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Search Results (3,931)

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Keywords = fracture conductivity

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14 pages, 6695 KB  
Article
Anisotropic Mechanical Behavior and Localized Deformation Evolution in Q420 High-Strength Steel
by Nan Guo, Yangyang Li, Yaoyao Li, Xiqiang Ma, Xiao Wang and Chunyang Liu
Coatings 2026, 16(6), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16060731 (registering DOI) - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 162
Abstract
Q420 high-strength steel exhibits pronounced anisotropy due to its rolling process, and conventional uniaxial tensile testing is incapable of acquiring strain field evolution information during the local necking stage. In this study, quasi-static uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on Q420 cold-rolled high-strength steel [...] Read more.
Q420 high-strength steel exhibits pronounced anisotropy due to its rolling process, and conventional uniaxial tensile testing is incapable of acquiring strain field evolution information during the local necking stage. In this study, quasi-static uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on Q420 cold-rolled high-strength steel sheets at six orientations (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology. The evolution of the strain field and the corresponding stress–strain responses at different orientations were systematically investigated. The results show that the DIC technique effectively captured the full-field strain evolution of the specimens from uniform deformation to local necking and final fracture in all directions. Taking the 0° direction as an example, the local maximum engineering strain prior to fracture reached 35.866%, whereas the average fracture strain within the gauge section was only approximately 22.5%, corresponding to a ratio of approximately 1.6 and clearly demonstrating the severe strain concentration within the necking zone. The stress–strain curves corresponding to different rolling directions exhibited pronounced anisotropy. The tensile strength was highest in the 90° direction and lowest in the 0° direction; however, the 0° direction exhibited the best ductility, whereas the 45° direction showed the poorest ductility. Among the six orientations, the midpoint transverse engineering strain exhibited the largest absolute value in the 45° direction, further indicating that this orientation is the most susceptible to plastic instability. In this work, DIC-based full-field measurement was combined with multi-directional tensile testing to quantitatively characterize the relationship between local strain concentration and anisotropy. The findings provide high-precision experimental data for the calibration of anisotropic constitutive models and the optimization of forming processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Welding and Cladding for Enhanced Mechanical Performance)
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22 pages, 13030 KB  
Article
Saturated Volume Fracturing Technology for Horizontal Well Groups in Coal Seam Roof and Application in the Huainan Mining Area
by Huazhong Ding, Shiliang Zhu, Lei Su, Haozhe Li, Jianjian Qi, Siqing Sun and Benliang Chen
Energies 2026, 19(12), 2903; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19122903 (registering DOI) - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 184
Abstract
The Huainan Mining Area features extensively developed, fragmented-soft and low-permeability coal seams, characterized by low porosity and permeability, complex geological structures, and significant difficulty in coalbed methane (CBM) drainage. Horizontal wells with staged fracturing in the coal seam roof have become a key [...] Read more.
The Huainan Mining Area features extensively developed, fragmented-soft and low-permeability coal seams, characterized by low porosity and permeability, complex geological structures, and significant difficulty in coalbed methane (CBM) drainage. Horizontal wells with staged fracturing in the coal seam roof have become a key method for regional gas control. To further enhance the volume fracturing stimulation effect and single-well gas production, this study targets the horizontal well group in the roof of the No. 8 coal seam in the Huainan Mining Area as the research object. A saturated volume fracturing technology for horizontal wells in the coal seam roof, centered on the concept of a high pump rate (18–20 m3/min) and a high proppant volume (>250 m3/stage), is proposed. This study investigates the fracture propagation mechanisms and fracturing parameter optimization of this technology, and conducts engineering application to verify its stimulation effect. Increasing the fracturing pump rate improves the proppant-carrying capacity of the fracturing fluid, successfully enabling high-rate and high-volume proppant placement. Optimization of the perforation parameters—12 holes per m per cluster and a cluster spacing of 15–25 m—utilizes high perforation friction and moderate stress interference to promote balanced initiation and propagation of multiple fractures within a stage. The optimized ‘saturated’ injection mode, with a single-stage fluid volume exceeding 2400 m3, a single-stage proppant volume exceeding 250 m3, and a maximum sand ratio exceeding 20%, combined with a multi-size proppant mixture, enables full propping of both main and branch fractures. Microseismic monitoring shows that the hydraulic fracture extension length increased by approximately 50% compared to conventional wells, significantly enlarging the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). Saturated fracturing achieved stable gas production of 2000 to 3000 m3/d, with average production ramp-up rates of 21.47–26.40 m3/d (five times higher than the 5.34 m3/d of the conventional well), and the stable plateau period was notably extended from 36 days to over 150 days. The saturated volume fracturing technology proposed in this study provides an important reference for efficient CBM extraction and surface gas control in mining areas with similar geological conditions. Full article
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19 pages, 3554 KB  
Article
The Bifurcation Characteristics and Dynamical Evolution Rule of Non-Isothermal Seepage Mechanical Model in Fractured Rock Mass
by Zhengzheng Cao
Processes 2026, 14(12), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121985 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 147
Abstract
Aiming at the non-isothermal seepage phenomena in fractured rock mass, this paper conducts nonlinear dynamic research on the coupled seepage problem. Based on solid–fluid heat conduction energy equations and the mutual coupling of temperature and seepage fields, the non-isothermal seepage constitutive relation of [...] Read more.
