Extensive charge-discharge cycling of lithium metal electrodes achieved using ionic liquid electrolytes

The effect of extended cycling on lithium metal electrodes has been investigated in an ionic liquid electrolyte. Cycling studies were conducted on lithium metal electrodes in a symmetrical Li|electrolyte|Li coin cell configuration for 5000 charge–discharge cycles at a current density of 0.1 mA cm− 2. The voltage–time plots show evidence of some unstable behavior which is attributed to surface reorganization. No evidence for lithium dendrite induced short circuiting was observed. SEM imaging showed morphology changes had occurred but no evidence of needle-like dendrite based growth was found after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. This study suggests that ionic liquid electrolytes can enable next generation battery technologies such as rechargeable lithium-air, in which a safe, reversible lithium electrode is a crucial component.

Pull-through failures of crest-fixed steel claddings initiated by transverse splitting

Crest-fixed steel claddings made of thin, high strength steel often suffer from local pull-through failures at their screw connections during high wind events such as storms and hurricanes. Currently there aren't any adequate design provisions for these cladding systems except for the expensive testing provisions. Since the local pull-through failures in the less ductile steel claddings are initiated by transverse splitting at the fastener hole, analytical studies have not been able to determine the pull-through failure loads. Analytical studies could be used if a reliable splitting criterion is available. Therefore a series of two-span cladding tests was conducted on a range of crest-fixed steel cladding systems under simulated wind uplift loads. The strains in the sheeting around the critical fastener holes were measured until the pull-through failure. This paper presents the details of the experimental investigation and the results including a strain criterion for the local pull-through failure.

Recovery of transverse strain in high–stress tendons following exercise

Background. This study evaluated the time course of recovery of transverse strain in the Achilles and patellar tendons following a bout of resistance exercise. Methods. Seventeen healthy adults underwent sonographic examination of the right patellar (n = 9) or Achilles (n = 8) tendons immediately prior to and following 90 repetitions of weight–bearing exercise. Quadriceps and gastrocnemius exercise were performed against an effective resistance of 175% and 250% body weight, respectively. Sagittal tendon thickness was determined 20 mm from the tendon enthesis and transverse strain was repeatedly monitored over a 24 hour recovery period. Results. Resistance exercise resulted in an immediate decrease in Achilles (t7 = 10.6, P<.01) and patellar (t8 = 8.9, P<.01) tendon thickness, resulting in an average transverse strain of 0.14 ± 0.04 and 0.18 ± 0.05. While the average strain was not significantly different between tendons, older age was associated with a reduced transverse strain response (r=0.63, P<.01). Recovery of transverse strain, in contrast, was prolonged compared with the duration of loading and exponential in nature. The mean primary recovery time was not significantly different between Achilles (6.5 ± 3.2 hours) and patellar (7.1 ± 3.2 hours) tendons and body weight accounted for 62% and 64% of the variation in recovery time, respectively. Discussion. Despite structural and biochemical differences between the Achilles and patellar tendons [1], the mechanisms underlying transverse creep–recovery in vivo appear similar and are highly time dependent. Primary recovery required about 7 hours in healthy tendons, with full recovery requiring up to 24 hours. These in vivo recovery times are similar to those reported for axial creep recovery of the vertebral disc in vitro [2], and may be used clinically to guide physical activity to rest ratios in healthy adults. Optimal ratios for high–stress tendons in clinical populations, however, remain unknown and require further attention in light of the knowledge gained in this study.

Experimental verification of the modified spring-mass theory of fiber Bragg grating accelerometers using transverse forces

