Multiscale modeling of nonequilibrium gas–liquid mixture flows in phase transition regions

This paper presents multiscale modeling substantiated with experimental aspects of state, filtration, and motion of the gas–liquid mixtures involving phase transition regions in concentrated volumes applicable to porous media and pipe flows. Based on physics, it is confirmed analytically that actual levels of underpressure in gas–liquids systems are considerably above traditional understanding of saturation pressure at which gas emission from the liquid and its dissolution in the liquid in a form of embryos can occur. It is demonstrated that these processes are not equilibrium processes, and they can also occur on nanoscales and microscales. Thermo-hydrodynamic analyses and experimental investigation of the gas–liquid systems in areas of phase transition presented here have resulted in useful equations governing such flows in filtration in the porous media and in straight pipes.     

Sound insulation property of wood–waste tire rubber composite

The sound insulation property of wood/used tire rubber composite panel (WRCP) was investigated. A four-microphone method was used to measure the sound transmission losses of three different composite panels: WRCP, commercial compound wooden floorboard and commercial wood-based particleboard. The WRCP was manufactured in the lab with commercial urea–formaldehyde (UF) and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (PMDI) adhesives. The test results indicated that sound insulation property of WRCP is better than that of commercial compound wooden floorboard and wood-based particleboard. In addition, the acoustic insulation of WRCP is significantly affected by the amount of rubber crumbs and PMDI adhesive used in the composite. An increase in the usage of recycled tire rubber crumbs and the dosage of PMDI adhesive significantly improve the soundproof property of the WRCP. Moreover, the microstructure of WRCP was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The sound insulation effect is also dependant on the microstructure of the interface zone of wood/rubber and densification of WRCP. The continuous interfaces are formed in the presence of sufficient UF and PMDI adhesives resulted in better soundproof WRCP.     

Fluid–structure interaction modeling of a patient-specific cerebral aneurysm: influence of structural modeling

Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations of a cerebral aneurysm with the linearly elastic and hyper-elastic wall constitutive models are carried out to investigate the influence of the wall-structure model on patient-specific FSI simulations. The maximum displacement computed with the hyper-elastic model is 36% smaller compared to the linearly elastic material model, but the displacement patterns such as the site of local maxima are not sensitive to the wall models. The blood near the apex of an aneurysm is likely to be stagnant, which causes very low wall shear stress and is a factor in rupture by degrading the aneurysmal wall. In this study, however, relatively high flow velocities due to the interaction between the blood flow and aneurysmal wall are seen to be independent of the wall model. The present results indicate that both linearly elastic and hyper-elastic models can be useful to investigate aneurysm FSI.     

Fluid–structure interaction modeling of ringsail parachutes

In this paper, we focus on fluid–structure interaction (FSI) modeling of ringsail parachutes, where the geometric complexity created by the “rings” and “sails” used in the construction of the parachute canopy poses a significant computational challenge. It is expected that NASA will be using a cluster of three ringsail parachutes, referred to as the “mains”, during the terminal descent of the Orion space vehicle. Our FSI modeling of ringsail parachutes is based on the stabilized space–time FSI (SSTFSI) technique and the interface projection techniques that address the computational challenges posed by the geometric complexities of the fluid–structure interface. Two of these interface projection techniques are the FSI Geometric Smoothing Technique and the Homogenized Modeling of Geometric Porosity. We describe the details of how we use these two supplementary techniques in FSI modeling of ringsail parachutes. In the simulations we report here, we consider a single main parachute, carrying one third of the total weight of the space vehicle. We present results from FSI modeling of offloading, which includes as a special case dropping the heat shield, and drifting under the influence of side winds.     

Influence of aluminium on solidification structure and initial deformability of continuously cast C–Mn–Si–N steel

Abstract

The solidification structure and the initial deformability of continuously cast steel were investigated by assessment of cracks on billets and on rolled product. Some billets were rolled directly off the casting machine and some cooled to ambient temperature, then reheated to rolling temperature. On direct rolled steels, the number of defects increases with increasing aluminium content, while virtually no defects are found on steel rolled after reheating. By increasing the aluminium content, the solidification structure of steel is highly modified and a columnar structure obtained over the entire section of the billet. It was shown by chemical analysis and fracture examination that the increased hot shortness is not related to the effect of AIN. It is concluded that the hot shortness is related to the effect of aluminium on the solidification structure.

