Search Results (162)

Near-field acoustic holography (NAH) provides an effective way to achieve wide-band, high-resolution visualization measurement of the sound insulation performance of building components. However, based on Green’s function, the microphone array’s inherent amplitude and phase mismatch errors will exponentially amplify the sound field inversion process, significantly reducing the measurement accuracy. To systematically evaluate this problem, this study combines numerical simulation with actual measurements in a soundproof room that complies with the ISO 10140 standard, quantitatively analyzes the influence of array system errors on NAH reconstructed sound insulation and acoustic images, and proposes an error correction strategy based on channel transfer function normalization. The research results show that when the array amplitude and phase mismatch mean values are controlled within 5% and 5°, respectively, the deviation of the weighted sound insulation measured by NAH can be controlled within 1 dB, and the error in the key frequency band of building sound insulation (200–1.6k Hz) does not exceed 1.5 dB; when the mismatch mean value increases to 10% and 10°, the deviation of the weighted sound insulation can reach 2 dB, and the error in the high-frequency band (≥1.6k Hz) significantly increases to more than 2.0 dB. The sound image shows noticeable spatial distortion in the frequency band above 250 Hz. After applying the proposed correction method, the NAH measurement results of the domestic microphone array are highly consistent with the weighted sound insulation measured by the standard method, and the measurement difference in the key frequency band is less than 1.0 dB, which significantly improves the reliability and applicability of low-cost equipment in engineering applications. In addition, the study reveals the inherent mechanism of differential amplification of system errors in the propagating wave and evanescent wave channels. It provides quantitative thresholds and operational guidance for instrument selection, array calibration, and error compensation of NAH technology in building sound insulation detection. Full article

As high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs) advance in speed and complexity, quasi-static design methods may underestimate the fatigue risks associated with high-frequency dynamic excitations. This study quantifies the contribution of gear meshing-induced vibrations (2512 Hz) to fatigue damage in EMU gearbox housings, revealing resonance amplification of local stresses up to 1.8 MPa at 300 km/h operation. Through integrated field monitoring and bench testing, we demonstrated that gear meshing excites structural modes, generating sustained, very high-cycle stresses (>10⁸ cycles). Crucially, fatigue specimens were directly extracted from in-service gearbox housings—overcoming the limitations of standardized coupons—passing the very high-cycle fatigue (VHCF) test to derive S-N characteristics beyond 10⁸ cycles. Results show a continuous decline in fatigue strength (with no traditional fatigue limit) from 10⁸ to 10⁹ cycles. This work bridges the gap between static design standards (e.g., FKM) and actual dynamic environments, proving that accumulated damage from low-amplitude gear-meshing stresses (3.62 × 10¹¹ cycles over a 12 million km lifespan) contributes to a 16% material utilization ratio. The findings emphasize that even low-magnitude gear-meshing stresses can significantly influence gearbox fatigue life due to their ultra-high frequency, warranting design consideration beyond current standards. Full article

In this study, we show how uniform hazard spectra (UHS) can contribute to sustainable development in regions with frequent moderate to strong seismic events and a variety of deeper geological conditions, by reducing seismic risks and enhancing resilience. The case study region surrounds a site at Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Frequency-dependent scaling equations are presented. UHS spectra for Banja Luka are calculated utilizing regional seismicity estimations, deep geology data, and the regional empirical formulae for scaling different PSA amplitudes. The UHS amplitudes are compared with Eurocode 8 spectra. The results demonstrate that the ratios of the highest UHS amplitudes to the corresponding PGA values differ significantly from 2.5, which is the factor specified by Eurocode 8 for the horizontal ground motion. The results also suggest that the influence of deep geology on UHS amplitudes can outweigh local soil effects. For example, at the vibration period of 0.1 s, the largest site effects are obtained for deep geology when comparing the UHS amplitude at geological rock to that at intermediate sites. In this case, the deep geology amplification of 1.47 is 19% higher than the local soil amplification of 1.24 for the same vibration period at the stiff soil sites compared to the rock soil sites. The UHS obtained may be interpreted as preliminary for Banja Luka and other places with similar deep geology, local soil conditions, and seismicity. When the quantity of strong-motion data in the region increases significantly beyond what it is now, it will be possible to correctly calibrate the existing attenuation equations and obtain more reliable UHS estimates. Full article