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer using transverse forces is more sensitive than one using axial forces with the same mass of the inertial object, because a barely stretched FBG fixed at its two ends is much more sensitive to transverse forces than axial ones. The spring-mass theory, with the assumption that the axial force changes little during the vibration, cannot accurately predict its sensitivity and resonant frequency in the gravitational direction because the assumption does not hold due to the fact that the FBG is barely prestretched. It was modified but still required experimental verification due to the limitations in the original experiments, such as the (1) friction between the inertial object and shell; (2) errors involved in estimating the time-domain records; (3) limited data; and (4) large interval ∼5 Hz between the tested frequencies in the frequency-response experiments. The experiments presented here have verified the modified theory by overcoming those limitations. On the frequency responses, it is observed that the optimal condition for simultaneously achieving high sensitivity and resonant frequency is at the infinitesimal prestretch. On the sensitivity at the same frequency, the experimental sensitivities of the FBG accelerometer with a 5.71 gram inertial object at 6 Hz (1.29, 1.19, 0.88, 0.64, and 0.31 nm/g at the 0.03, 0.69, 1.41, 1.93, and 3.16 nm prestretches, respectively) agree with the static sensitivities predicted (1.25, 1.14, 0.83, 0.61, and 0.29 nm/g, correspondingly). On the resonant frequency, (1) its assumption that the resonant frequencies in the forced and free vibrations are similar is experimentally verified; (2) its dependence on the distance between the FBG’s fixed ends is examined, showing it to be independent; (3) the predictions of the spring-mass theory and modified theory are compared with the experimental results, showing that the modified theory predicts more accurately. The modified theory can be used more confidently in guiding its design by predicting its static sensitivity and resonant frequency, and may have applications in other fields for the scenario where the spring-mass theory fails.

Non-linear refined finite element elastic analysis of steel frames with generalized transverse member loads

In the finite element modelling of steel frames, external loads usually act along the members rather than at the nodes only. Conventionally, when a member is subjected to these transverse loads, they are converted to nodal forces which act at the ends of the elements into which the member is discretised by either lumping or consistent nodal load approaches. For a contemporary geometrically non-linear analysis in which the axial force in the member is large, accurate solutions are achieved by discretising the member into many elements, which can produce unfavourable consequences on the efficacy of the method for analysing large steel frames. Herein, a numerical technique to include the transverse loading in the non-linear stiffness formulation for a single element is proposed, and which is able to predict the structural responses of steel frames involving the effects of first-order member loads as well as the second-order coupling effect between the transverse load and the axial force in the member. This allows for a minimal discretisation of a frame for second-order analysis. For those conventional analyses which do include transverse member loading, prescribed stiffness matrices must be used for the plethora of specific loading patterns encountered. This paper shows, however, that the principle of superposition can be applied to the equilibrium condition, so that the form of the stiffness matrix remains unchanged with only the magnitude of the loading being needed to be changed in the stiffness formulation. This novelty allows for a very useful generalised stiffness formulation for a single higher-order element with arbitrary transverse loading patterns to be formulated. The results are verified using analytical stability function studies, as well as with numerical results reported by independent researchers on several simple structural frames.

A nonlinear observer for estimating transverse stability parameters of marine surface vessels

This paper presents a nonlinear observer for estimating parameters associated with the restoring term of a roll motion model of a marine vessel in longitudinal waves. Changes in restoring, also referred to as transverse stability, can be the result of changes in the vessel's centre of gravity due to, for example, water on deck and also in changes in the buoyancy triggered by variations in the water-plane area produced by longitudinal waves -- propagating along the fore-aft direction along the hull. These variations in the restoring can change dramatically the dynamics of the roll motion leading to dangerous resonance. Therefore, it is of interest to estimate and detect such changes.

Experiences with control of evaporators using extensive vapour bleeding

FOR SUGAR factories with cogeneration plants major changes to the process stations have been undertaken to reduce the consumption of exhaust steam from the turbines and maximise the generated power. In many cases the process steam consumption has been reduced from greater than 52% on cane to ~40% on cane. The main changes have been to install additional evaporation area at the front of the set, operate the pan stages on vapour from No 1 or No 2 effects and undertake juice heating using vapour bleed from evaporators as far down the set as the penultimate stage. Operationally, one of the main challenges has been to develop a control system for the evaporators that addresses the objectives of juice processing rate (throughput) and steam economy, while producing syrup consistently at the required brix and providing an adequate and consistent vapour pressure for the pan stage operations. The cyclic demand for vapour by batch pans causes process disturbances through the evaporator set and these must be regulated in an effective manner to satisfy the above list of objectives for the evaporator station. The impact of the cyclic pan stage vapour demand has been modelled to define the impact on juice rate, steam economy, syrup brix and head space pressures in the evaporators. Experiences with the control schemes used at Pioneer and Rocky Point Mills are discussed. For each factory the paper provides information on (a) the control system used, the philosophy behind the control system and experiences in reaching the current system for control (b) the performance of the control system to handle the disturbances imposed by the pan stage and operate within other constraints of the factory (c) deficiencies in the current system and plans for further improvements. Other processing changes to boost the performance of the evaporators are also discussed.