MST/761     

Pavement performance evaluation of recycled styrene–butadiene–styrene-modified asphalt mixture

More and more styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt waste materials are being discarded with the increase in road service life. The recycling of these waste pavement materials can reduce environmental pollution and help save resources. However, the low-temperature performance and the fatigue resistance of recycled asphalt mixture are significantly affected by the addition of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). In order to evaluate the low-temperature performance and the fatigue resistance of recycled SBS-modified asphalt mixture, three points bending test, Fénix test and Ensayo de BArrido de DEformaciones test were conducted. Additionally, the differences of recycling between SBS-modified RAP with different ageing conditions and ordinary unmodified RAP were compared. The results showed that fatigue resistance of modified recycling of asphalt mixture with different RAPs did not vary much under low temperature (?5 °C) while displaying an obvious difference under higher temperature. SBS-modified RAP under light ageing condition was suitable for modified recycling. However, the SBS-modified asphalt from RAP under serious ageing condition would lose modification effect resulting in a great reduction of the low-temperature crack resistance and the fatigue resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the ageing degree of RAP before recycling SBS-modified asphalt mixture. The SBS-modified RAP under serious ageing condition (SM-RAP) is not recommended for directly modified recycling. But considering for further utilisation, the SM-RAP used for unmodified recycling as ordinary unmodified RAP can be regarded as a good choice and the RAP content should be restricted to less than 30%.     

Behaviour of sand–clay mixtures for road pavement subgrade

Materials forming sand grains and colluvial soil deposits have a distinct structure, consisting of a composite matrix of coarse and fine soil grains. The influence of sand grains content on the behaviour of sand–clay mixtures was investigated by a series of intensive laboratory experiments. The California bearing ratio (CBR), unconfined compression strength (UCS) and compaction tests were carried out on various contents of sand and clay mixtures. The sand–clay mixtures were prepared with sand contents of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% by weight. The laboratory tests on these mixtures have indicated that their behaviour will depend on the relative concentration of the sand and clay samples. The results of the tests showed a decrease in the UCS, and an increase the CBR values with an increase in the amount of sand. An increase in dry unit weight and a decrease in respective moisture content by an increase in the amount of sand were observed in the compaction tests.     

Stabilization of a system modeling temperature and porosity fields in a Kelvin�CVoigt-type mixture

In this paper, we investigate the asymptotic behavior of solutions to the initial boundary value problem for the interaction between the temperature field and the porosity fields in a homogeneous and isotropic mixture from the linear theory of porous Kelvin?CVoigt materials. Our main result is to establish conditions which insure the analyticity and the exponential stability of the corresponding semigroup. We show that under certain conditions for the coefficients we obtain a lack of exponential stability. A numerical scheme is given.     

Determination of saturated surface-dry condition of clay–sand mixed soils for soil–cement concrete construction

Saturated surface-dry condition of soil needs to be known when soil–cement concrete mix is rationally designed. Based on the effective water concept, determination of the saturated surface-dry moisture content (hereafter referred to as w _ssd) of clay–sand mixed soil, necessary for determining unit water of soil–cement concrete construction, is dealt with in this study. The saturated surface-dry condition of soil, where soil water exhibits the same chemical potential as that of cement paste, can be determined both with drying rate method and pF method. Mixed soils were prepared in combination with six cohesive soils, standard sand and a recycled fine aggregate. Drying rate method and pF method were proven to be effective in determining w _ssd of any combinations of the soils. Relationship between volume fractions of cohesive soil and sand and w _ssd was found to be a linear equation.     

Structural evolution of an Al–Te mixture during ball milling

An Al–Te mixture was mechanically alloyed with a planetary ball mill, and the structural evolution of the Al–Te mixture during ball milling was characterized by X-ray diffractiometry (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermodynamic computation. Although crystalline α-Al₂Te₃ was synthesized in the initial stage of milling, but the final product is a metastable Al₂Te_3 ? δ (Space group: Fm 3¯m) with lattice parameter a = 5.925 Å. The metastable Al₂Te_3 ? δ decomposes into Al and Te at about 140 °C.     

Experimental study and thermodynamic modeling of the Al–Co–Cr–Ni system

A thermodynamic database for the Al–Co–Cr–Ni system is built via the Calphad method by extrapolating re-assessed ternary subsystems. A minimum number of quaternary parameters are included, which are optimized using experimental phase equilibrium data obtained by electron probe micro-analysis and x-ray diffraction analysis of NiCoCrAlY alloys spanning a wide compositional range, after annealing at 900 °C, 1100 °C and 1200 °C, and water quenching. These temperatures are relevant to oxidation and corrosion resistant MCrAlY coatings, where M corresponds to some combination of nickel and cobalt. Comparisons of calculated and measured phase compositions show excellent agreement for the β–γ equilibrium, and good agreement for three-phase β–γ–σ and β–γ–α equilibria. An extensive comparison with existing Ni-base databases (TCNI6, TTNI8, NIST) is presented in terms of phase compositions.     

Creep kinetics in compression of sand cast commercial Zn–Al alloys

Abstract

The compressive creep behaviour of sand cast ZA8, ZA12, and ZA27 alloys was investigated. Primary creep contraction increased with aluminium content and stress and, with the exception of ZA27, decreased with temper ature. Secondary creep rates for ZA8 and ZA27 were similar and 33% less than for ZA12. Creep kinetics obeyed an empirical equation ln t = C′ — n ln (σ) + Q/RT where t is the time to a selected strain, σ is the nominal stress, T is the absolute temperature, R is the gas constant, and C′, n, and Q are material constants for each alloy. For total deformations up to 1%, the overall creep resistance increased in the order ZA27 > ZA12 > ZA8. In terms of secondary creep rate, the compressive creep resistance of ZA12 was similar to its tensile creep resistance as reported in the literature, but for ZA27 the creep rate in compression was generally slightly higher.     

