Subjecting metallic glasses repeatedly to liquid nitrogen temperature has become a popular method to homogeneously rejuvenate the material. Here we reveal the atomic-scale structural dynamics using ...in-situ x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) during and after cryogenic cycling of a Zr-based metallic glass in two structural states (plate and ribbon). Heterogeneous structural dynamics is observed at 300 K that changes to monotonic aging at 78 K. It is found that cryogenic cycling homogenizes the relaxation time distribution. This effect is much more pronounced in the ribbon, which is the only structural state that rejuvenates upon cycling. We furthermore reveal how fast atomic-scale dynamics is correlated with long-time structural relaxation times irrespective of the structural state, and that the ribbon exhibits unexpected additional fast atomic-scale relaxation in comparison to the plate material. A structural picture emerges that points towards heterogeneities in the fictive temperature as a requirement for cryogenic energy storage.
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In this paper, we systematically study the dynamic snap-through behavior of a pre-deformed elastic ribbon by combining theoretical analysis, discrete numerical simulations, and experiments. By ...rotating one of its clamped ends with controlled angular speed, we observe two snap-through transition paths among the multiple stable configurations of a ribbon in three-dimensional (3D) space; this is different from the classical snap-through of a two-dimensional (2D) bistable beam. Our theoretical model for the static bifurcation analysis is based on the Kirchhoff rod equations, and dynamical simulations are conducted using the Discrete Elastic Rods (DER) algorithm. The planar beam model is also employed for the asymptotic analysis of dynamic snap-through behaviors. The results show that, since the snap-through processes of both planar beams and 3D ribbons are governed by a saddle–node bifurcation, the same scaling law for the delay applies. We further demonstrate that by controlling the velocity of end-rotation, distinct snap-through pathways can be realized. In this way, we may selectively skip specific modes and, moreover, particular final modes can be strategically achieved. Through a parametric study using numerical simulations, we construct general phase diagrams for both mode skipping and selection of snapping ribbons. The work serves as a benchmark for future investigations on dynamic snap-through of thin elastic structures and provides guidelines for the novel design of intelligent mechanical systems.
We present the development of the first ultrafast transmission electron microscope (UTEM) driven by localized photoemission from a field emitter cathode. We describe the implementation of the ...instrument, the photoemitter concept and the quantitative electron beam parameters achieved. Establishing a new source for ultrafast TEM, the Göttingen UTEM employs nano-localized linear photoemission from a Schottky emitter, which enables operation with freely tunable temporal structure, from continuous wave to femtosecond pulsed mode. Using this emission mechanism, we achieve record pulse properties in ultrafast electron microscopy of 9Å focused beam diameter, 200fs pulse duration and 0.6eV energy width. We illustrate the possibility to conduct ultrafast imaging, diffraction, holography and spectroscopy with this instrument and also discuss opportunities to harness quantum coherent interactions between intense laser fields and free-electron beams.
•First implementation of an ultrafast TEM employing a nanoscale photocathode.•Localized single photon-photoemission from nanoscopic field emitter yields low emittance ultrashort electron pulses.•Electron pulses focused down to ~9Å, with a duration of 200fs and an energy width of 0.6eV are demonstrated.•Quantitative characterization of ultrafast electron gun emittance and brightness.•A range of applications of high coherence ultrashort electron pulses is shown.
The COVID-19 pandemic unveils unforeseen and unprecedented fragilities in supply chains (SC). A primary stressor of SCs and their subsequent shocks derives from disruption propagation (i.e., the ...ripple effect) through related networks. In this paper, we conceptualize current state and future research directions on the ripple effect for pandemic context. We scrutinize the existing OR (Operational Research) studies published in international journals dealing with disruption propagation and structural dynamics in SCs. Our study pursues two major contributions in relation to two research questions. First, we collate state-of-the-art research on disruption propagation in SCs and identify a methodical taxonomy along with theories displaying their value and applications for coping with the impacts of pandemics on SCs. Second, we reveal and systemize managerial insights from theory used for operating (adapting) amid a pandemic and during times of recovery, along with becoming more resistant to future pandemics. Streamlining the literature allowed us to reveal several new research tensions and novel categorizations and classifications. The outcomes of our study show that methodical contributions and the resulting managerial insights can be categorized into three levels, i.e., network, process, and control. Our analysis reveals that adaptation capabilities play the most crucial role in managing the SCs under pandemic disruptions. Our findings depict how the existing OR methods can help coping with the ripple effect at five pandemic stages (i.e., Anticipation; Early Detection; Containment; Control and Mitigation; and Elimination) following the WHO classification. The outcomes and findings of our study can be used by industry and researchers alike to progress the decision-support systems guiding SCs amid the COVID-19 pandemic and toward recovery. Suggestions for future research directions are offered and discussed.