Interaction of transverse electromagnetic waves with counterpropagating surface waves at a plasma-dielectric interface

The nonlinear interaction of high-frequency transverse electromagnetic waves normally incident from a plasma region on to a dielectric with two surface waves (SWs) propagating in the opposite directions along the interface is studied. This interaction is found to be stable causing a slight modulation to the SWs in contrast to the decay instability for longitudinal plasma waves. The corresponding nonlinear frequency shift of the SWs is obtained and analyzed.

Biaxial fiber Bragg grating accelerometer using axial and transverse forces

We demonstrate the first biaxial fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer using axial and transverse forces. An inertial object is fixed at the middle of two FBGs inscribed in one fiber. The difference between the resonant wavelengths of the two FBGs can distinguish the acceleration in the axial direction, while being insensitive in the transverse direction. The average of the resonant wavelengths of the two FBGs can distinguish the acceleration in the transverse direction, while being insensitive in the axial direction. In the experiments, when the transverse direction was vertical, the crest-to-trough sensitivity at 5 Hz and resonant frequency of the average were 0.545 nm/g and 34.42 Hz, respectively. When the axial direction was vertical, those of the difference were 0.0454 nm/g and 900 Hz, respectively. For each FBG, the crest-to-trough sensitivity at 5 Hz and resonant frequency in the transverse/vertical direction were 24 and 1/26 times those in the axial/vertical direction, respectively.

Tendinopathy alters cumulative transverse strain in the patellar tendon postexercise.

Introduction This research evaluated the effect of tendinopathy on the cumulative transverse strain response of the patellar tendon to a bout of resistive quadriceps exercise. Methods Nine adults with unilateral patellar tendinopathy (age 18.2±0.7 years, height 1.92±0.06 m and weight 76.8±6.8 kg) and ten healthy adults free of knee pain (age 17.8±0.8 years, height 1.83±0.05 m and weight 73.2±7.6 kg) underwent standardised sagittal sonograms (7.2–14 MHz linear–array transducer) of both patellar tendons immediately prior and following 45 repetitions of a double–leg decline–squat exercise performed against a resistance of 145% bodyweight. Tendon thickness was determined 5–mm and 25–mm distal to the patellar pole. Transverse Hencky strain was calculated as the natural log of the ratio of post– to pre–exercise tendon thickness and expressed as a percentage. Measures of tendon echogenicity were calculated within the superficial and deep aspects of each tendon site from gray–scale profiles. Intratendinous microvessels were evaluated using power Doppler ultrasound. Results The cumulative transverse strain response to exercise in symptomatic tendinopathy was significantly lower than that of asymptomatic and healthy tendon (P<.05). There was also a significant reduction (57%) in the area of microvascularity immediately following exercise (P=.05), which was positively correlated (r=0.93, P<.05) with VISA-P score. Conclusions This study is the first to show that patellar tendinopathy is associated with an altered morphological and mechanical response of the tendon to exercise, which is manifest by a reduction in cumulative transverse strain and microvascularity, when present. Research directed toward identifying factors that influence the acute microvascular and transverse strain response of the patellar tendon to exercise in the various stages of tendinopathy is warranted.

Numerical studies on CFRP strengthened steel columns under transverse impact

Strengthening of metallic structures using carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) has become a smart strengthening option over the conventional strengthening method. Transverse impact loading due to accidental vehicular collision can lead to the failure of existing steel hollow tubular columns. However, knowledge is very limited on the behaviour of CFRP strengthened steel members under dynamic impact loading condition. This paper deals with the numerical simulation of CFRP strengthened square hollow section (SHS) steel columns under transverse impact loading to predict the behaviour and failure modes. The transverse impact loading is simulated using finite element (FE) analysis based on numerical approach. The accuracy of the FE modelling is ensured by comparing the predicted results with available experimental tests. The effects of impact velocity, impact mass, support condition, axial loading and CFRP thickness are examined through detail parametric study. The impact simulation results indicate that the strengthening technique shows an improved impact resistance capacity by reducing lateral displacement of the strengthened column about 58% compared to the bare steel column. Axial loading plays an important role on the failure behaviour of tubular column.

