Applied Research最新文献

Automotive collisions are one of the major causes of death in the European Union, especially in childhood and adolescence. However, improvements in vehicle safety cannot be achieved only by increasing the size and dimensions of the structures, as this demands more materials and more costly manufacturing processes, which leads to an increased resource expenditure and lowered sustainability. Moreover, the increase of the structure size raises the vehicle's weight, leading to added fuel consumption, which cannot be accepted considering modern environmental regulations. To solve these issues, the application of bonded joints using the combination of several adherends materials, such as steel and aluminium alloys and fibber-reinforced polymers with crash-resistant adhesives presents itself as a novel solution, allowing to attain enhanced joint strength, energy absorption and weight reduction. The present works introduce a novel concept of an impact attenuator using bonded, geometrically optimized using the concept of functionally graded adherends to maximize energy absorption by ensuring that a load-bearing path is kept during impact, converting the impact energy into the plastic deformation of panels with variable mechanical properties, tailored to withstand specific load cases, fulfilling a gap in the literature regarding impact absorption devices that combines graded materials and bonded construction. The results obtained present an increase in the energy absorption values of the graded impact attenuators above 200% when compared to the homogenous materials.

Hematite is obtained using different concentrations of P. tuberosa flower extract. XRD and Raman studies confirm the formation of nanometric size (20–30 nm) and the corundum structure. Particle size depends on the extent of flower extract used for synthesis. Frequency and temperature dependent dielectric constant, dielectric loss, ac/dc conductivity and electric modulus have been explored. Large dielectric constant values (6 × 10³−40 × 10³) at low frequency under room temperature are observed. Dielectric constant ($��{\epsilon }_r�$) depends on frequency, temperature, particle size and porosity. The nature of the frequency dependence of $��{\epsilon }_r�$ can be explained with the help of the Maxwell-Wagner-Koop's theory. Correlation between particle size and dielectric constant is attributed to significant lattice distortion resulting from reduced grain size. AC conductivity is analyzed with Jonscher's power law, and correlated-barrier-hopping type of conduction mechanism is proposed in these nanomaterials. Temperature dependence of DC conductivity confirms semiconducting behavior of hematite. Investigation into the electric modulus reveals that both electrical conduction and dielectric polarization are governed by a common mechanism. Present study explores into the process of crystal growth influenced by the plant extract and examines its impact on the dielectric property.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of dual-tower concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, highlighting their key technical advantages, including improved efficiency and enhanced heat distribution. The novel dual-tower design, implemented at Guazhou, Gansu Province by Three Gorges Renewables, significantly enhances optical efficiency and reduces spillage losses compared to traditional single-tower systems. Utilizing molten salts or particle receivers, the dual-tower configuration offers a more efficient thermal management approach. A comparative analysis of various designs underscores the trade-offs between increased efficiency and capital costs. The paper also discusses the economic and environmental benefits, technical challenges, and future research directions associated with dual-tower systems, providing valuable insights into their potential to advance solar thermal technology.

The present study aimed to develop a standardized process map to produce a microbiologically safe and consumer-acceptable Brukina beverage. Field interactions and observations were employed for the baseline data, while an improved production process was developed and utilized to produce a Brukina beverage. The microbial safety of the new approach was assessed by determining the total coliform, yeast and mold, as well as Staphylococcus aureus. A consumer preference test was conducted to validate the contribution of the improved and hygienic steps to the overall acceptability. The existing production processes for manufacturing Brukina beverage did not embrace Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and as such, the resultant beverage was contaminated with coliforms and S. aureus. Moreover, the sensory characteristics including taste, mouthfeel, viscosity and overall acceptability, were negatively affected. The inclusion of food safety management practices and efficient production steps has a greater tendency of producing microbiologically safe and market-acceptable fermented millet-based beverages while safeguarding consumers’ health and satisfaction.

The emergence of wearable electronics in contemporary lifestyles has spurred the need for smart fabrics capable of harnessing biomechanical energy. In the present study, a flexible polyaniline-doped textile-based triboelectric nanogenerator (PT-TENG) is designed to harvest low-frequency mechanical vibrations and convert them into electricity. For the device fabrication, five different textile fabrics are doped with conducting PANI, which is utilized as the tribopositive material, PVC thin film as the tribonegative material, and Al foil as electrodes. The PT-TENG works in vertical-contact separation mode, devised in arch structure for easy and complete contact between the working layers. Interestingly, the device featuring a PANI-doped silk fabric generated the highest output voltage of 257.68 V and a current of 5.36 μA, respectively. Additionally, the PT-TENG exhibits mechanical durability and electrical stability during continuous 7000 cyclic operations. Furthermore, the PT-TENG showcases practical applications such as charging commercial capacitors, powering green LEDs and smartwatches, and as a self-powered touch sensor. Thus, the PT-TENG offers a facile fabrication process and robustness, highlighting its potential for sustainable energy harvesting in wearable electronics.