Aiming at the non-isothermal seepage phenomena in fractured rock mass, this paper conducts nonlinear dynamic research on the coupled seepage problem. Based on solid–fluid heat conduction energy equations and the mutual coupling of temperature and seepage fields, the non-isothermal seepage constitutive relation of fractured rock is derived, and a one-dimensional nonlinear dynamic governing model is established. Theoretical analysis indicates the equilibrium solution of non-isothermal seepage is more complex than that under the isothermal condition. Numerical calculations reveal that temperature variation shifts equilibrium positions and alters the occurrence conditions of hysteresis bifurcation, verifying temperature as a core regulatory factor for seepage dynamic responses. Successive sub-relaxation iteration stability analysis demonstrates obvious differentiated convergence speeds: the seepage field converges markedly faster than the temperature field when the coupled system reaches steady state. Compared with the isothermal seepage, the temperature effect changes the location of abrupt transition points and critical threshold of control parameters, rendering fractured rock seepage systems easier to trigger abrupt structural mutation even at low rock fragmentation degrees. This study clarifies the internal nonlinear dynamic mechanism of thermal–fluid coupled seepage, identifies potential mutation risks in petroleum exploitation and geothermal development, and supplies essential theoretical support for related engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Petroleum and Low-Carbon Energy Process Engineering)
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13 pages, 1255 KB  
Article
Intramedullary Nailing Versus Modular Megaprosthesis in Pathological Humeral Fractures: A 10-Year Retrospective Comparative Study
by Giuseppe Rovere, Federica Messina, Cesare Meschini, Maria Serena Oliva, Matteo Caredda, Fernando De Maio, Pasquale Farsetti, Giulio Maccauro and Antonio Ziranu
Diseases 2026, 14(6), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases14060218 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 118
Abstract
Background: Pathological fractures of the humerus secondary to metastatic disease represent a significant cause of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life in oncologic patients. Surgical management aims to restore stability, reduce pain, and allow early mobilization. However, the optimal strategy between intramedullary [...] Read more.
Background: Pathological fractures of the humerus secondary to metastatic disease represent a significant cause of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life in oncologic patients. Surgical management aims to restore stability, reduce pain, and allow early mobilization. However, the optimal strategy between intramedullary nailing and modular megaprosthesis remains debated, particularly in relation to functional outcomes and long-term results. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 48 patients treated for pathological or impending humeral fractures between January 2015 and January 2025. Twenty-six patients underwent intramedullary nailing (IMN group), while twenty-two were treated with tumor resection and modular megaprosthesis reconstruction (MP group). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) at 1, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months, and at 10 years. Complications and overall survival were also analyzed. Results: Intramedullary nailing demonstrated significantly superior early functional outcomes, with higher MSTS scores at 1 month (78% vs. 63%, p < 0.001) and lower QuickDASH scores in the first 24 months (p = 0.002). WOSI scores also favored IMN in the early postoperative period (p = 0.004). Megaprosthesis showed a slower initial recovery but a progressive improvement over time, reaching comparable functional outcomes at long-term follow-up (p > 0.05). The overall complication rate was similar between groups (p = 0.28), although periprosthetic infections occurred only in the MP group. Survival analysis did not show significant differences between groups (p = 0.74). Conclusions: Both intramedullary nailing and modular megaprosthesis represent effective surgical options for pathological and impending humeral fractures. Intramedullary nailing provides faster early functional recovery, whereas megaprosthetic reconstruction offers a durable reconstructive solution for extensive proximal lesions. Functional outcomes progressively converged between the two techniques approximately 2–3 years after surgery. Mid-term outcomes up to five years appeared comparable, suggesting that surgical decision-making should be individualized according to lesion characteristics, tumor biology, expected survival, and functional demands. Full article
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14 pages, 915 KB  
Review
Lateral Femoral Neck and Peritrochanteric Fractures: Anatomical Classifications and Pre-Operative Reduction Techniques—A Narrative Review
by Giacomo Capece, Gerardo Giudice, Ruggiero Giliberti, Pierluigi Di Cosmo, Giuseppe Pizzi, Luca Lepore, Rosario Junior Sagliocco, Francesco Cuozzo, Emidio Di Gialleonardo and Michele Gison
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020241 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 94
Abstract
Lateral femoral neck and peritrochanteric fractures are common and clinically challenging injuries, particularly in the elderly population, with significant implications for morbidity, mortality, and functional recovery. Traditional classification systems are widely used to guide treatment, yet their reproducibility and clinical applicability remain debated. [...] Read more.