This study presents high-fidelity numerical simulations of the shock-accelerated single-mode Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) in a light helium layer confined between two interfaces and surrounded by nitrogen gas. A high-order modal discontinuous Galerkin method is employed to solve the two-dimensional compressible Euler equations, enabling detailed investigation of interface evolution, vorticity dynamics, and flow structure development under various physical conditions. The effects of helium layer thickness, initial perturbation amplitude, and incident shock Mach number are systematically explored by analyzing interface morphology, vorticity generation, enstrophy, and kinetic energy. The results show that increasing the helium layer thickness enhances vorticity accumulation and interface deformation by delaying interaction with the second interface, allowing more sustained instability growth. Larger initial perturbation amplitudes promote earlier onset of nonlinear deformation and stronger baroclinic vorticity generation, while higher shock strengths intensify pressure gradients across the interface, accelerating instability amplification and mixing. These findings highlight the critical interplay between layer confinement, perturbation strength, and shock strength in governing the nonlinear evolution of RMI in light fluid layers. Full article

Compact, broadband, multi-channel RF chips with low loss and high integration are required for high-performance phased-array systems. Presented in this paper is a four-channel, multifunction RF chip operating in the 5–18 GHz frequency range that integrates broadband phase shifting, amplitude control, power amplification, and switching functions. The chip is designed to have flip-chip bonding and stacked gold bumps to enable the compact 3D integration of the GaAs pHEMT and Si-CMOS. To ensure high-density interconnects with minimal parasitic effects, a fan-in redistribution process is implemented. The RF front-end part of this chip, fabricated through a 0.15 µm GaAs pHEMT process, integrates 6-bit digital phase shifters, 6-bit digital attenuators, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), power amplifiers (PAs), and single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches. To enhance multi-channel isolation and reduce crosstalk between RF chips and digital circuits, high isolation techniques, including a ground-coupled shield layer in the fan-in process and on-chip shield cavities, are utilized, which achieve isolation levels greater than 41 dB between adjacent RF channels. The measurement results demonstrate a reception gain of 0 dB with ±0.6 dB flatness, an NF below 11 dB, and transmit gain of more than 10 dB, with a VSWR of below 1.6 over the entire 5–18 GHz frequency band. The 6-bit phase shifter achieves a root mean square (RMS) phase error below 2.5° with an amplitude variation of less than 0.8 dB, while the 6-bit attenuator exhibits an RMS attenuation error of below 0.5 dB and a phase variation of less than 7°. The RF and digital chips are heterogeneously integrated using flip-chip and fan-in technology, resulting in a compact chip size of 6.2 × 6.2 × 0.33 mm³. These results validate that this is a compact, high-performance solution for advanced phased-array radar applications. Full article

