloys AA6061 reinforced with various amounts （0, 2.5% and 5%, mass fraction） of TiC particles were synthesized by the in situ reaction of inorganic salt K2TiF6 and ceramic particle SiC with molten aluminum. The casting was carried out at an elevated temperature and held for a longer duration to decompose SiC to release carbon atoms. X-ray diffraction patterns of the prepared AMCs clearly revealed the formation of TiC particles without the occurrence of any other intermetallic compounds. The microstructure of the prepared AA6061/TiC AMCs was studied using field emission scanning electron microscope （FESEM） and electron backscatter diffraction （EBSD）. The in situ formed TiC particles were characterized with homogeneous distribution, clear interface, good bonding and various shapes such as cubic, spherical and hexagonal. EBSD maps showed the grain refinement action of TiC particles on the produced composites. The formation of TiC particles boosted the microhardness and ultimate tensile strength （UTS） of the AMCs.
文摘The fields of biomechanics and mechanobiology have long been predicated on the premise that mechanics governs cell behavior. However, over the past few years, a growing body of evidence has suggested that the mechanical environment very close to cells–the cell microenvironment–plays the most important role in determining what a cell feels and how it responds to tissue-level stimuli. To complicate matters further, cells can actively manipulate their microenvironments through pathways of recursive mechanobiological feedback. Harnessing this recursive behavior to understand and control cell physiology and pathophysiology is a critical frontier in the field of mechanobiology. Recent results suggest that the key to opening this scientific frontier to investigation and engineering application is understanding a different frontier: the physical frontier that cells face when probing their mechanical microenvironments.
文摘This article aims tomodel and analyze the heat and fluid flow characteristics of a carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC)nanofluid within a convergent-divergent shaped microchannel(Two-dimensional).The base fluid,water+CMC(0.5%),is mixed with CuO and Al2O3 nanoparticles at volume fractions of 0.5%and 1.5%,respectively.The research is conducted through the conjugate usage of experimental and theoretical models to represent more realistic properties of the non-Newtonian nanofluid.Three types of microchannels including straight,divergent,and convergent are considered,all having the same length and identical inlet cross-sectional area.Using ANSYS FLUENT software,Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the laminar flow of the non-Newtonian nanofluid.The study examines the effects of Reynolds number,nanoparticle concentration and type,and microchannel geometry on flow and heat transfer.The results prove that the alumina nanoparticles outperform copper oxide in increasing the Nusselt number at a 0.5% volume fraction,while copper oxide nanoparticles excel at a 1.5%volume fraction.Moreover,in the selected case study,as the Reynolds number increases from 100 to 500,the Nusselt number rises by 56.26% in straight geometry,52.93% in divergent geometry,and 59.10%in convergent geometry.Besides,the Nusselt number enhances by 18.75% when transitioning from straight to convergent geometry at a Reynolds number of 500,and by 19.81%at a Reynolds number of 1000.Finally,the results of the research depict that the use of thermophysical properties derived from the experimental achievements,despite creating complexity in the modeling and the solution method,leads to more accurate and realistic outputs.
基金financial support of the University of Johannesburg and the assistance from Mr Riaan Brown (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) for operating the MTS PDS I-Stir machine are acknowledged
文摘Friction stir spot welding technique was employed to join pure copper （C11000） and pure aluminium （AA1060） sheets. The evolving properties of the welds produced were characterized. The spot welds were produced by varying the rotational speed, shoulder plunge depth using different tool geometries. The presence of a copper ring of different lengths was observed on both sides of the welds indicating that Cu extruded upward into the Al sheet which contributed to obtaining strong welds. The microstructure showed the presence of copper particles in the aluminium matrix which led to the presence of various intermetallics observed by the energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The maximum tensile failure load increases with an increase in the shoulder plunge depth, except for the weld produced at 800 r/min using a conical pin and a concave shoulder. A nugget pull-out failure mode occurred in all the friction stir spot welds under the lap-shear loading conditions. High peaks of Vickers microhardness values were obtained in the vicinity of the keyhole of most of the samples which correlated to the presence of intermetallics in the stir zone of the welds.
基金Department of Science and Technology [DST-WOS-A, No.SR/WOS-A/ET-1093/2015 (G)] for funding the project
文摘This work is focused on developing AA2124/4 wt.%B4 C nano-composite coatings on Ti-6 A1-4 V using friction surfacing to improve the wear resistance. The composite was produced using conventional stir casting method and coatings were laid using an indigenously-developed friction surfacing machine. The rotational speed of the mechtrode was varied. The microstructure of the composite coating was observed using conventional and advanced microscopic techniques. The sliding wear behavior was evaluated using a pin-on-disc apparatus. The coating geometry(thickness and width) increased with increased rotational speed. The interface was straight without thick intermetallic layer. Homogenous distribution of nano B4C particles and extremely fine grains was observed in the composite coating. The interfacial bonding between the aluminum matrix and B4C particles was excellent. The composite coating improved the wear resistance of the titanium alloy substrate due to the reduction in effective contact area,lower coefficient of friction and excellent interfacial bonding.