In the last few decades, there has been a surge of research in the area of non-contact measurement techniques. Photogrammetry has received considerable attention due to its ability to achieve ...full-field measurement and its robustness to work in testing environments and on testing articles in which using other measurement techniques may not be practical. More recently, researchers have used this technique to study transient phenomena and to perform measurements on vibrating structures. The current paper reviews the most current trends in the photogrammetry technique (point tracking, digital image correlation, and target-less approaches) and compares the applications of photogrammetry to other measurement techniques used in structural dynamics (e.g. laser Doppler vibrometry and interferometry techniques). The paper does not present the theoretical background of the optical techniques, but instead presents the general principles of each approach and highlights the novel structural dynamic measurement concepts and applications that are enhanced by utilizing optical techniques.
•Photogrammetry measures displacements to monitor dynamics of structures.•The paper reviews the most current trends in photogrammetry.•The paper compares the applications of photogrammetry to conventional approaches.•Photogrammetry effectively measures high-displacement and low-frequency vibrations.•Photogrammetry can be applied to measure dynamics of rotating structures.
•Summarized collective experience of vision-based dynamic response measurement and SHM.•Reviewed basics and principles of vision-based sensor system.•Discussed the measurement error sources and ...mitigation methods.•Presented outlook of future directions of vision-based sensors for SHM.
To address the limitations of current sensor systems for field applications, the research community has been actively exploring new technologies that can advance the state-of-the-practice in structural health monitoring (SHM). Thanks to the rapid advances in computer vision, the camera-based noncontact vision sensor has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional contact sensors for structural dynamic response measurement and health monitoring. Significant advantages of the vision sensor include its low cost, ease of setup and operation, and flexibility to extract displacements of any points on the structure from a single video measurement. This review paper is intended to summarize the collective experience that the research community has gained from the recent development and validation of the vision-based sensors for structural dynamic response measurement and SHM. General principles of the vision sensor systems are firstly presented by reviewing different template matching techniques for tracking targets, coordinate conversion methods for determining calibration factors to convert image pixel displacements to physical displacements, measurements by tracking artificial targets vs. natural targets, measurements in real time vs. by post-processing, etc. Then the paper reviews laboratory and filed experimentations carried out to evaluate the performance of the vision sensors, followed by a discussion on measurement error sources and mitigation methods. Finally, applications of the measured displacement data for SHM are reviewed, including examples of structural modal property identification, structural model updating, damage detection, and cable force estimation.
Polymer nanocomposite (PNC) films based on the blend matrix of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) (50/50 wt%) incorporated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (i.e., ...(PVA–PVP)–x wt% ZnO; x = 0, 1, 3 and 5) were prepared by solution-cast method. The behaviour of polymer-polymer and polymer-nanoparticle interactions in the PNC films was ascertained by employing X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopies. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were performed for the morphological characterization, whereas the thermal and optical properties of the PNC films were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, respectively. The dielectric and electrical behaviour of these PNC materials were determined by employing the dielectric relaxation spectroscopy over the frequency range from 20 Hz to 1 MHz. The influence of ZnO concentration on the degree of PVA crystalline phase and the crystallite size, surface morphology and roughness of the films, the glass phase transition and melting phase transition temperatures, direct and indirect optical energy band gap, refractive index, complex permittivity, electrical conductivity, activation energy and the structural dynamics of these PNC materials were explored. The investigated properties of the PNC films were credited to an innovation and engineering of novel high performance flexible nanodielectrics in the area of advanced functional materials for their promising applications especially in the next generation optoelectronic, gas sensor and microelectronic devices.
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•Multifunctional (PVA–PVP)–x wt% ZnO films were prepared by solution-cast method.•Polymer-polymer and polymer-nanofiller interactions vary with ZnO concentration.•Optical band gap decrease with the increase of ZnO contents in the PNC films.•Only 1 wt% ZnO dispersion enhances permittivity and thermal stability of PNC film.•Uses as nanodielectric, sensor and base matrix for electrolyte were established.