Experimental study and thermodynamic modeling of the Al–Co–Cr–Ni system

Abstract

A thermodynamic database for the Al–Co–Cr–Ni system is built via the Calphad method by extrapolating re-assessed ternary subsystems. A minimum number of quaternary parameters are included, which are optimized using experimental phase equilibrium data obtained by electron probe micro-analysis and x-ray diffraction analysis of NiCoCrAlY alloys spanning a wide compositional range, after annealing at 900 °C, 1100 °C and 1200 °C, and water quenching. These temperatures are relevant to oxidation and corrosion resistant MCrAlY coatings, where M corresponds to some combination of nickel and cobalt. Comparisons of calculated and measured phase compositions show excellent agreement for the β–γ equilibrium, and good agreement for three-phase β–γ–σ and β–γ–α equilibria. An extensive comparison with existing Ni-base databases (TCNI6, TTNI8, NIST) is presented in terms of phase compositions.     

The effect of acid mixture on the structure of sol–gel PZT fibers

Author's previous studies [J. Am. Ceram. Soc., in press] showed that the acidification of the precursor solution controls the strength and length of sol–gel PZT fibers. Two acids, acetic acid (CH₃COOH) and methacrylic acid (C₄H₆O₂), were studied. C₄H₆O₂ produced longer fibers with small cracks, while CH₃COOH produced shorter and denser fibers. In order to take advantage of the opposite effect of each of these acids, mixtures of acetic and methacrylic acid are used in this work to obtain longer and dense fibers. The effect of the ratio of CH₃COOH/C₄H₆O₂ mixture on the precursors' chemical structure, crystalline phase formation and microstructure of PZT fibers is investigated and discussed. Long and almost crack-free PZT fibers are obtained for a 1/2 ratio of CH₃COOH/C₄H₆O₂.     

Electrophoretic deposition of silicon substituted hydroxyapatite coatings from n-butanol–chloroform mixture

Silicon Substituted Hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) coatings were prepared on titanium substrates by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The stability of Si-HA suspension in n-butanol and chloroform mixture has been studied by electricity conductivity and sedimentation test. The microstructure, shear strength and bioactivity in vitro has been tested. The stability of Si-HA suspension containing n-butanol and chloroform mixture as medium is better than that of pure n-butanol as medium. The good adhesion of the particles with the substrate and good cohesion between the particles were obtained in n-butanol and chloroform mixture. Adding triethanolamine (TEA) as additive into the suspension is in favor of the formation of uniform and compact Si-HA coatings on the titanium substrates by EPD. The shear strength of the coatings can reach 20.43 MPa after sintering at 700 °C for 2 h, when the volume ratio of n-butanol: chloroform is 2:1 and the concentration of TEA is 15 ml/L. Titanium substrates etched in H₂O₂/NH₃ solution help to improve the shear strength of the coatings. After immersion in simulated body fluid for 7 days, Si-HA coatings have the ability to induce the bone-like apatite formation.     

Modeling animal–vehicle collisions considering animal–vehicle interactions

Animal–Vehicle Collisions (AVCs) have been a major safety problem in the United States over the past decades. Counter measures against AVCs are urgently needed for traffic safety and wildlife conservation. To better understand the AVCs, a variety of data analysis and statistical modeling techniques have been developed. However, these existing models seldom take human factors and animal attributes into account. This paper presents a new probability model which explicitly formulates the interactions between animals and drivers to better capture the relationship among drivers’ and animals’ attributes, roadway and environmental factors, and AVCs. Findings of this study show that speed limit, rural versus urban, and presence of white-tailed deer habitat have an increasing effect on AVC risk, whereas male animals, high truck percentage, and large number of lanes put a decreasing effect on AVC probability.     

Strength and mechanical behavior of soil–cement–lime–rice husk ash (soil–CLR) mixture

This study presents results of geotechnical investigations on treated silty sand soil with cement, lime and rice husk ash (CLR) and cement-lime (CL) admixture. Consolidated undrained triaxial test and unconfined compressive test were performed to estimate the potential of CLR and CL. The study investigates the influence of the amount of CLR%, main effective stress and curing days on soil strength, deformation, post peak behavior and brittleness. The percentages of the additives of CLR and CL varied from 2.5 to 12.5 % by dry weight of the soil with dry densities of 14.5 kN/m³ and the curing times of 3, 7, 28 and 60 days were examined. From the results, the stress–strain response is strongly influenced by the CLR contents and effective confining pressure. Strength and post peak strength of the CLR–soil are greatly improved by an increase in binder content. An increase of the effective cohesion c′ (kPa) and effective friction Φ′ (degree) is observed with increasing the CLR content, consistently. Brittle behavior observed at lower confining pressures and high CLR content. For both CLR and CL additives, linear trend was observed for variation of the q _u (kPa) with respect to the additives percentages. RHA was also found to be effective in increasing the shear strength of CLR–soil mixture.