Lateral femoral neck and peritrochanteric fractures are common and clinically challenging injuries, particularly in the elderly population, with significant implications for morbidity, mortality, and functional recovery. Traditional classification systems are widely used to guide treatment, yet their reproducibility and clinical applicability remain debated. Increasing attention has been directed toward trabecular architecture and its role in fracture behavior and reduction strategies. This review aims to summarize current evidence on classification systems, trabecular-based fracture patterns, pre-operative reduction techniques, and fixation strategies. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases up to May 2026. Original studies, reviews, and biomechanical investigations focusing on proximal femur fracture classification, reliability, trabecular alignment, reduction techniques, and fixation methods were included. Data were qualitatively analyzed, with emphasis on interobserver reliability, biomechanical implications, and clinical outcomes. Conventional classification systems, including anatomical, Evans–Jensen, and AO/OTA frameworks, demonstrated variable and generally moderate reproducibility, with reported interobserver agreement ranging from approximately κ = 0.30 to 0.60. Emerging evidence highlights the importance of trabecular architecture, distinguishing intradigital fractures—confined within trabecular pathways and relatively stable—from extradigital fractures, which disrupt load-bearing structures and are associated with increased mechanical instability and higher failure rates. Biomechanical and clinical studies indicate that inadequate reduction with trabecular misalignment significantly increases the risk of varus collapse and implant cut-out. Reduction strategies tailored to fracture pattern, such as internal rotation for intradigital fractures and external or combined maneuvers for extradigital patterns, improve alignment and load transfer. In terms of fixation, dynamic hip screws remain effective in stable fractures, whereas cephalomedullary nails demonstrate superior performance in unstable patterns, with lower reoperation rates reported (approximately 5–8% vs. 10–15%). Management of lateral femoral neck and peritrochanteric fractures should extend beyond traditional classification systems to incorporate trabecular biomechanics. Restoration of trabecular alignment, alongside established parameters such as neck–shaft angle and tip–apex distance, is critical for optimizing outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed to validate trabecular-based classifications and standardize reduction strategies. Full article
28 pages, 13654 KB  
Article
Damage Evolution Mechanism of Sandstone in the Tarangole Mining Area Under Varying Freeze–Thaw Cycles and Freezing Temperatures
by Jianhua Li, Zhibin Li, Sicheng Wang, Yongjiang Luo and Xujing Tan
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6140; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126140 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 89
Abstract
Freeze–thaw cycles cause mechanical deterioration and instability of slope rock masses in open-pit coal mines located in the cold regions of Northwest China. In this study, the research object is fine-grained sandstone from the Yan’an Formation in the Tarangole mining area of the [...] Read more.
