Search Results (2,571)

We introduce a similarity-based ensemble framework for assessing the AI-readiness of topic-based technical content in Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) contexts. Rather than evaluating RAG performance through query-and-answer measurements, the proposed approach characterizes content corpora through microscopic similarity metrics—mean similarity difference (MSD) and similarity width (SimWidth)—derived from vector representations of individual topics. These metrics quantify the distinctiveness and contextual precision of topic ensembles, providing a corpus-specific indicator of expected RAG behavior prior to deployment. The method is validated across four separately published industry-academic research projects in the PIAI!-Lab framework in different industrial domains. Results consistently confirm that modular, PI-Class-based information architectures with concise metadata improve ensemble-level AI-readiness, while variant-rich content without metadata pre-filtering reduces context precision. Beyond the technical findings, the paper demonstrates that Content Data Science methods can be effectively integrated into advanced academic research in technical communication, bridging information management and data science methodology. Full article

Geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in deep-sea formations represents a pivotal strategy for mitigating atmospheric CO₂ levels, where storage security and efficacy are fundamentally governed by the pore-scale seepage behavior of CO₂. However, the microscopic displacement mechanisms of CO₂–water two-phase flow under the characteristic high-pressure, low-temperature conditions of the deep sea remain inadequately understood. This study employed a self-developed high-pressure microfluidic experimental platform (0–30 MPa, 4–50 °C) to systematically investigate the CO₂ displacement process in porous media. The effects of injection rate (0.001–5 mL/min) and system pressure (1, 5, and 10 MPa) on displacement patterns, front stability, and final saturation were quantified. The results demonstrate that injection rate is the primary controller of displacement stability: high rates (≥0.1 mL/min) induce viscous fingering and lower final saturation, whereas low rates (≤0.05 mL/min) promote stable, piston-like displacement. Crucially, elevated pressure exerts a profound stabilizing effect, effectively suppressing fingering instabilities and enhancing final gas saturation (up to 0.544 at 10 MPa). This work elucidates the synergistic regulatory mechanism between injection rate and confining pressure, providing essential pore-scale experimental evidence for optimizing injection parameters to achieve efficient and secure CO₂ storage in deep-sea reservoirs. Full article

The creep behavior of calcareous sand strongly influences the long-term deformation and bearing stability of calcareous sand foundations. Understanding its macro- and microscale responses under direct shear creep loading is therefore essential for engineering applications. In this study, direct shear creep tests were conducted under normal stresses ranging from 50 kPa to 600 kPa and shear stress ratios (τ/τ_f) ranging from 0.3 to 0.9. Sieve analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and image analysis were used to quantify changes in shear strain, shear strain rate, particle breakage ratio, and particle morphology before and after creep. A semi-empirical direct shear creep model was developed by combining a macroscopic stress-driven component with a microscopic damage factor. The model accounts for the coupled effects of applied stresses, particle breakage, and morphology evolution on time-dependent deformation. The results showed that calcareous sand exhibited pronounced nonlinear creep behavior. Increasing the normal stress and shear stress ratio increased the final shear strain and prolonged the stabilization time, which reached 4750 min under the highest stress condition. The particle breakage ratio increased substantially from 0.001 (at σ_n = 50 kPa and τ/τ_f= 0.3) to 0.081 (σ_n = 600 kPa, τ/τ_f = 0.9). Microscopic observations showed that creep caused progressive surface abrasion, corner rounding, localized particle fracture, and particle rearrangement. Consequently, particle roughness, angularity, and aspect ratio decreased, whereas roundness increased. The proposed model effectively reproduced the evolution of shear strain over time, with coefficients of determination greater than 0.966 under all experimental conditions. These results demonstrate that the model provides a good description of the experimental creep response under the tested stress conditions. These findings provide a mechanism-informed semi-empirical framework for predicting long-term deformation and evaluating the stability of calcareous sand foundations in offshore engineering. Full article