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFE0101300)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52176203 and 52050027)the China Education Association for International Exchange(202006)。
文摘Hydrogen storage and delivery technology is still a bottleneck in the hydrogen industry chain.Among all kinds of hydrogen storage methods,light-weight solid-state hydrogen storage(LSHS)materials could become promising due to its intrinsic high hydrogen capacity.Hydrolysis reaction of LSHS materials occurs at moderate conditions,indicating the potential for portable applications.At present,most of review work focuses on the improvement of material performance,especially the catalysts design.This part is important,but the others,such as operation modes,are also vital to to make full use of material potential in the practical applications.Different operation modes of hydrolysis reaction have an impact on hydrogen capacity to various degrees.For example,hydrolysis in solution would decrease the hydrogen capacity of hydrogen generator to a low value due to the excessive water participating in the reaction.Therefore,application-oriented operation modes could become a key problem for hydrolysis reaction of LSHS materials.In this paper,the operation modes of hydrolysis reaction and their practical applications are mainly reviewed.The implements of each operation mode are discussed and compared in detail to determine the suitable one for practical applications with the requirement of high energy density.The current challenges and future directions are also discussed.
文摘Utilizing fly ash(FA)as reinforcement for magnesium matrix composites(MMCs)brings down the production cost and the land pollution.Magnesium alloy AZ31 was reinforced with FA particles(10 vol.%)successfully by two different processing methods namely conventional stir casting and friction stir processing(FSP).The microstructural features were observed using optical microscope,scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction.The sliding wear behavior was tested using a pin-on-disc wear apparatus.The stir cast composite showed inhomogeneous particle dispersion and coarse grain structure.Some of the FA particles decomposed and reacted with the matrix alloy to produce undesirable compounds.Conversely,FSP composite showed superior particle dispersion and fine,equiaxed grains by dynamic recrystallization.FA particles encountered disintegration but there was no interfacial reaction.FSP composite demonstrated higher strengthening and wear resistance to that of stir cast composite.The morphology of the worn surface and the wear debris were studied in detail.
基金the Tertiary Education Support Program (TESP) of ESKOM for financial support
文摘The influence of friction stir welding processing parameters on dissimilar joints conducted between aluminium alloy （AA5754） and commercially pure copper （C11000） was studied. The welds were produced by varying the rotational speed from 600 to 1200 r/min and the feed rate from 50 to 300 mm/min. The resulting microstructure and the corrosion properties of the welds produced were studied. It was found that the joint interfacial regions of the welds were characterized by interlayers of aluminium and copper. The corrosion tests revealed that the corrosion resistance of the welds was improved as the rotational speed was increased. The corrosion rates of the welds compared to the base metals were improved compared with Cu and decreased slightly compared with the aluminium alloy. The lowest corrosion rate was obtained at welds produced at rotational speed of 950 r/min and feed rate of 300 mm/min which corresponds to a weld produced at a low heat input.
文摘Stir casting was used to produce AA6061/15%TiC （mass fraction） aluminum matrix composites （AMCs）. An empirical relationship was developed to predict the effect of stir casting parameters on the ultimate tensile strength （UTS） of AA6061/TiC AMCs. A central composite rotatable design consisting of four factors and five levels was used to minimize the number of experiments, i.e., castings. The factors considered were stirring speed, stirring time, blade angle and casting temperature. The effect of those factors on the UTS of AA6061/TiC AMCs was derived using the developed empirical relationship and elucidated using microstructural characterization. Each factor significantly influenced the UTS. The variation in the UTS was attributed to porosity content, cluster formation, segregation of TiC particles at the grain boundaries and homogenous distribution in the aluminum matrix.
基金This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(51672308,51972025,61888102,62004187)Hebei Natural Science Foundation of Hebei(E2019208280).
文摘Zinc-ion hybrid fiber supercapacitors(FSCs)are promising energy storages for wearable electronics owing to their high energy density,good flexibility,and weavability.However,it is still a critical challenge to optimize the structure of the designed FSC to improve energy density and realize the continuous fabrication of super-long FSCs.Herein,we propose a braided coaxial zinc-ion hybrid FSC with several meters of Ti_(3)C_(2)T_x MXene cathode as core electrodes,and shell zinc fiber anode was braided on the surface of the Ti_(3)C_(2)T_x MXene fibers across the solid electrolytes.According to the simulated results using ANSYS Maxwell software,the braided structures revealed a higher capacitance compared to the spring-like structures.The resulting FSCs exhibited a high areal capacitance of 214 mF cm^(-2),the energy density of 42.8μWh cm^(-2)at 5 mV s^(-1),and excellent cycling stability with 83.58%capacity retention after 5000 cycles.The coaxial FSC was tied several kinds of knots,proving a shape-controllable fiber energy storage.Furthermore,the knitted FSC showed superior stability and weavability,which can be woven into watch belts or embedded into textiles to power smart watches and LED arrays for a few days.