Freeze–thaw cycles cause mechanical deterioration and instability of slope rock masses in open-pit coal mines located in the cold regions of Northwest China. In this study, the research object is fine-grained sandstone from the Yan’an Formation in the Tarangole mining area of the Ordos Basin. Here, indoor freeze–thaw cycling, uniaxial compression, and triaxial compression tests were conducted to systematically analyze the deformation behavior, strength evolution, and failure modes of the sandstone under varying numbers of freeze–thaw cycles, freezing temperatures, and confining pressures, thereby revealing its freeze–thaw damage mechanism. The results show that the number of freeze–thaw cycles is the dominant factor affecting the elastic modulus. Freezing temperatures (especially between −5 °C and −15 °C) and the number of freeze–thaw cycles (particularly the first 10 cycles) significantly reduce peak strength. In addition, confining pressure can significantly enhance the resistance to deformation (under 15 freeze–thaw cycles, the elastic modulus increases by 181.8% as confining pressure rises from 0 to 2 MPa). Within the low confining pressure range (0–1.5 MPa), peak strain decreases monotonically with increasing confining pressure and is independent of the number of freeze–thaw cycles. Finally, the increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles and the decrease in temperature jointly promote crack development, and the failure mode shifts from pure shear to a shear-tension composite mode. The underlying cause lies in the evolution of interparticle cementation within the soil skeleton and in the associated pore–crack structure. In addition, based on fracture damage mechanics and the modified Weibull distribution, a damage evolution equation and a constitutive model for sandstone considering freeze–thaw cycles and temperature effects were established and validated. Therefore, the research findings can provide a theoretical basis for slope support, freeze–thaw disaster prevention and mitigation, and stability assessment in the Tarangole mining area and other cold regions. Full article
24 pages, 59249 KB  
Article
Energy Evolution and Deformation Analysis of Overloaded Limestone Under Complex Stress Conditions
by Yong Xia, Dong-Qi Hou, Ding-Ping Xu, Quan Jiang, Yang Yu, Xiao-Xiang Yuan, Qiang Liu, Jian-Jun Zeng and Da-Xin Geng
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6129; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126129 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 86
Abstract
Rock pillars in deep underground mines are subjected to complex stress environments. The combined effects of in situ stress and cyclic disturbances from mining activities lead to a redistribution of the surrounding rock mass stress field, which readily triggers instability and failure, posing [...] Read more.
Rock pillars in deep underground mines are subjected to complex stress environments. The combined effects of in situ stress and cyclic disturbances from mining activities lead to a redistribution of the surrounding rock mass stress field, which readily triggers instability and failure, posing severe threats to mining engineering safety. To investigate the damage mechanism of cyclic loading on rock and its weakening effect on the bearing capacity of mine pillars, this study takes limestone as the research object. A series of uniaxial compression tests were conducted on limestone specimens subjected to triaxial cyclic pre-damage, complemented by numerical simulations to further characterize the energy and deformation evolution of the damaged limestone under cyclic loading conditions. The findings are as follows: (i) Triaxial cyclic tests on limestone show that both the input energy and dissipated energy follow similar trends, decreasing rapidly in the initial stage before stabilizing. The elastic strain energy remains largely constant, with most of the input energy being stored as elastic strain energy. Under constant stress levels and cycle numbers, increases in confining pressure and frequency reduce the rock’s input energy, elastic strain energy, and dissipated energy. (ii) The peak stress of damaged limestone exhibits a positive correlation with the pre-damage confining pressure and cyclic frequency, while it decreases with an increasing number of cycles. Higher confining pressure and frequency raise the input energy, elastic potential energy, and dissipated energy at the peak stress point. (iii) Deformation and failure in damaged limestone originate from the development and propagation of localized deformation zones. Increased lateral displacement within these zones promotes the formation of macroscopic fractures. Due to significant structural heterogeneity inside the localized areas, the evolution of deformation energy is influenced by regional characteristics. (iv) Simulation results indicate that the uniaxial compressive failure of limestone involves the accumulation and propagation of micro-scale tensile cracks, which ultimately coalesce into macro-scale shear fracture surfaces. During uniaxial loading of pre-damaged limestone, newly generated cracks predominantly initiate around pre-existing cracks, with only a limited number distributed randomly. Their peak intensity shows a positive correlation with the pre-damage confining pressure. Full article
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19 pages, 5394 KB  
Article
Effect of Reservoir Compressive Stress on Rock Apparent Fracture Toughness in Hydraulic Fracturing
by Guofeng Han, Di Wang, Xinguang Zhu, Lixiang Wang and Chun Feng
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6114; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126114 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 145
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is the primary technology for extracting unconventional oil and gas resources. Rock apparent fracture toughness is the most critical parameter in hydraulic fracturing processes. Rock apparent fracture toughness exhibits characteristics distinct from those of metallic materials, particularly as field-estimated values of [...] Read more.