To investigate the influence of particle size on the erosion damage behavior and failure mechanisms of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) in a simulated aero-engine erosion environment, erosion tests were conducted using Al₂O₃ particles of different sizes (65 μm, 120 μm, and 175 μm) under a nominal gas-flow condition of Mach 0.4 at 1150 °C with custom-built multi-factor coupled erosion test equipment. TBCs were prepared using electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD). By combining macroscopic/microscopic morphology, composition, white-light interferometry, and Raman residual stress testing, the damage evolution and failure behavior of TBCs under different particle size conditions were analyzed. The results indicate that particle size has a significant effect on the erosion behavior of thermal barrier coatings. Under erosion conditions involving 65, 120, and 175 μm particles, the erosion rates were 10.83, 4.19, and 2.05 g/kg, with corresponding coating lifetimes of approximately 3, 12, and 22 h. As particle size increases, the erosion rate decreases and the coating lifetime increases. Under small 65 μm particles, the coating exhibits high-frequency continuous micro-cutting. The ceramic layer rapidly thins, leading to localized penetration. Under erosion by 120 μm particles, the coating exhibits a composite damage mechanism involving cutting, compaction, and brittle fracture. Under large-particle impacts of 175 μm, the damage mechanism is dominated by localized brittle fracture and spalling induced by high-energy impacts. Although the single-impact energy of large-particle impacts is higher, the lower particle number density results in a discrete distribution of damage zones, leading to a lower material removal rate. The Raman test results further indicate that, after 2 h of erosion, the differences in residual stress in the TGO layer were relatively small across different particle size conditions, suggesting that the early degradation process of the coating is primarily controlled by the mechanical removal of the ceramic surface layer rather than by the evolution of TGO stress. No statistically significant difference in TGO residual stress was observed among different particle sizes after 2 h of erosion (p > 0.05). Not only is the erosion life of EB-PVD YSZ TBCs is influenced by the impact energy of individual particles, but more importantly, it is also closely related to particle number density, impact frequency, and the spatial distribution of damage. Full article

We report a tabletop, versatile and lithography-free electrical contacting method for two-dimensional (2D) materials and van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures based on silver paint micromanipulation (SPMM). Operated under an ambient optical microscope, this additive, room-temperature approach circumvents the chemical solvents and high temperatures associated with conventional cleanroom processing used in electrode fabrication. We validate the efficacy of this strategy by fabricating devices based on high-quality mechanically exfoliated thin flakes on both rigid SiO₂/Si and flexible polycarbonate substrates. On rigid supports, SPMM-contact multilayer graphene devices exhibit linear Ohmic behavior with excellent environmental stability over multiple days and an ambipolar field effect. Gate-tunable multilayer graphene/few-layer MoS₂/multilayer graphene field-effect transistors demonstrate n-type gating with a two-terminal carrier mobility of $60 {\displaystyle \frac{{\mathrm{cm}}^2}{\mathrm{Vs}}}$ and time-resolved photoresponse under 660 nm and 415 nm illumination, with responsivities as high as 10 A/W at the lowest incident powers. The SPMM method can also be carried out on flexible polymeric substrates such as polycarbonate, which is notoriously difficult to work with in microfabrication. We demonstrate a flexible multilayer graphene device that functions as highly responsive piezoresistive strain sensors at low deformations with a gauge factor of 50. Finally, a fully integrated flexible vdW photodetector is tested up to 1.2% uniaxial tensile strain. Despite experiencing local micro-fracturing of the MoS₂ channel, the localized vdW junctions maintain robust charge collection, yielding photodetecting capabilities under tensile strain. This simple and cost-effective electrical contacting technique establishes a highly accessible platform for the rapid prototyping and mechanical testing of next-generation optoelectronics and flexible electronics based on 2D materials and vdW heterostructures. Full article

The low bearing capacity and high crushability of coral sand pose major challenges to island and reef foundation engineering. Herein, a newly developed non-isocyanate polyurethane was used to reinforce coral sand and the unconfined compressive behavior of polyurethane-reinforced coral sand was investigated based on an orthogonal experimental design. The effects of particle gradation, the mass ratio of polyurethane to sand and moisture content on strength, deformation, and energy evolution were analyzed. The results show that the highest uniaxial strength of 5.48 MPa was obtained for naturally graded coral sand with a polyurethane mass ratio of 30% under dry conditions. The moisture content was identified as the dominant factor affecting the strength, and elastic modulus of the reinforced samples. Increasing moisture content significantly reduced the crack initiation stress, dilation strength, peak strength and elastic modulus, while increasing Poisson’s ratio. In contrast, a higher polyurethane mass ratio improved the strength, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity, whereas particle gradation primarily influenced the crack initiation stress level. Under unconfined compression, the reinforced samples mainly exhibited ductile shear failure involving edge breakage, particle sliding, delamination and rupture of the cured polyurethane film. Microscopic observation indicated that the cured polyurethane worked as a surface film, an interparticle bridge and a pore-filling phase within the coral sand matrix. The enhancement in mechanical behavior was mainly associated with polymer bridging, pore filling, local interfacial adhesion and mechanical interlocking. Full article

