Search Results (28)

The thermal stability of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials is constrained by the low thermal conductivity of its polymer matrix, resulting in inefficient heat dissipation, local overheating, and accelerated degradation during thermal loads. To overcome these limitations, composite materials can be modified with buckypapers—thin, densely interconnected layers of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this study, sixteen 8552/IM7 prepreg plies were processed with up to nine buckypapers and strategically placed at various positions. The resulting nanocomposites were evaluated for manufacturability, material properties, and thermal resistance. The findings reveal that prepreg plies provide only limited matrix material for buckypaper infiltration. Nonetheless, up to five buckypapers, corresponding to 8 wt.% CNTs, can be incorporated into the material without inducing matrix depletion defects. This integration significantly enhances the material’s thermal properties while maintaining its mechanical integrity. The nanotubes embedded in the matrix achieve an effective thermal conductivity of up to 7 W/(m·K) based on theoretical modeling. As a result, under one-sided thermal irradiation at 50 kW/m², thermo-induced damage and strength loss can be delayed by up to 20%. Therefore, thermal resistance is primarily determined by the nanotube concentration, whereas the arrangement of the buckypapers affects the material quality. Since this innovative approach enables the targeted integration of high particle fractions, it offers substantial potential for improving the safety and reliability of CFRP under thermal stress. Full article

Traditionally, the microcellular foaming process has aimed to generate uniform cell structures by applying heat uniformly to all surfaces of a polymer. Homogeneous cell distribution is known to enhance the mechanical properties and durability of the final product. However, the ability to engineer a gradient in cell density offers potential advantages for specific functional applications, such as improved sound absorption and thermal insulation. In this study, a controlled thermal gradient was introduced by heating only one side of a fully CO₂-saturated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) specimen. This approach allowed for the formation of a cell density gradient across the sample thickness. The entire process was conducted using a solid-state batch foaming technique, commonly referred to as the microcellular foaming process. A one-sided heating strategy successfully induced a spatial variation in cell morphology. Furthermore, a coalescence function was developed to account for cell merging behavior, enabling the construction of a predictive model for local cell density. The proposed model accurately captured the evolution of cell density gradients under asymmetric thermal conditions and was validated through experimental observations, demonstrating its potential for precise control over foam structure in saturated PMMA systems. Full article

When developing fabrics for applications in which evaporative cooling and drying play an important role, e.g., sports or occupational applications, the drying performance of fabrics is commonly determined using fast and easy-to-perform benchmark methods. The measurement conditions in these methods, however, differ significantly from the drying conditions on the human body surface, where drying is obstructed on one side of the fabric through contact with the skin and at the same time enhanced due to contact with the heated surface (skin). The aims of this study were to understand and quantify the fabric drying process at the skin interface considering these real-use effects based on tests applying two-sided drying, one-sided drying, one-sided drying on a heated surface, and one-sided drying on a heated surface in the stretched state, and to relate these to existing standard methods. The findings showed that contact with a solid heated surface such as the skin and the stretched state of the fabric both make a significant contribution (p < 0.05) to the drying rate compared to two-sided drying in standard climatic conditions. The corresponding drying rates observed for a range of typical fabrics used in leisure and sports as a first layer next to the skin were found to be 1.6 (±0.2), 1.1 (±0.2), 7.9 (±2.1), and 10.6 (±0.8) g/m² min for two-sided drying, one-sided drying, one-sided drying on a heated surface, and one-sided drying on a heated surface in the stretched state, respectively. These findings are of great importance for human thermal modelling, including clothing models, where the drying process significantly contributes to the heat and mass transfer in the skin–clothing–environment system. Full article

Enhancing the thermal resistance of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) with flame retardants or coatings often leads to increased weight and reduced mechanical integrity. To address these challenges, this study introduces an innovative approach for developing nanocomposites using carbon-based nanoparticles, while preserving the structural lightweight properties. For this, carbon black particles (CBPs) up to 10% and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) up to 1.5% were incorporated into the RTM6/G939 composite material. The obtained samples were then analyzed for their properties and heat resistance under one-sided thermal loading at a heat flux of 50 kW/m². Results demonstrate that integrating these particles improves heat conduction without compromising the material’s inherent advantages. As a result, thermo-induced damage and the resulting loss of mechanical strength are delayed by 17% with CBPs and 7% with CNTs compared to the unmodified material. Thereby, the thermal behavior can be accurately modeled by a straightforward approach, using calibrated, effective measurements of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix rather than relying on theoretical assumptions. This approach thus provides a promising methode to characterize and improve thermal resistance without significant trade-offs. Full article