Hydraulic fracturing is the primary technology for extracting unconventional oil and gas resources. Rock apparent fracture toughness is the most critical parameter in hydraulic fracturing processes. Rock apparent fracture toughness exhibits characteristics distinct from those of metallic materials, particularly as field-estimated values of rock apparent fracture toughness in hydraulic fracturing exceed laboratory-measured values by 1–2 orders of magnitude. Existing interpretation models assume a constant stress distribution in the fracture process zone (FPZ), which contradicts the softening behavior of rock. To address this gap, and based on the assumption of a power-law softening stress distribution in the FPZ of quasi-brittle rock, we develop a mode I apparent fracture toughness model for rock under far-field tensile and compressive stress configurations. This model considers both the softening characteristics of rock and the fluid lag effect. A comparative analysis was conducted on the differences in rock apparent fracture toughness between far-field compressive stress and tensile stress configurations. The results reveal that the difference in configuration between far-field compressive stress and tensile stress constitutes the fundamental reason for the order-of-magnitude discrepancy between the rock apparent fracture toughness estimated from hydraulic fracturing field tests and that measured in laboratory experiments. The influence of the ratio of in situ stress to tensile strength, the ratio of FPZ length to fracture length, the ratio of fluid lag zone length to fracture length, and stress distribution within the FPZ on rock apparent fracture toughness was analyzed, and these factors are found to have decisive effects on the rock apparent fracture toughness. Additionally, the size effect on rock apparent fracture toughness was discussed. This research contributes to more precise hydraulic fracturing parameter design. Full article
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25 pages, 7299 KB  
Article
Hydro–Mechanical Seepage Characteristics and Composite Permeability Modeling of Post-Peak Fractured Coal
by Wenlong Zhang and Qingwang Lian
Energies 2026, 19(12), 2872; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19122872 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 155
Abstract
Fractured coal in the residual-strength stage is a primary medium for gas migration and drainage in deep mining areas. To investigate the hydro–mechanical seepage response of post-peak fractured coal under constant-pressure-difference conditions, triaxial CO2 seepage tests were conducted on coal specimens collected [...] Read more.
Fractured coal in the residual-strength stage is a primary medium for gas migration and drainage in deep mining areas. To investigate the hydro–mechanical seepage response of post-peak fractured coal under constant-pressure-difference conditions, triaxial CO2 seepage tests were conducted on coal specimens collected from the Xinyuan Coal Mine. A Weibull-based damage constitutive model was established to characterize the confining-pressure-induced hysteresis in the damage-evolution path. The flow-rate evolution and Reynolds number analysis indicated that gas flow remained within the linear Darcy regime. A controlled-variable analysis was used to examine the competing effects governing permeability evolution. Mechanical compaction induced an exponential decrease in permeability, whereas the decrease in permeability with increasing pore pressure was interpreted, within the proposed model framework, as the combined effect of possible adsorption-induced matrix swelling and weakened gas slippage. To address the limitations of conventional constant-slip-factor models, a pressure-dependent slip modulation coefficient was introduced into a composite permeability equation incorporating effective stress, adsorption-related deformation, and dynamic gas slippage. Global nonlinear fitting yielded R2 = 0.97 and an RMSE of 0.1909, with the residuals generally distributed around zero, supporting the fitting reliability of the model within the investigated stress–pressure range. Response-surface analysis identified mechanical compaction as the dominant controlling mechanism, while adsorption-related deformation and gas slippage acted as secondary correction mechanisms. The proposed framework provides a quantitative basis for distinguishing the mechanical and fluid-related effects governing permeability evolution in post-peak fractured coal. Full article
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23 pages, 17945 KB  
Article
Analysis of the Delayed Instability Mechanism of Heterogeneous Fractured Rock Slopes Under Rainfall Infiltration
by Yu Zhao, Jun Shen, Yunhou Sun, Xiaolong Wang and Feng Li
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6102; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126102 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 184
Abstract
Rainfall-induced delayed instability of fractured rock slopes is strongly affected by fracture preferential flow, hydro-mechanical coupling, and spatial matrix heterogeneity. However, the coupled influence of stress-dependent fracture aperture evolution and heterogeneous matrix properties on delayed slope deformation remains insufficiently quantified. In this study, [...] Read more.