Uniaxial compression tests were conducted on fly ash-based geopolymer concrete (FAG) with varying alkali-binder ratios (0.25, 0.35, 0.45, 0.55, 0.65) and curing ages (7 d, 28 d) to ascertain its mechanical performance parameters and stress–strain relationship curves. The formation mechanism of FAG multiscale strength is revealed through a systematic process that integrates statistical damage theory with microscopic testing techniques. This process involves the progression of microstructural state and the evolution of mesoscopic damage, providing a comprehensive understanding of the multiscale strength formation process. The results indicate that as the alkali-binder ratio increased, there was an initial rise and subsequent decline in microstructure density. At an alkali-binder ratio of 0.45, the alkaline activator can fully stimulate the fly ash to undergo depolymerization and polycondensation reactions. The result of this process is the formation of a continuous and dense cementitious matrix, thereby achieving the optimal improvement in macroscopic initial mechanical properties. Concurrent microstructural alterations further modify the morphology and path of microcrack initiation and propagation during uniaxial compression, as well as the effective force skeleton adjustment process. The characteristic parameters that are indicative of the evolution of microfracture and yield damage demonstrate regular changes in accordance with the alkali-binder ratio. The joint effect of these two factors determines the evolution characteristics of the macroscopic nonlinear stress–strain behavior of FAG, ultimately resulting in an increasing and then decreasing trend of FAG strength with the increase of alkali-binder ratio, while ductility shows a trend of decreasing first and then increasing. At an equivalent alkali-binder ratio, the porosity of the 7 d sample exhibited a decrease of 1.13% to 17.13%. Conversely, the strength of the 7 d sample increased by 39% to 312%. However, the deformation capacity of the 7 d sample decreased, with a peak strain reduction of 21% to 52% at 28 d. This research achievement has the potential to provide significant theoretical support for the practical engineering promotion and application of FAG. Full article

In China’s expressway work zones, it is a common phenomenon for drivers to have a low compliance rate with speed-limit instructions. Existing microscopic traffic simulation calibrations mainly focus on car-following and lane-changing behaviors, lacking research on speed-limit compliance behavior. Therefore, this paper proposes a method for collaborative calibration of the key parameters of a “car-following, lane-changing, speed-limit compliance” three-layer model based on the SUMO simulation platform. The research selects the key parameters in the IDM car-following model, LC2013 lane-changing model, and speed-limit compliance model to form a calibration parameter set, taking the time-mean speed and space-mean speed as optimization indicators, using the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) algorithm combined with a restart strategy, and aiming to minimize the root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the speed between the simulated and observed data for global optimization. The model is verified by the measured traffic flow and speed data in the expressway work zone. The verification results show that the three-layer calibration framework incorporating the speed-limit compliance model not only improves speed fitting but also better reproduces the distributional characteristics of real traffic flow in the work zone, especially the dispersion and heterogeneity of operating speeds. This research fills a gap in research involving SUMO calibration of speed-limit compliance in China and provides a theoretical basis and method-based support for microscopic simulation considering driver differences in speed-limit compliance. Full article

To enhance quantitativeness and interpretability in identifying the mechanisms of complex oil–mineral–surfactant systems, this paper introduces an algorithmic molecular simulation analysis approach, transforming molecular dynamics trajectory data into comparable multidimensional molecular descriptors. Specifically, based on parameters such as radial distribution functions, mean square displacement, interface concentration distribution, adsorption energy attenuation, hydrogen bond statistics, and electrostatic interactions, an algorithm analysis framework was constructed covering “trajectory data acquisition—feature descriptor extraction—interface behavior recognition—separation mechanism classification.” This framework can identify differentiated regulatory patterns of different surfactants on SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins, asphaltenes) component migration, adsorption, and desorption behavior from a large amount of dynamic simulation data, thereby improving the structural expression and mechanism discrimination capabilities of molecular simulation results. In order to clarify the component-selective microscopic mechanisms of surfactants in the separation of heavy oil from oil sands, this work employs molecular dynamics simulations to study the interactions of the non-ionic surfactant TX-100 and the biosurfactants sophorolipid and rhamnolipid with the SARA fractions of heavy oil, both in the absence and presence of calcite mineral surfaces. The results show that all three surfactants act mainly through weak long-range interactions, but with distinct mechanisms: TX-100 preferentially screens small-molecule saturates through long-chain steric hindrance and hinders the diffusion of asphaltenes; sophorolipid promotes the preferential desorption of resins via hydrogen bonding; and rhamnolipid drives the desorption of aromatics at later stages through hydrophobic–electrostatic synergy. The C001 crystal surface exhibits the strongest adsorption affinity across all systems; the mineral surface overall prolongs the diffusion equilibrium time and amplifies the above kinetic differences. This study establishes three molecular-scale mechanisms—steric hindrance sieving, hydrogen-bond-promoted desorption, and electrostatically driven desorption—and reveals the universal adsorption platform effect of the C001 crystal surface, providing a theoretical basis for the molecular design of surfactants aimed at the selective separation of heavy oil components. Full article

