Tailoring of thermal and dielectric properties of LDPE-matrix composites by the volume fraction,density, and surface modification of hollow glass microsphere filler

Hollow glass microsphere (HGM) filled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites were prepared, and the effects of density, content, and surface modification of HGM on the thermal and dielectric properties of the composites were investigated. It is found that the thermal conductivity of the composites decreases with increasing HGM content or decreasing HGM density. At the same HGM content and density, the composites filled with suitable amount of silane coupling agent (KH570) modified HGM exhibit higher thermal conductivity than unmodified-HGM filled composites. The dielectric constant at 1 MHz of the composites also decreases with increasing HGM content or decreasing HGM density, but their dielectric loss increases with increasing HGM content or increasing HGM density. By modifying the surface of HGM with suitable amount of KH570, the dielectric constant and loss at 1 MHz of the composites can be decreased at the same time. The results of microwave dielectric properties of the composites indicate that the dielectric constant decreases with increasing HGM content or decreasing HGM density, the quality factor (Q × f) decreases with increasing HGM content or increasing HGM density, but both dielectric constant and quality factor are slightly affected by the surface modification of HGM. Due to lower intrinsic thermal conductivity and dielectric constant but higher dielectric loss of HGM than LDPE, the thermal conductivity and dielectric properties of the composites can be controlled with adding HGM and varying its volume fraction. The surface modification of HGM improves the interface contact between HGM and LDPE in the composites, which is confirmed by the SEM observation, and thus the heat conduction and dielectric properties at low frequency are improved. Based on calculated thermal conductivity and dielectric constant of HGM, the experimental trends of thermal conductivity and dielectric constant at 1 MHz of the composites are analyzed by using different models, including typical models for particles-filled composites and special models developed for hollow microsphere filled composites. The results from suitable models show close correlation with the experimental values.     

A gaming approach to networked infrastructure management

Operational decision-making processes for networked infrastructure management often occur as a multi-actor planning problem, implying these are based on negotiations between different stakeholders in addition to available system quality information. As such, does more accurate data about actual structural condition lead to other or better decision-making? A serious game is introduced, Maintenance in Motion, aiming at investigating the influence of information quality on rehabilitation decisions, for single- and multi-actor decision-making. Players manage drinking water, gas, sewer and street infrastructures. They are to balance their individual goal, cost-effectiveness, with their team utility, increasing overall infrastructure quality to minimise failure while minimising overall public costs. The game design, calibration and solution space are presented.     

Microstructure–strength models for heat treatment of Al–Si–Mg casting alloys I: microstructure evolution and precipitation kinetics

A comprehensive microstructure–strength mathematical model for the heat treatment of Al–Si–Mg casting alloys is presented. As part of the model development, the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties during heat treatment of an industrially cast A356 aluminium alloy was studied in an extensive experimental investigation. For the solution treatment process, the changes in dendritic composition and eutectic morphology in the temperature range 773–833 K (500–560°C) were quantified using microprobe and image analysis techniques. For natural and artificial ageing, the kinetics of precipitation/clustering was determined using an isothermal calorimetry technique in conjunction with hardness and mechanical property measurements. Two other Al–Si–Mg model alloy compositions were used to study the effects of alloy chemistry on microstructure response during heat treatment. The overall aim of the experimental work presented here is to facilitate the development of a comprehensive microstructure–strength model for the heat treatment of Al–Si–Mg casting alloys that will be presented in part II of this paper.