Urbanization is exacerbating heat islands, causing adverse effects on life and health, including thermal stress. This highlights the importance of using natural resources for thermal regulation, particularly through historically employed passive strategies. Windcatchers have traditionally been installed in arid and hot areas to provide thermal comfort (TC), especially in indoor spaces. However, despite significant internal shape development, a notable gap remains in exploring their outdoor applications. This paper investigates a new integrated design for a one-sided windcatcher, which captures wind through a single inlet by combining traditional principles with modern sustainable features, such as green façade, to enhance outdoor urban space. The design concept was developed in two stages: the “Initial Design Step” and the “Geometrical Assessment”, utilizing iterative computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of windcatchers for outdoor applications using an upstream, curved shaft and guide vanes, tested at wind velocities of 1.5 m/s for a 5 m high windcatcher and 4 m/s for a 10 m high windcatcher. The study revealed a meaningful relationship among the parameters, as they influence each other. Achieving optimal performance requires careful control of the parameters, such as balancing the inner wall curvature and inlet size to optimize airflow dynamics. In urban contexts, turbulence and morphology affect airflow but can be mitigated through regionally tailored windcatcher designs. Nevertheless, several critical research gaps remain, highlighting the windcatcher’s potential for improvement and the need for further investigation in future studies. Full article

Existing optimization research on the crankshaft heat treatment process is mostly based on one-sided considerations, and less consideration is given to the matching of multiple process parameters, leading to irrational designs of heat treatment. To address this problem, this work investigates the influence mechanisms of cooling speed, tempering temperature, and holding time on the performance evaluation indexes of the straightness, residual stress, and martensite content of a crankshaft based on the response surface method. The results showed that the order of influence of these three different process parameters on the performance evaluation index was cooling speed > holding time > tempering temperature, and the order of influence on the performance evaluation indexes under multifactorial process parameters was cooling speed–holding time > cooling speed–tempering temperature > holding time–tempering temperature. The optimal process parameters were a cooling speed of 1.4 times the cooling oil, a tempering temperature of 555 °C, and a holding time of 6 h, with the straightness of the crankshaft reduced by 9.9%, the surface stress increased by 6.7%, and the martensitic content increased by 7.2% after the process optimization. This work can provide new clues for optimizing the heat treatment process parameters of crankshafts. Full article

The aim of this work was to investigate the fire resistance of silver fir (Abies alba L.) and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) boards charred using the traditional yakisugi method and to compare the results with the fire resistance of non-charred boards as a reference and exploit its potential as a material with fire protection properties. After the boards were surface-charred on one side, specimens with different char thicknesses, resulting from their different position in the chimney, were selected from each wood species and subjected to analysis. Specimens with dimensions of 250 × 90 mm underwent a small flame test, those of 220 × 170 mm received indirect flame exposure by constant heat flux radiation from an infra-red emitter and those of 600 × 600 mm were subjected to a fire resistance test according to EN 1363-1:2020. The results of the small flame tests showed statistically significant fire resistance enhancement of specimens with 6 and 3 mm char-layer thickness in fir and ash wood, respectively, and a 110% and 75% improvement when compared to reference specimens. The constant heat flux radiation tests did not reveal any significant differences between the reference and charred specimens. The up-scaled fire resistance test, in which an assembled panel was exposed to flame, also indicated significant improvement. The reference burn-through time of fir and ash specimens was improved significantly with increasing char layer thickness, resulting in 10%–26% of fire resistance improvement for fir and 5%–12% for ash wood specimens. These results, based on the tests performed, suggest that the one-sided surface-charring of wood can enhance its fire resistance; however, this was mostly achieved in boards with the thickest char layer in both wood species studied and not all fire resistance indicators were considered. Further in-depth studies are required to better understand the complex behaviour of charred wood in response to fire. Full article