Pile–anchor structures offer an effective way to reinforce slopes in earthquake-prone regions. Static and quasi-static analysis on pile–anchor structures has been widely conducted, but their dynamic behaviors have not been well addressed. This study explores the dynamic behavior of a bedding rock slope strengthened by pile–anchor structures in a seismic-prone region of China. We propose a method for the automatic application of viscoelastic boundaries and input of seismic waves in ABAQUS (version 2021) using MATLAB R2023a programming. A series of numerical simulations for the pile–anchor-reinforced slope under seismic motions with different acceleration amplitudes and excitation directions are performed. We find that the PGA amplification factors at the slope surface are larger than those in the middle of the slope, which is because the bedding planes near the slope surface cause reflections of seismic waves. The maximum axial force of the anchors of the upper and lower rows is greater than that of the middle rows. For example, under an acceleration amplitude of 0.1 g, the maximum axial forces of the anchors with numbers ranging from 1 to 6 are 466, 462, 461, 460, 461, and 463 kN, respectively. The distribution of the peak values of the earth pressure presents a significant change around the sliding surface. The maximum bending moment of the pile increases from 0.55 × 10³ to 0.90 × 10³ kN·m as the acceleration amplitudes of the seismic waves increase from 0.2 to 0.3 g, indicating that the pile can bear the load caused by the movement of the slope. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases; however, less has been researched about how diet-induced obesity may affect the auditory system. In this sense, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of diet-induced obesity on the functionality and integrity of the outer hair cells, a key component of the organ of Corti, inside the cochlea. Furthermore, we hypothesized that adipose tissue (AT) status is associated with impaired outer hair cell auditory amplification in young C57BL/6 mice, contributing to increased vulnerability to hearing damage. Methods: Weaning male C57BL/6J mice (7 weeks old) weighing 22–23 g were divided into two diet groups: (i) a control diet or (ii) a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 or 16 weeks. Metabolic parameters (body and AT weight, glucose tolerance test), AT dysfunction markers (AT remodeling, adipocyte size, crown-like structures), and outer hair cell function (distortion products otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) threshold and amplitudes) and integrity (hair cells cell count) were evaluated. Results: We observed that mice fed an HFD for 16 weeks showed a higher DPOAE threshold against stimuli at 16 KHz and a lower count of outer hair cells in the medial section of the cochlea. These results demonstrate a correlation between body and AT weight specifically at 16 weeks of treatment, the time point at which we observed a marked AT dysfunction. Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that obese mice with AT dysfunction have an altered auditory efferent system, characterized by a higher DPOAE threshold and a lower outer hair cell count in the medial section, which may impact signal transduction. Full article

The valine glutamine (VQ) proteins are transcription cofactors involved in various aspects of plant biology, including growth, development, and stress resistance, making them an attractive target for genetic engineering aimed at enhancing plant resilience and productivity. However, comprehensive reports or systematic studies on VQ cofactors in Salix suchowensis remain lacking. In this study, we analyzed SsVQ genes using bioinformatics methods based on the Salix suchowensis genome database. Expression profiles were further investigated through qRT-PCR under six treatments: PEG, NaCl, 40 °C, ABA, SA, and MeJA. A total of 39 SsVQ genes were identified, with phylogenetic analysis classifying them into seven groups. Collinearity analysis suggested that SsVQ gene amplification primarily resulted from whole genome duplication (WGD) or segmental duplication events. Ka/Ks ratios indicated that willow VQ genes have undergone predominantly purifying selection. Gene structure analysis revealed that SsVQ genes are intronless. Multiple sequence alignment showed that SsVQ19 shares similarity with PtVQ27, containing a hydrophilic threonine (T) residue preceding the VQ amino acid residues. Furthermore, genes within each group exhibited conserved structures and VQ motifs. Promoter and expression analyses suggested the potential roles of SsVQ genes in regulating willow responses to environmental stresses and hormonal signals. Most SsVQ genes displayed differential expression at specific time points, with six members (SsVQ2, SsVQ9, SsVQ12, SsVQ23, SsVQ32, and SsVQ34) showing sustained high-amplitude expression profiles across treatments. Notably, SsVQ34 demonstrated pronounced transcriptional induction under PEG stress, with expression levels upregulated by 62.29-fold (1 h), 49.21-fold (6 h), 99.9-fold (12 h), and 201.50-fold (24 h). Certain SsVQ genes showed co-expression under abiotic/hormonal stresses, implying synergistic functions. Paralogous gene pairs exhibited stronger co-expression than non-paralogous pairs. This study provides novel insights into the structural and functional characteristics of the VQ gene family in Salix suchowensis, establishing a foundation for future research on the stress-resistance mechanisms of willow VQ genes. Full article