On présente un modèle mathématique détaillé de la microstructure-résistance du traitement thermique des alliages de moulage d'Al–Si–Mg. Faisant partie du développement du modèle, on a étudié l'évolution de la microstructure et des propriétés mécaniques lors du traitement thermique d'un alliage d'aluminium A356 moulé industriellement lors d'un examen expérimental de grande envergure. Pour le traitement de mise en solution, on a quantifié les changements de la composition dendritique et la morphologie de l'eutectique dans la gamme de température de 773 à 833 K (500 à 560 °C) en utilisant les techniques de la microsonde et de l'analyse d'image. Pour le vieillissement naturel et artificiel, on a déterminé la cinétique de précipitation/agrégation en utilisant une technique de calorimétrie isotherme en conjonction avec les mesures de dureté et de propriétés mécaniques. On a utilisé deux autres compositions de l'alliage modèle d'Al–Si–Mg pour étudier les effets de la chimie de l'alliage sur la réponse de la microstructure lors du traitement thermique. Le but global du travail expérimental présenté ici est de faciliter le développement d'un modèle détaillé de microstructure-résistance du traitement thermique des alliages de moulage d'Al–Si–Mg qui sera présenté dans la seconde partie de cet article.     

Transient response of a hygrothermoelastic cylinder based on fractional diffusion wave theory

A coupled fractional hygrothermoelasticity theory is formulated within the framework of fractional calculus. Both the classical Fourier’s and Fick’s laws are generalized to anomalous diffusion which is characterized by the time- fractional diffusion-wave equation. Based on the fractional hygrothermoelasticity theory, the transient response of an infinitely long cylinder subjected to hygrothermal loadings at the surface is analyzed. The finite Hankel integral transform method and decoupled technique are used to derive closed-form expressions for temperature, moisture, displacement, and hygrothermal stresses in the solid. The coupling effect of temperature and moisture on elastic fields is discussed. Numerical results of transient response of hygrothermoelastic fields are presented graphically for the cases of subdiffusion, normal diffusion, and superdiffusion, respectively.     

GBT-based elastic–plastic post-buckling analysis of stainless steel thin-walled members

When compared with carbon steel, stainless steel exhibits a more pronounced non-linearity and no well-defined yield plateau, as well as appealing features such as aesthetics, higher corrosion resistance and lower life cycle cost. Due to its considerably high ductility/strength and cost, stainless steel structural solutions tend to be adopted mostly for slender/light structures, thus rendering the assessment of their structural behaviour rather complex, chiefly because of the high susceptibility to instability phenomena. The first objective of this paper is to present the main concepts and procedures involved in the development of a geometrically and materially non-linear Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) formulation and numerical implementation (code), intended to analyse the behaviour and collapse of thin-walled members made of materials with a highly non-linear stress–strain curve (e.g., stainless steel or aluminium). The second objective is to validate and illustrate the application of the proposed GBT formulation, by comparing its results (equilibrium paths, ultimate loads, deformed configurations, displacement profiles and stress distributions) with those provided by shell finite element analyses of two lean duplex square hollow section (SHS) columns previously investigated, both experimentally and numerically, by Theofanous and Gardner (Eng Struct 2009; 31(12): 3047–3058.). The stainless steel material behaviour is modelled as non-linear isotropic and the GBT analysis includes initial geometrical imperfections, but neglects corner strength enhancements and membrane residual stresses. It is shown that the GBT unique modal nature makes it possible to acquire in-depth knowledge concerning the mechanics of the column behaviour, by providing “structural x-rays” of the (elastic or elastic–plastic) equilibrium configurations: modal participation diagrams showing the quantitative contributions of the global, local, warping shear and transverse extension deformation modes - moreover, this feature makes it possible to exclude, from future similar GBT analyses, those deformation modes found to play a negligible role in the mechanics of the behaviour under scrutiny, thus further reducing the number of degrees of freedom involved in a GBT analysis, i.e., increasing its computational efficiency.     