Effect of partial H2O-D2O replacement on the anisotropy of transverse proton spin relaxation in bovine articular cartilage

Anisotropy of transverse proton spin relaxation in collagen-rich tissues like cartilage and tendon is a well-known phenomenon that manifests itself as the "magic-angle" effect in magnetic resonance images of these tissues. It is usually attributed to the non-zero averaging of intra-molecular dipolar interactions in water molecules bound to oriented collagen fibers. One way to manipulate the contributions of these interactions to spin relaxation is by partially replacing the water in the cartilage sample with deuterium oxide. It is known that dipolar interactions in deuterated solutions are weaker, resulting in a decrease in proton relaxation rates. In this work, we investigate the effects of deuteration on the longitudinal and the isotropic and anisotropic contributions to transverse relaxation of water protons in bovine articular cartilage. We demonstrate that the anisotropy of transverse proton spin relaxation in articular cartilage is independent of the degree of deuteration, bringing into question some of the assumptions currently held over the origins of relaxation anisotropy in oriented tissues.

Novel non-linear elastic structural analysis with generalised transverse element loads using a refined finite element

In the finite element modelling of structural frames, external loads such as wind loads, dead loads and imposed loads usually act along the elements rather than at the nodes only. Conventionally, when an element is subjected to these general transverse element loads, they are usually converted to nodal forces acting at the ends of the elements by either lumping or consistent load approaches. In addition, it is especially important for an element subjected to the first- and second-order elastic behaviour, to which the steel structure is critically prone to; in particular the thin-walled steel structures, when the stocky element section may be generally critical to the inelastic behaviour. In this sense, the accurate first- and second-order elastic displacement solutions of element load effect along an element is vitally crucial, but cannot be simulated using neither numerical nodal nor consistent load methods alone, as long as no equilibrium condition is enforced in the finite element formulation, which can inevitably impair the structural safety of the steel structure particularly. It can be therefore regarded as a unique element load method to account for the element load nonlinearly. If accurate displacement solution is targeted for simulating the first- and second-order elastic behaviour on an element on the basis of sophisticated non-linear element stiffness formulation, the numerous prescribed stiffness matrices must indispensably be used for the plethora of specific transverse element loading patterns encountered. In order to circumvent this shortcoming, the present paper proposes a numerical technique to include the transverse element loading in the non-linear stiffness formulation without numerous prescribed stiffness matrices, and which is able to predict structural responses involving the effect of first-order element loads as well as the second-order coupling effect between the transverse load and axial force in the element. This paper shows that the principle of superposition can be applied to derive the generalized stiffness formulation for element load effect, so that the form of the stiffness matrix remains unchanged with respect to the specific loading patterns, but with only the magnitude of the loading (element load coefficients) being needed to be adjusted in the stiffness formulation, and subsequently the non-linear effect on element loadings can be commensurate by updating the magnitude of element load coefficients through the non-linear solution procedures. In principle, the element loading distribution is converted into a single loading magnitude at mid-span in order to provide the initial perturbation for triggering the member bowing effect due to its transverse element loads. This approach in turn sacrifices the effect of element loading distribution except at mid-span. Therefore, it can be foreseen that the load-deflection behaviour may not be as accurate as those at mid-span, but its discrepancy is still trivial as proved. This novelty allows for a very useful generalised stiffness formulation for a single higher-order element with arbitrary transverse loading patterns to be formulated. Moreover, another significance of this paper is placed on shifting the nodal response (system analysis) to both nodal and element response (sophisticated element formulation). For the conventional finite element method, such as the cubic element, all accurate solutions can be only found at node. It means no accurate and reliable structural safety can be ensured within an element, and as a result, it hinders the engineering applications. The results of the paper are verified using analytical stability function studies, as well as with numerical results reported by independent researchers on several simple frames.