Rainfall-induced delayed instability of fractured rock slopes is strongly affected by fracture preferential flow, hydro-mechanical coupling, and spatial matrix heterogeneity. However, the coupled influence of stress-dependent fracture aperture evolution and heterogeneous matrix properties on delayed slope deformation remains insufficiently quantified. In this study, a two-dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN)–equivalent continuum coupled model was established using spectral random field theory and a representative Monte Carlo-generated fracture geometry. The spectral exponent β = 1.0–2.5 was adopted to characterize different degrees of matrix heterogeneity, and rainfall infiltration–stress coupling simulations were conducted under an extreme rainfall scenario followed by drainage. The results indicate that the wetting front advances irregularly in the heterogeneous matrix, while fracture preferential flow accelerates rainwater infiltration and promotes local pore-pressure accumulation near the phreatic surface. After rainfall cessation, water stored in fractures continues to recharge the deep matrix, leading to delayed pore-pressure increase and post-rainfall deformation. The simulated fracture aperture shows an initial closure followed by gradual dilation, which is controlled by the competition between saturation-induced stress redistribution and pore-pressure-driven effective stress reduction. Under a common strength reduction factor of FOS = 1.4, stronger matrix heterogeneity results in more pronounced plastic strain concentration and larger displacement amplitude along the potential slip zone. These findings suggest that fracture aperture evolution and matrix heterogeneity jointly influence delayed deformation and potential failure-zone development in rainfall-affected fractured rock slopes. The conclusions should be interpreted within the scope of a two-dimensional DFN–equivalent continuum numerical framework with prescribed rainfall conditions and representative fracture/random-field realizations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)
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19 pages, 5831 KB  
Article
Mesogen-Containing Reactive Epoxy Monomer for Tuning the Thermal, Rheological, and Mechanical Properties and Fracture-Surface Morphology of Thermally Conductive Epoxy Potting Compounds
by Huize Cui, Ruilu Guo, Chong Zhang, Hui Liu, Xiaoxuan Liu, Jinyan Wang and Xigao Jian
Polymers 2026, 18(12), 1503; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18121503 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 242
Abstract
Thermally conductive epoxy potting compounds require high filler loadings for effective heat dissipation. However, high filler loadings can increase viscosity and brittleness, thereby impairing processability and service reliability. In this study, a mesogen-containing reactive liquid–crystalline epoxy monomer (LCE) was designed, synthesized, and incorporated [...] Read more.
Thermally conductive epoxy potting compounds require high filler loadings for effective heat dissipation. However, high filler loadings can increase viscosity and brittleness, thereby impairing processability and service reliability. In this study, a mesogen-containing reactive liquid–crystalline epoxy monomer (LCE) was designed, synthesized, and incorporated into a commercial thermally conductive epoxy potting compound to investigate its effects on thermal behavior, rheological and mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and fracture-surface morphology. The chemical structure and thermotropic liquid–crystalline behavior of LCE were characterized via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized optical microscopy. Increasing LCE loading elevated the DSC-derived glass transition temperature (Tg) from 59 °C to 96 °C and markedly increased the room-temperature complex viscosity. Single-point measurements at 25 °C showed a monotonic decrease in thermal conductivity from 0.95 to 0.52 W/(m·K) with increasing LCE content. Mechanical testing revealed that the nominal 10% LCE formulation provided the best balance between load-bearing capacity and ductility among the tested formulations, whereas higher LCE loadings were associated with greater local microstructural variation and reduced mechanical properties. This study clarifies the modulation effect of LCE on the performance balance of highly filled epoxy potting compounds, providing valuable insights for future formulation optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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14 pages, 536 KB  
Review
Advancing Pediatric Radiology Through Artificial Intelligence: Global Progress and Implications for Middle- and Low-Income Countries
by Sana Amreen, Ahmed Khairy, Fakeha Masood, Ngan Chu, Anju Paudel, Abdelrahman Aly Mohamed, Ayantoyinbo Oluwabusayomi and Yossef Alnasser
AI 2026, 7(6), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai7060222 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 274
Abstract
Background: Radiology underpins diagnosis and treatment across pediatrics, yet most artificial intelligence (AI) tools are developed for adults and validated on adult datasets only. Of more than 200 AI systems cleared by the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only about [...] Read more.