Active magnetic bearings (AMBs), pivotal in high-speed rotating machinery for their frictionless operation and precise control, demand power amplifiers with exceptional dynamic performance and minimal current ripple. However, conventional amplifier designs often overlook eddy current effects, a critical oversight given the high-frequency switching inherent to pulse-width modulation (PWM). These induced eddy currents distort output waveforms, amplify ripple, and degrade system bandwidth. This paper bridges this critical gap by proposing a comprehensive methodology to model, quantify, and mitigate eddy current impacts on three-level half-bridge power amplifiers. A novel mutual inductance-embedded circuit model was developed, integrating winding–eddy current interactions under PWM operations, while a discretized transfer function framework dissects frequency-dependent ripple amplification and phase hysteresis. A voltage selection criterion was analytically derived to suppress nonlinear distortions, ensuring stable operation in high-precision applications. A Simulink simulation model was established to verify the accuracy of the theoretical model. Experimental validation demonstrated a 212% surge in steady-state ripple (48 mA to 150 mA at 4 A DC bias) under a 20 kHz PWM operation, aligning with theoretical predictions. Dynamic load tests (400 Hz) showed a 6.28% current amplitude reduction at 80 V DC bus voltage compared to 40 V, highlighting bandwidth degradation. This research provides a paradigm for optimizing AMB power electronics, enhancing precision in next-generation high-speed systems. Full article

This study aims to model and analyze the performance of a three-degree-of-freedom low-frequency resonant mixer to verify the feasibility of its design approach. Based on the completion of the device design in reference to related theories, the working performance and vibration isolation characteristics of the device at different resonance frequencies were determined through modeling and simulation. The results indicate that at the third-order natural frequency, the phase difference between the payload assembly and the vibration-isolating assembly is 180°, which counteracts a portion of the force applied to the rack, thereby demonstrating effective vibration isolation. Moreover, it is found that the phase difference between the excitation force and the excitation assembly response has a great influence on the vibration isolation effect of the equipment. The acceleration and amplitude were amplified, which facilitated efficient mixing. It has been verified that at the third-order natural frequency, the device can achieve amplification of acceleration and amplitude as well as vibration isolation. This ensures efficient mixing while reducing the impact on the external environment. Full article

The establishment of a linear seismic response analysis model that considers ground rotation effects and eccentric torsion informed the investigation of the linear response characteristics of coupled lateral–torsional vibration, considering eccentricity and ground rotation, after which the lateral–torsional coupling linear response pattern of special-shaped column structures is examined. The results show that the torsion angle of a floor is equal to the sum of the interlayer torsion angle caused by eccentric torsion and the pure torsion angle caused by ground rotation, respectively. The natural vibration frequency of the structure considering ground rotation effects is a function of relative eccentricity; the period ratio of translation to torsion caused by ground rotation; and the period ratio of translation to torsion when considering only eccentric torsion. When the translation to torsion period ratio, considering eccentric torsion, is greater than 1.0, the torsional amplitude increases remarkably, but the first-order participation mode is considerably higher under the same conditions. The natural vibration characteristics, translational response, torsional response, and seismic force distribution are obtained for special-shaped columns by conducting the shaking table test on steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) frame structures. After comparative analysis, the maximum ratio of the maximum torsional displacement of the bottom layer of the structure to the horizontal displacement in the X direction is 0.0007. The maximum ratio of the base shear force to the theoretical base shear force of the structure without considering coupling is 0.93. The maximum ratio of the measured shear force of the special-shaped column to the theoretical shear force without considering coupling is 0.65. This indicates that ground rotation has a significant amplification effect on structural response. The research results provide a reference for the seismic design of special-shaped column structures. Full article

As the operating conditions of metro vehicles become more complex, the fatigue damage of metro bogie frames under actual operating conditions becomes increasingly difficult to evaluate realistically. After a period of operation of metro trains, the load excitation on the frame and its vibrations become more intense, which causes elastic resonance and leads to fatigue damage. Therefore, it is of high importance to establish test load conditions that match the actual operating environment to conduct fatigue reliability research on frames. To address this problem, in this study, we developed a high-precision force measurement frame and performed a long-term field test. The load optimization factor was used to quantify the load amplitude amplification near the modal frequency caused by the frame elastic resonance. The real load conditions and damage conditions of the fatigued weak position were obtained. Additionally, the square of the difference between the damage calculated via the load spectrum and the measured damage was used as the objective function; the calibrated test load spectrum fully covered the fatigued weak position damage as the constraint condition. The load spectrum calibration coefficient was obtained via multi-objective optimization through a genetic algorithm. The results showed that the damage calculated using the calibrated load agreed well with the real damage, and the ratio of the equivalent stress amplitude between the two was in the range of 1–2. The calibrated test load spectrum obtained in this study can be used for the structural optimization and fatigue reliability design of the later frame. The findings reported here can also be applied to other dynamic systems where fatigue failure is a critical issue. Full article