We analyze the effect of microscopic heterogeneity on the Lorenz curve of macroscopic observables. The Lorenz curve of a response function, being a cumulative and bounded quantity; it is often a more stable function than the corresponding probability density. We show here that by doing an exponent spectrum analysis of the complementary Lorenz curve, it is possible to obtain a reflection of the underlying heterogeneity that causes the response function to depart from a power law behavior. We demonstrate this framework first by synthetic data and then by analyzing the avalanche statistics of a two dimensional, Random Field Ising Model (RFIM) at zero temperature. This method can lead to possible use in estimating the microscopic heterogeneity of a system from the analysis of an estimated Lorenz curve, particularly in socio-economic and physical contexts where the full probability distribution function is unavailable. Full article

The relationship between rheological properties and printability in 3D-printed recycled concrete incorporating calcined oyster shell powder (COSP) remains insufficiently understood. The unstable rheological behavior and insufficient buildability of 3D-printed recycled concrete limit its application in digital construction. In this study, the COSP, a marine solid waste-derived functional powder, was incorporated into 3D-printed recycled concrete to improve rheological behavior and printability. The effects of different COSP contents on rheological properties and structure build-up were assessed. In addition, MIP, XRD, and SEM analyses were used to clarify the underlying regulation mechanism. The results showed that COSP significantly improved the rheological properties of fresh paste. As the COSP content increased from 0% to 5%, the static yield stress, dynamic yield stress, and thixotropic recovery degree increased from 1703 Pa to 4561 Pa, from 92 Pa to 375 Pa, and from 56% to 87%, respectively. Meanwhile, the structural deformation rate decreased from 12.3% to 6.37%, corresponding to a reduction of approximately 48%. An appropriate COSP content also improved the mechanical properties, with the flexural strengths in the X and Y directions increasing to 5.17 MPa and 4.99 MPa, respectively, and the compressive strengths increasing to 26.04 MPa and 25.48 MPa, respectively. The microscopic performance results indicated that COSP refined the pore structure, promoted the formation of hydration products, and improved compactness. This study offers preliminary evidence for improving the printability of 3D-printed recycled concrete, while addressing the urgent environmental challenge of marine solid waste utilization and enhancing the economic feasibility and production efficiency of 3D-printed concrete. Full article

The electrical behavior of cellular membranes plays a fundamental role in neuronal communication and in many physiological processes involving excitable cells. Mathematical modeling has become an essential tool for understanding the physical mechanisms underlying membrane dynamics and the generation of action potentials. The classical Hodgkin–Huxley model represents the cornerstone of conductance-based descriptions of neuronal activity, providing a quantitative framework in which ionic currents across the membrane are represented through nonlinear differential equations. Over the years, numerous extensions of this model have been developed in order to incorporate additional biophysical mechanisms, including dendritic processing, temperature dependence and electromagnetic effects. However, increasing experimental evidence has shown that neuronal activity is intrinsically stochastic due to the probabilistic nature of ion-channel gating and other microscopic processes. As a consequence, stochastic modeling approaches have been introduced to complement deterministic formulations and to capture the variability observed in real neuronal systems. In this review, we focus on a selected class of membrane models grounded in physical or biophysical principles, namely models that describe membrane dynamics through electrical analogies, conductance-based equations, stochastic channel kinetics, or memory-dependent circuit elements. These approaches can be viewed as extensions, reformulations, or generalizations of the Hodgkin–Huxley framework, developed to address specific physiological or computational limitations. The review focuses on the physical and mathematical structure of selected HH-derived models rather than on their experimental validation, and aims to compare representative physically motivated modeling strategies in terms of their assumptions, interpretability, and domains of applicability. Full article

Integrating the “programmable” characteristics of smart materials with 3D printing technology enables the integration of structural design and manufacturing, showing broad application prospects in flexible electronics, aerospace, biomedicine, and other fields. Magnetically controlled smart fluids are characterized by flexible solid–liquid conversion, high driving efficiency, and high safety. By harnessing the distinctive characteristics of this material, manufacturing and actuation approaches for intelligent structures can be further diversified. Inspired by the sol–gel transformation mechanism of protoplasm, this paper proposes a composite 3D printing method for magnetic and non-magnetic materials. A magnetically controllable binary suspension system with strong thixotropic properties was constructed, and its microscopic self-assembly structure was characterized. The yield behavior, linear viscoelastic properties, and thixotropic recovery performance of the magnetic thixotropic fluid (MTF) were investigated through steady and dynamic rheological measurements, and the optimal rheological parameters for printing were determined. A 3D printing platform with coordinated control of a magnetic field and a motion system was built to further study and optimize the printing process. The supporting characteristics of the MTF on a silicone film and the deformation of the printed composite structure under a gradient magnetic field were studied. The composite 3D printing and its application in soft robotics may provide new insights for space exploration, biomedicine, military reconnaissance, and many other fields. Full article