Urban overheating, intensified by climate change, poses a critical challenge in Central European cities, witnessing a rise in tropical days. Conventional mechanical cooling systems in buildings significantly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbating global warming. In response, windcatchers—traditional Iranian natural cooling systems—emerge as a promising sustainable solution for contemporary architecture, even in non-arid climates. This research aims to evaluate windcatchers’ efficacy in improving building thermal comfort in Central European climates, focusing on Vienna’s urban environment. This study identifies optimal windcatcher designs by analyzing key variables: height variation, inlet dimensions, urban exposure, Building Management System (BMS) temperature thresholds, and integration with an earth tube system using Design Builder simulation software version 6. The findings reveal that a windcatcher standing at 2.5 m tall, with inlet dimensions of 0.9 m by 1.4 m, in an open, less densely populated urban setting, and with open valves when indoor temperatures surpass 22 °C, demonstrates the most effective reduction in cooling load. Moreover, both one-sided and two-sided windcatchers outperform conventional ventilation through openings. Additionally, combining a one-sided windcatcher with an earth tube system ensures efficient cooling even when exterior temperatures exceed 25 degrees Celsius. When augmented by a heat pump, this integrated system can provide heated ventilation. Full article

In the present research, coaxial one-side resistance spot welding was performed to join Al5052 and CFRP sheets with different welding currents. The mechanical performance of the cross-lap joint was clarified experimentally. The cross-section of the welded joint and the fracture surfaces was subjected to multi-scale characterization. The fracture behaviours and mechanisms of cross-lap joints are discussed in detail. The results showed that the thermal degradation of CFRP was detected on the cross-section under a 6000 A welding current and the O element was enriched in the decomposed area. The joining zone could be divided into four subregions according to their morphology, which were defined, from outside to inside, as the squeezed zone, the adhesion zone, the cohesion zone and the decomposed zone. After welding, the O-C=O bond disappeared on the CFRP surface while the O=C-N bond was detected on the Al5052 surface. The cross-lap joints demonstrated brittle and ductile fracture behaviours in a cross-tension test, which included two sub-modes: brittle-transition mode and ductile-degradation mode. The transformation of failure modes had a relationship with the heat input and corresponding joining zone composition. The maximum cross-tension load was about 1279 ± 40 N with a welding current of 5600 A. Full article

The pressure drop characteristics of subcooled water were experimentally investigated in a circular cooling channel with and without a twisted tape (TT) under high heat fluxes, which was designed for the water-cooling structure of the divertor target in a tokamak device. The working medium was deionized water, and the main parameters were mass flux G = 3000–8000 kg·m⁻²·s⁻¹, inlet pressure of the test section p = 3, 4.2, 5 MPa, equivalent one-side heating flux q_e = 5~10 MW·m⁻². The off-center circular channel is electrically heated to simulate the unilateral radiation heating on the divertor target by high-temperature plasma. The pressure drop experiment of vertical upward circular cooling channels under high and unilateral heat flux is carried out. The influences of the TT and system parameters such as q_e, G, and p on the pressure drop of the test section (Δp) were discussed in detail. In the single-phase (SP) flow region, Δp is mainly affected by the TT, G, and q_e. The pressure drop with a TT is significantly higher than that without a TT, a higher G and a lower q_e lead to a greater Δp. In the subcooled boiling (SB) flow region, Δp is correlated with the TT, q_e, G, and p: the influence of the TT and G decreases, while the influence of p increases. The higher the q_e, the higher the G, and the lower the p, the larger the Δp. The results show that almost all of the SP pressure drop correlations for heated circular channels overestimate the experimental pressure drop coefficient ratio for a given viscosity ratio. According to the test results, a new correlation of SP pressure drop under high and unilateral heat fluxes has been proposed, the average error (AE) and root mean square error (RMSE) of which are 0.26% and 3.17%, respectively. Full article

To study the pressure drop characteristics of hypervapotron, which was designed as a water-cooling structure in the divertor dome of the fusion reactor, the pressure drop tests of subcooled water were carried out in a vertically upward hypervapotron. To simulate the one-side radiant heating condition in the engineering application, the non-uniform heat fluxes were obtained by using the off-center electrically heating method. The system parameters were as follows: mass flux G = 2000–5000 kg·m⁻²·s⁻¹, inlet pressure p = 2–4 MPa, and equivalent one-side radiating heat flux q_e = 0–5 MW·m⁻². The effects of the parameters on the pressure drop were discussed in detail. It was observed that in the single-phase (SP) region, the pressure drop was little influenced by the inlet fluid temperature (T_b,in). However, in the subcooled boiling region, the pressure drop increased rapidly with the increasing T_b,in. A higher G leads to a high pressure drop. In the SP region, the influence of p on the pressure drop is not obvious, and the pressure drop decreased with the increasing q_e. The test data are used to evaluate the typical pressure drop correlation, and the results show that none of these correlations can predict the pressure drop well under the test conditions. Therefore, a new pressure drop correlation is proposed for subcooled water in a hypervapotron under high and non-uniform heat fluxes. The new correlation has a high prediction accuracy for the test data, and the mean relative error (MRE) and root mean square error (RMSE) are 0.72% and 4.33%, respectively. The test results have a reference value for the design of the water-cooling structure of the diverter. Full article