Background: Radiology underpins diagnosis and treatment across pediatrics, yet most artificial intelligence (AI) tools are developed for adults and validated on adult datasets only. Of more than 200 AI systems cleared by the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only about 3% include pediatric validation. Because children differ from adults in anatomy, physiology, pathology, epidemiology, and imaging protocols, adult-trained models often perform sub-optimally in pediatric settings. Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature from 2000 to 2025 was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Studies involving AI applications in pediatric X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), echocardiography, and point-of-care ultrasound with quantitative performance metrics were included. Findings were synthesized by imaging modality, clinical task, and differences between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Results: AI demonstrated strong performance across multiple pediatric imaging tasks. In X-ray interpretation, AI detected fractures with area under the curve (AUC) values up to 0.96 (sensitivity, 90.8%; specificity, 88.7%). Pneumonia classification achieved 76.5% accuracy, and foreign body aspiration detection showed 95.3% specificity in HICs. In ultrasound, AI improved junior sonographers’ detection of intussusception (AUC 0.857 to 0.966) and reduced scan time by more than 50%. AI-assisted bone age estimation achieved a mean error of 0.39 years. In echocardiography, AI-derived ejection fraction showed excellent agreement with experts’ interclass correlation coefficient (ICC 0.983), and AI support improved atrioventricular septal defect detection (84.4% to 86.5%). In MRI, the use of AI enhanced lesion detection and supported quantitative analysis. Deep-learning models trained on routine T1- and T2-weighted sequences predicted liver stiffness across multi-site datasets, while advanced neuroimaging pipelines improved the identification of subtle epileptogenic lesions that are often missed on conventional pediatric MRI. However, adult-trained models showed limited generalizability to children. Still, excluding children under the age of two years improved the reading accuracy of pediatric chest X-rays (CXRs) by adult-trained models from 88% to 97%. AI faces challenges beyond the development of age-specific models. Substantial heterogeneity, limited pediatric-specific datasets, and unresolved medicolegal responsibility further restrict adoption worldwide. Challenges are amplified in LMICs, where unstable electricity, limited radiology resources, weak digital infrastructure, and scarce pediatric providers limit implementation. Additionally, many large language models underperform and lack inclusive algorithms suitable for pediatric radiology in many LMICs. Conclusions: AI can enhance diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and access to pediatric imaging, particularly in resource-limited settings, through task-shifting and decision support. However, it cannot replace pediatric radiologists as of today. Safe adoption requires pediatric-specific model development, standardized validation metrics, diverse datasets that include LMIC populations, stronger digital infrastructure, robust radiologist training in AI capabilities, and the establishment of clear guidelines and medicolegal policies. Full article
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21 pages, 6654 KB  
Article
The Stress–Seepage Field and Hygrothermal Environment Evaluation of a High Geothermal Tunnel in Southeast China
by Yun Bao, Xuyang Wu, Zhanju Lin, Xingwen Fan and Huaxin Xu
Buildings 2026, 16(12), 2390; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16122390 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 164
Abstract
The southeastern coastal region of China is extensively influenced by the circum-Pacific geothermal activity, particularly during the excavation of deep-buried tunnels, where the confined space leads to the accumulation of heat flow, resulting in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. These conditions are detrimental to [...] Read more.
The southeastern coastal region of China is extensively influenced by the circum-Pacific geothermal activity, particularly during the excavation of deep-buried tunnels, where the confined space leads to the accumulation of heat flow, resulting in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. These conditions are detrimental to both the physical and mental health of workers and the safe operation of equipment. Based on this, the Lijiashan deep-buried high-temperature tunnel along the Wen-Yu High-Speed Railway (Wenling-Yuhuan) was selected as a case study. Field monitoring was conducted to assess the surrounding rock stress, temperature distribution characteristics of the surrounding rock and structure, and the humid and high-temperature environment within the tunnel during construction. A comprehensive evaluation index considering both temperature and humidity was employed to evaluate the tunnel construction environment. The results indicate the following: (1) During tunnel excavation, the maximum surrounding rock pressure occurs at the arched shoulder, and the fractures induced by blasting effectively relieve stress, mitigating the risk of rockburst. (2) The seepage paths of the surrounding rock are redistributed during excavation, converging towards the invert, with the osmotic pressure being approximately 10 times that of the upper structure. (3) The temperature at the tunnel face, secondary lining, and surrounding rock is significantly influenced by the heat released from concrete hydration. The closer the surrounding rock is to the support structure, the higher the temperature, with the secondary lining reaching up to 58.6 °C and the working area up to 35.2 °C. (4) Water spraying can reduce the temperature in the construction area by approximately 0.65% at the Kelvin temperature conditions, but it increases humidity by about 16%. The average humidity levels within the tunnel are 75.3% during the day and 87.5% at night. (5) Evaluation of workers’ physiological parameters reveals that the humid and high-temperature environment during tunnel construction is consistently unfavorable for workers’ health. Full article
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21 pages, 4019 KB  
Article
Relative Permeability Characteristics of Natural Gas and CO2 Mixtures in Matrix and Fractured Cores: An Experimental Study
by Hongyou Zhang, Wenzheng Liu, Guangyi Sun, Xin Liu, Zhihui Wei, Lei Zhang and Hai Sun
Processes 2026, 14(12), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121948 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 173
Abstract
To clarify the oil–gas multiphase flow behavior of natural gas/CO2 composite flooding in the dual-medium system of the BZ26-6 fractured reservoir, systematic oil–gas relative permeability experiments were conducted under reservoir temperature and pressure conditions. Using the steady-state method, the effects of core [...] Read more.