文摘Rice husk ash(RHA) is a potential particulate reinforcement to produce aluminum matrix composites(AMCs)economically.Compocasting method was applied to produce aluminum alloy AA6061 reinforced with various amounts(0,2%,4%,6%and 8%,mass fraction) of RHA particles.The prepared composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.X-ray diffraction patterns of AA6061/RHA AMCs revealed the presence of RHA particles without the formation of any other intermetallic compounds.The scanning electron micrographs showed a homogeneous distribution of RHA particles all over the aluminum matrix.Intragranular distribution of RHA particles was observed.Further,RHA particles were bonded well with the aluminum matrix and a clear interface existed.The reinforcement of RHA particles enhanced the microhardness and ultimate tensile strength(UTS) of the AMCs.The tensile behavior is correlated to the microstructure of the AMCs.
基金funded by the Sino-French project AXIOOM (funding: NSFC and ANR)the supports from NSFC (Nos. 51420105008, 51376001, 51506121 and 51676007)performed using HPC resources from GENCICINES (No.2014-2a6081)
文摘Large-eddy simulation（LES） is compared with experiment and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes（RANS）, and LES is shown to be superior to RANS in reproducing corner separation in the LMFA-NACA65 linear compressor cascade, in terms of surface limiting streamlines,blade pressure coefficient, total pressure losses and blade suction side boundary layer profiles. However, LES is too expensive to conduct an influencing parameter study of the corner separation.RANS approach, despite over-predicting the corner separation, gives reasonable descriptions of the corner separated flow, and is thus selected to conduct a parametric study in this paper. Two kinds of influencing parameters on corner separation, numerical and physical parameters, are analyzed and discussed： second order spatial scheme is necessary for a RANS simulation; incidence angle and inflow boundary layer thickness are found to show the most significant influences on the corner separation among the parameters studied; unsteady RANS with the imposed inflow unsteadiness（inflow angle varying sinusoidally with fluctuating amplitude of 0.92°） does not show any non-linear effect on the corner separation.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51975380,52005377)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2020M681346)Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(No.JP21J13418)。
文摘Based on the growth mechanism of natural biological branching systems and inspiration from the morphology of plant root tips,a bionic design method called Improved Adaptive Growth Method(IAGM)has been proposed in the authors’previous research and successfully applied to the reinforcement optimization of three-dimensional box structures with respect to natural frequencies.However,as a kind of ground structure methods,the final layout patterns of stiffeners obtained by using the IAGM are highly subjected to their ground structures,which restricts the optimization effect and freedom to further improve the dynamic performance of structures.To solve this problem,a novel post-processing geometry and size optimization approach is proposed in this article.This method takes the former layout optimization result as start,and iteratively finds the optimal layout angles,locations,and lengths of stiffeners with a few design variables by optimizing the positions of some specific node lines called active node lines.At the same time,thick-nesses of stiffeners are also optimized to further improve natural frequencies of three-dimensional box structures.Using this method,stiffeners can be successfully separated from their ground structures and further effectively improve natural frequencies of three-dimensional box structures with less material consumption.Typical numerical examples are illustrated to validate the effectiveness and advantages of the suggested method.
基金Project supported by the Foundation of President of China Academy of Engineering Physics(CAEP)(No.2014-1-097)the Special Fund from Institute of Systems Engineering of CAEP(No.2013KJZ02)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.11302205)the Key Project of Science and Technology Development Foundation of CAEP(No.2014A0203006)the key subject ‘Computational Solid Mechanics’ of CAEP
文摘Straight and Bent nano-cantilever specimens are respectively proposed to investigate the single-mode and mixed-mode crack initiation at the Cu/Si interface edge in nanoscale components. With a minute loading apparatus, all nanoscale samples are in situ loaded and observed. Numerical analysis is employed to acquire the critical interfacial stress distributions during crack initiation. The stress concentration regions near the edge of Cu/Si interface in all specimens are within the scale of 100 nm, and the critical normal and shear stresses have a circular relation in nanoscale components, which represents the fracture criterion of the interface in nanoscale components.