Prediction of the intensity of earthquake-induced motions at the ground surface attracts extensive attention from the geoscience community due to the significant threat it poses to humans and the built environment. Several factors are involved, including earthquake magnitude, epicentral distance, and local soil conditions. The local site effects, such as resonance amplification, topographic focusing, and basin-edge interactions, can significantly influence the amplitude–frequency content and duration of the incoming seismic waves. They are commonly predicted using site effect proxies or applying more sophisticated analytical and numerical models with advanced constitutive stress–strain relationships. The seismic excitation in numerical simulations consists of a set of input ground motions compatible with the seismo-tectonic settings at the studied location and the probability of exceedance of a specific level of ground shaking over a given period. These motions are applied at the base of the considered soil profiles, and their vertical propagation is simulated using linear and nonlinear approaches in time or frequency domains. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review of the major input parameters for site response analyses, evaluates the efficiency of site response proxies, and discusses the significance of accurate modeling approaches for predicting bedrock motion amplification. The important dynamic soil parameters include shear-wave velocity, shear modulus reduction, and damping ratio curves, along with the selection and scaling of earthquake ground motions, the evaluation of site effects through site response proxies, and experimental and numerical analysis, all of which are described in this article. Full article

Gravity inversion plays a crucial role in mineral exploration and resource evaluation, yet conventional depth-weighting methods often impose uniform resolution across all depths and fail to effectively delineate anomaly boundaries. This study presents an innovative attentional depth-weighting matrix based on a regularized downward continuation (RDC) mechanism. First, the observed gravity data are projected to greater depths using RDC, which suppresses high-frequency noise amplification. Next, gradient extrema are extracted from each grid cell to identify anomaly boundaries, forming a constant weighting matrix that enhances the focus on target regions. This matrix is then integrated with traditional depth weighting and a minimum-support focusing factor to optimize the inversion process. The proposed method is validated through two synthetic models, demonstrating improved resolution of deeper targets and more accurate amplitude recovery compared to conventional approaches. Further application to the Dahongshan Copper–Iron Ore region in Yunnan, China, reveals a deep intrusive body at approximately 4–5 km depth, extending east–west with a distinct “U”-shaped geometry. These results, consistent with previous geological studies, highlight the method’s ability to enhance deep anomaly characterization while effectively suppressing shallow noise interference. By balancing noise reduction with improved resolution, this approach broadens the applicability of gravity inversion in geological, geothermal, and mineral resource exploration. Full article

The steep bedding rock slope (SBRS) is easily destabilized under earthquake action, so it is crucial to research the features of this kind of slope’s seismic dynamic reactions in order to prevent and mitigate disasters. Few researchers have examined these slopes from an energy perspective, and the majority of recent research focuses on the displacement and acceleration response patterns of these kinds of slopes under seismic action. This work performed an extended study of a dynamic numerical simulation and systematically analyzed the dynamic response characteristics of this type of slope under earth quake conditions from the standpoint of energy utilizing the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) and marginal spectrum (MSP) theory. This was carried out in response to the slope’s shaking table test from our previous work. The findings indicate the following: (1) The ‘elevation effect’ and ‘surface effect’ are clearly seen in the acceleration amplification factor (AAF) of the slope during an earthquake. The selectivity of the slope acceleration’s Fourier spectrum amplification impact indicates that the elevation amplification effect makes the high-frequency peak’s amplitude more noticeable. (2) Although the effect of the weak layer is more pronounced in the high-frequency portion, both the elevation and the weak layer affect the seismic wave’s Hilbert energy. As a result, the weak layer at the top of the slope is usually destroyed first during an earthquake. (3) Prior to the locked segment’s penetration failure at the toe of the SBRS, the Hilbert energy of the high-frequency band of the marginal spectrum at the monitoring point on the top portion of the segment will rise sharply. This suggests that the upper portion of the locked segment has begun to sustain damage. There are antecedents even when there is no penetration failure. Full article