To clarify the oil–gas multiphase flow behavior of natural gas/CO2 composite flooding in the dual-medium system of the BZ26-6 fractured reservoir, systematic oil–gas relative permeability experiments were conducted under reservoir temperature and pressure conditions. Using the steady-state method, the effects of core type, gas composition, and reservoir pressure on relative permeability behavior were investigated. The results show that the relative permeability curves are characterized by relatively high oil-phase permeability and low gas-phase permeability. Increasing the CO2 fraction generally enhances oil mobilization and displacement efficiency, whereas the two-phase co-flow zone may reach an optimum at an intermediate CO2 fraction, depending on the core structure. Specifically, with increasing CO2 fraction, displacement efficiency increased from 37.05% to 43.70% in fractured metamorphic cores and from 60.74% to 64.63% in fractured carbonate cores. In contrast, decreasing reservoir pressure may induce stress-sensitive fracture compression, narrow the co-flow zone, and reduce flow capacity. Oil–gas two-phase flow behavior is strongly controlled by reservoir structure, with fractured carbonate cores exhibiting higher displacement efficiency and a wider co-flow region than fractured metamorphic cores. Within the scope of this study, a CO2 fraction of 40% appears to be a comparatively favorable composite-gas composition when both displacement performance and gas-source economics are considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Reservoir Simulation and Multiphase Flow in Porous Media)
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15 pages, 4995 KB  
Article
Nanofluid Flooding as a Sufficient Alternative to Waterflooding for Incremental Oil Recovery from Carbonate Reservoirs
by Sarmad Al-Anssari, Dhifaf Sadeq, Hassanain A. Hassan, Ahmed Hamid Al-Taie, Hasan Ali Abood, Mohammed Mahdi and Zain-Ul-Abedin Arain
ChemEngineering 2026, 10(6), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering10060074 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 204
Abstract
Oil recovery from carbonate reservoirs is one of the critical challenges in the oil industry due to the strongly oil-wet nature, natural fractures, and the heterogeneity of carbonate rocks. Subsequently, waterflooding can only displace oil from large fractures, leaving the majority of oil [...] Read more.
Oil recovery from carbonate reservoirs is one of the critical challenges in the oil industry due to the strongly oil-wet nature, natural fractures, and the heterogeneity of carbonate rocks. Subsequently, waterflooding can only displace oil from large fractures, leaving the majority of oil trapped in the rock matrix. This work suggests that nanofluid flooding, as a predesigned flooding method, is an alternative to conventional waterflooding. Various concentrations of silica nanofluid at different nanoparticle concentrations were formulated and systematically investigated for their characteristics, stability at reservoir conditions, and their influence on wettability and oil recovery. Silica nanoparticles were sustainably synthesized from waste materials to ensure the feasibility and environmental friendliness of the process. Results indicated that the synthesized silica has an amorphous crystalline nature characterized by nano-sized particles. Additionally, treating silica nanoparticles with a silane group significantly enhances the stability of nanofluids in a high-salinity environment. Most interestingly, by comparing the amount of oil recovered, the results revealed that implementing nanofluid flooding as a secondary oil recovery, rather than waterflooding, can produce around 12% more oil, in addition to eliminating a whole waterflooding step. This is the first study to alter the traditional flooding scenario and directly conduct nanofluid flooding as secondary oil recovery, without being preceded by waterflooding, using sustainably synthesized nanoparticles. Considering the water crisis in the Middle East, this approach can save substantial amounts of water, which improves the sustainable development of communities. Full article
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