文摘Contents of fly ash are important factors for the operation of coal-fired plants. Real-time monitoring of coal and fly ash such as unburned carbon in fly ash can be an indicator of the combustion conditions. Because of the strong signal intensity and the relative simplicity of the LIBS (Laser- Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) technique, LIBS can be applicable for real-time composition measurement of coal and fly ash. This research presented here focused on the clarification of the effects of plasma temperature and coexisting materials on quantitative measurement of fly ash contents. Quantitative capability of LIBS was improved using the proposed plasma temperature correction method. The CO2 effect was also discussed to accurately evaluate unburned carbon in fly ash in exhausts. Using the results shown in this study, quantitative measurement of fly ash contents has been improved for wider applications of LIBS to practical fields.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(2012CB937500)Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(21226005)from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(11272230 and 11172207)the Basic Application and Advanced Technology Research Project in Tianjin(11JCYBJC09700)
文摘Self-shaping materials such as shape memory polymers have recently drawn considerable attention owing to their high shape-changing ability in response to changes in ambient conditions, and thereby have promising applications in the biomedical, biosensing, soft robotics and aerospace fields. Their design is a crucial issue of both theoretical and technological interest. Motivated by the shape-changing ability of Towel Gourd tendril helices during swelling/deswelling, we present a strategy for realizing self-shaping function through the deformation of micro/nanohelices. To guide the design and fabrication of selfshaping materials, the shape equations of bent configurations, twisted belts, and helices of slender chiral composite are developed using the variation method. Furthermore, it is numerically shown that the shape changes of a chiral composite can be tuned by the deformation of micro/nanohelices and the fabricated fiber directions. This work paves a new way to create self-shaping composites.
文摘Rutile(TiO_2) particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites were prepared by friction stir processing. The microstructure was studied using conventional and advanced characterization techniques. TiO_2 particles were found to be dispersed uniformly in the composite. Clusters of TiO_2 particles were observed at a higher particle content of 18 vol%. The interface between the TiO_2 particle and the aluminum matrix was characterized by the absence of pores and reactive layer.Sub-grain boundaries, ultra-fine grains and dislocation density were observed in the composites. TiO_2 particles improved the mechanical properties of the composites. However, a drop in tensile strength was observed at a higher particle content due to cluster formation. All the prepared composites exhibited ductile mode of fracture.
文摘The fractional calculus approach in the constitutive relationship model of viscoelastic fluid was introduced. The velocity and temperature fields of the vortex flow of a generalized second fluid with fractional derivative model were described by fractional partial differential equations. Exact analytical solutions of these differential equations were obtained by using the discrete Laplace transform of the sequential fractional derivatives and generalized Mittag-Leffler function. The influence of fractional coefficient on the decay of vortex velocity and diffusion of temperature was also analyzed.
基金supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR),National Laser Centre,Rental Pool Programme,Pretoria,South Africa and also for the award of the Africa Laser Centre bursary to the main author
文摘The laser metal deposition （LMD） was conducted on copper by varying the processing parameters in order to achieve the best possible settings. Two sets of experiments were conducted. The deposited composites were characterized through the evolving microstructure, microhardness profiling and mechanical properties. It was found that the evolving microstructures of the deposited composites were characterized with primary, secondary and tertiary arms dendrites, acicular microstructure as well as the alpha and beta eutectic structures. From the two sets of experiments performed, it was found that Sample E produced at a laser power of 1200 W and a scanning speed of 1.2 m/min has the highest hardness of HV （190±42） but exhibits some lateral cracks due to its brittle nature, while Sample B produced at laser power of 1200 W and a scanning speed of 0.3 m/min shows no crack and a good microstructure with an increase in dendrites. The strain hardening coefficient of the deposited copper composite obtained in this experiment is 3.35.
基金partial sponsorship of the Covenant University,Nigeria,and University of Johannesburg
文摘Ion bombardment analysis of perovskite materials is challenging owing to their peculiar structure.This shortcoming renders the reliability on the technique somewhat questionable.In this research,three structured modifications(i.e.,scan angle,low energy,and large ion bombardment)were adopted to improve the ion bombardment analysis of 99,999 ions using Monte Carlo simulations.The modified technique was used to analyze the effects of a chemically pressurized‘‘A’’site in the perovskite lattice system.The LaCeTh0.1Cu2Oy compound was used in this experiment.Despite the low probing energy,it was observed that the high number of ions bombarding the material resulted in external pressure on the lattice structure of the material.Moreover,the chemically pressurized‘‘A’’site perovskite material was characterized by lattice mismatch,lattice fluctuations,grain boundary collapse,and oxygen displacement.The novel discovery of this research is the inter-and intra-extended lattice mismatches that are likely to connect.Hence,further investigation of the connection between inter-and intraextended lattice mismatches is recommended as they may enable fabrication of room-temperature superconductors.