In order to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the effects of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) on the dynamic mechanical properties and mesoscopic damage mechanisms of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), a combined approach integrating material testing, microscopic characterization techniques, and theoretical analysis was adopted in this study. Two GGBFS replacement rates (0% and 35%) were considered. Uniaxial compression tests were performed to obtain data at different curing ages (T = 7 d, 28 d, 56 d, and 150 d) and strain rates ($\dot{\epsilon }$ = 10⁻⁵/s, 10⁻⁴/s, 10⁻³/s, and 10⁻²/s). The obtained data were complemented by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses to characterize the evolution of the microstructure and pore characteristics of the specimens. The findings demonstrated that prolonging the curing period continuously densified the microstructure of the specimens, resulting in a commensurate improvement in their initial macro-mechanical behavior. At curing ages exceeding 28 d, the secondary hydration reaction of GGBFS was found to generate additional C-S-H gel, which filled the internal microvoids within the specimens, reduced porosity, and further improved the initial macroscopic mechanical properties. Concurrently, the microstructural characteristics observed at different curing ages, in conjunction with the crack propagation and the fracture toughness effects associated with strain rate, further influenced the initiation, propagation patterns and paths of microcracks during uniaxial compression, as well as the adjustment of the effective stress framework. Furthermore, characteristic parameters describing the evolution of mesoscopic fracturing and yielding damage exhibited regular variations with curing age and strain rate. For specimens cured for 56 d, compared to those with a GGBFS replacement rate of 0%, specimens containing 35% GGBFS exhibited a 4.13% increase in peak stress and a 0.29% decrease in peak strain at $\dot{\epsilon }$ = 10⁻⁵/s. At a replacement rate of 35%, as the strain rate increased from $\dot{\epsilon }$ = 10⁻⁵/s to $\dot{\epsilon }$ = 10⁻²/s, the peak stress rose from −50.37 MPa to −60.74 MPa, whereas the peak strain dropped from −23.87 × 10⁻⁴ to −22.15 × 10⁻⁴. This study provides significant scientific evidence and a theoretical framework for the engineering application of GGBFS-modified RAC under varying strain rate conditions. Full article

Polymeric microneedles are introduced as a promising platform for minimally invasive drug delivery and molecular transport control. In the present study, hollow dissolving nanocomposite microneedles based on a mixture of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) in a 40:60 ratio, including zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), have been created and evaluated as hydrated polymer transport matrices. Surface modification of ZnO nanoparticles using citric acid was proposed to improve dispersion by reducing agglomeration of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. ZnO nanoparticles in concentrations ranging from 1 to 10% (w/w) were used to study the effects of the loading level of nanoparticles on the structure, mechanical response, and controlled diffusion behavior of hydrated polymer matrices. The created nanocomposites exhibited clear hollow structures with tip radius of 18–23 μm, height of 1500 μm, and aspect ratio of 5.7. Nanoscale surface organization and particle dispersion in the polymer matrix were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Low nanoparticle concentrations were favorable for maintaining high matrix homogeneity, while high concentrations resulted in increased surface roughness and nanoparticle agglomeration. Mechanical compression testing confirmed that hydrated HA/ZnO microneedles were characterized by elastic bending behavior until fracture. Diffusion experiments performed in Franz diffusion cells showed that nanoparticle concentration significantly impacted the cumulative transport and flux of molecules through the hydrated microneedle matrix. Formulations with 5% and 7% ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by a prolonged diffusion behavior attributed to ZnO-induced tortuous transport channels in the polymer matrix. In contrast, formulations with 10% ZnO nanoparticles exhibited accelerated heterogeneous transport due to ZnO-induced changes in structure and morphology. The experimental diffusion data correlated well with the Higuchi kinetic model, and anomalous transport was detected using the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, which indicated a synergistic effect of diffusion and polymer relaxation on molecular transport. As compared to coating and tip-loaded microneedle designs, the obtained HA/ZnO nanocomposite microneedles offered a simple approach for embedding Ciprofloxacin in the hydrated polymer matrix. This was achieved due to the direct creation of microneedles containing dissolved particles. Full article