Improved mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy by electron beam welding process plus annealing treatments and its microstructural evolution

In this study, we investigated the effect of post weld annealing treatments on the mechanical properties of a Ti–6Al–4V alloy following electron beam welding (EBW). The operational parameters used in this EBW process together with suitable annealing treatments appeared to substantially enhance the tensile properties of the Ti–6Al–4V weldment, suggesting that EBW is a promising method for industrial application. Moreover, we report for the first time that γ-TiAl + α₂-Ti₃Al formed in the fusion zone of the Ti–6Al–4V EBW weldment and exhibited the same lamellar structure, orientation relationship, deformation mechanism, and slip system as common Ti–Al-based alloys do. The presence of these intermetallic compounds affected the mechanical properties of the weldment. We discuss the related phase transformation, microstructural evolution, and characteristics of the precipitates formed.     

Microstructural,mechanical and tribological properties of Al–7Si–(0–5)Zn alloys

A series of Al–7Si–(0–5)Zn alloys were produced by permanent mould casting and their microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties were investigated in as-cast state. The microstructure of Al–7Si alloy consisted of α-Al dendrites surrounded by eutectic Al–Si mixture and a small amount of primary silicon particles. Addition of zinc into Al–7Si alloy resulted in the formation of α-solid solution and an increase in size and volume fraction of primary silicon particles. Moreover, these particles gathered inside interdendritic regions of the ternary Al–7Si–Zn alloys. The density, strength and hardness of Al–7Si–Zn alloys increased continuously with increasing zinc content, but their elongation to fracture and impact energy showed a reverse trend. It was also observed that zinc had no significant effect on the friction coefficient of the alloys, but their wear volume decreased with increasing zinc content up to 4%, above which the trend reversed. The wear surfaces of the alloys were characterized mainly by smearing layer with some degree of oxidation. In addition, delamination and fine scratches were observed on the worn surface. It was concluded that the addition of zinc up to 4% improves both mechanical and wear behaviour of Al–7Si alloy.     

Stochastic response of fractionally damped beams

This paper aims at introducing the governing equation of motion of a continuous fractionally damped system under generic input loads, no matter the order of the fractional derivative. Moreover, particularizing the excitation as a random noise, the evaluation of the power spectral density performed in frequency domain highlights relevant features of such a system.Numerical results have been carried out considering a cantilever beam under stochastic loads. The influence of the fractional derivative order on the power spectral density response has been investigated, underscoring the damping effect in reducing the power spectral density amplitude for higher values of the fractional derivative order. Finally, the fractional derivative term introduces in the system dynamics both effective damping and effective stiffness frequency dependent terms.     

Stability of Karhunen–Loève expansion for the simulation of Gaussian stochastic fields using Galerkin scheme

The paper investigates the problem of numerical stability of the Karhunen–Loève expansion for the simulation of Gaussian stochastic fields using Galerkin scheme. The instability is expressed as loss of positive definiteness of covariance matrix and is the result of modifications of standard exponential covariance functions that are commonly applied to increase the sparsity of the covariance matrix. The loss of positive definiteness of covariance matrix limits the use of efficient eigenvalue solvers that are needed for the solution of the resulting generalized eigenvalue problem. Two modifications of the shape of covariance function to avoid instability problems and at the same time to raise the numerical efficiency of Karhunen–Loève expansion by increasing the sparsity of the covariance matrix are proposed. The effects of the proposed modifications are demonstrated on numerical examples.     

Geometric parameters and response surface methodology on cooling performance of vortex tubes

This research has investigated the effect of certain geometric parameters on cooling performance of three vortex tubes. The influencing parameters include three length/diameter ratios L/D?=?10, 25, 40, three nozzle cases and each case with number n?=?2, 4, 6 nozzles, three cold orifice/diameter ratios β?=?0.389, 0.5, 0.611 and three inlet pressures P_i?=?2, 2.5 and 3?bar. The experiments are conducted based on three factors, two-level and central composite face-centred design with full factorial. The results are analysed according to the principle of response surface methodology. The goodness of fit of the regression model is inspected using the analysis of variance and F-ratio test. The values of R² and R²-adjusted are close to 100% which show a very good correlation between the observed and predicted values. The results show that the effect of number of nozzles on the energy separation depends on the L/D values.