Generalization has always been a keyword in deep learning. Pretrained models and domain adaptation technology have received widespread attention in solving the problem of generalization. They are all focused on finding features in data to improve the generalization ability and to prevent overfitting. Although they have achieved good results in various tasks, those models are unstable when classifying a sentence whose label is positive but still contains negative phrases. In this article, we analyzed the attention heat map of the benchmarks and found that previous models pay more attention to the phrase rather than to the semantic information of the whole sentence. Moreover, we proposed a method to scatter the attention away from opposite sentiment words to avoid a one-sided judgment. We designed a two-stream network and stacked the gradient reversal layer and feature projection layer within the auxiliary network. The gradient reversal layer can reverse the gradient of features in the training stage so that the parameters are optimized following the reversed gradient in the backpropagation stage. We utilized an auxiliary network to extract the backward features and then fed them into the main network to merge them with normal features extracted by the main network. We applied this method to the three baselines of TextCNN, BERT, and RoBERTa using sentiment analysis and sarcasm detection datasets. The results show that our method can improve the sentiment analysis datasets by 0.5% and the sarcasm detection datasets by 2.1%. Full article

This paper aims to explore the qualification of step- and lock-in heating thermography as techniques capable of inspecting new composite rail carbodies following input and inspection requirements set by the rail manufacturing industry. Specifically, we studied (a) a monolithic CFRP sample (20 mm thickness) and (b) a CFRP–PET foam–CFRP sandwich (40 mm total thickness) component, that were manufactured with artificial defects, to replicate the side wall sections of a carbody. The samples proved to be very challenging to test using only one-sided inspection due to (1) exhibiting significant thickness compared to existing literature, (2) low surface emissivity and (3) that the foam core of the sandwich sample was a thermal insulating material. In addition, the sandwich sample was designed with defects on both skins. Both thermography techniques provided similar defect detection results, although step heating offered faster detection. In the case of the monolithic panel, defects up to 10 mm depth were detected, with minor detection of defects at 15 mm depth with a step-heating protocol between 90 s and 120 s overall acquisition, which was faster than the 140 s used with the lock-in technique. For the sandwich component only the front skin defects were detected, with both techniques using heating protocols between 70–120 s. Full article

Excellent heat transfer performance has increasingly become a key issue that needs to be solved urgently in the development process of large-scale fusion equipment. The study of heat transfer performance improvement to scientifically and reasonably determine the design parameters of the high heat flow (HHF) components of fusion reactors based on the efficient in-depth analysis of the heat transfer mechanism and its sensitive factors is of great significance. In this paper, a liquid-vapor two-phase flow model with subcooled boiling for a large length-diameter ratio swirl tube structure in the HHF calorimeter component is proposed to analyze the effects of key design parameters (such as inlet temperature of cooling water flow, swirl tube structure parameters, etc.) on its heat transfer performance. Then, considering the high computational cost of the liquid-vapor two-phase flow model, and in order to improve the efficiency of the sensitivity analysis of these design parameters, the polynomial response surface surrogate model of heat transfer performance function was constructed based on Latin hypercube sampling. On this basis, by combining the proposed surrogate model, the sensitivity index of each design parameter could be obtained efficiently using the Sobol global sensitivity analysis method. This method could greatly improve the calculation efficiency of the design parameter sensitivity analysis of HHF components in the fusion reactor, which provides vital guidance for the subsequent rapid design optimization of related components. Full article

As is often the case in practice, classical control theory does not fully provide sufficient tools for solving applied problems of a certain specific class. Such problems include automatic control of waste heat boilers where physical restrictions are imposed on controls, namely, they must belong to the class of non-negative functions with restrictions on amplitude and growth rate. In the theoretical part of this paper, within the framework of the block approach, methods for the synthesis of general linear systems with one-sided restrictions on control actions and state variables were developed. Then, the developed algorithms were applied to the waste heat boiler control system under conditions of incomplete measurements of state variables and the action of parametric and external uncontrolled disturbances. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms was confirmed by numerical simulation. Full article