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At least 145 records · Page 8

Nanotwin assisted reversible formation of low angle grain boundary upon reciprocating shear load

Severe plastic deformation of metals is known to lead to superior properties that cannot be achieved by any traditional metallurgic process. Origin of the superior properties is perceived to be closely associated with grain refinement, a fundamental process during the severe plastic deformation, which is essentially the formation of new grain boundaries. However, the atomistic mechanism of grain boundary formation remains largely obscure. Here, by using in-situ transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamic simulation, we reveal, for the first time at atomic level, the shear-induced low-angle grain boundary (LAGB) formation processes in Au nanocrystal. In this work, we discover the LAGB formation is accomplished through inward propagation of nanotwins accompanied by dislocations gliding on the twin boundaries, a nanotwin-mediated dislocation slip mechanism, which shows reversible characteristic under reciprocating shear load and is affected by the nanocrystal microstructure and orientation. Our result unveils unprecedented atomistic insights on shear driven grain refinement towards nanostructure of superior properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Pseudoelastic deformation in Mo-based refractory multi-principal element alloys

Phase diagrams supported by density functional theory methods can be crucial for designing high-entropy alloys that are subset of multi-principal-element alloys. We present phase and property analysis of quinary (MoW) x Zr y (TaTi) 1-x-y refractory high-entropy alloys from combined Calculation of Phase Diagram (CALPHAD) and density-functional theory results, supplemented by molecular dynamics simulations. Both CALPHAD and density-functional theory analysis of phase stability indicates a Mo-W-rich region of this quinary has a stable single-phase body-centered-cubic structure. We report first quinary composition from Mo-W-Ta-Ti-Zr family of alloy with pseudo-elastic behavior, i.e., hysteresis in stress-strain. Our analysis shows that only Mo-W-rich compositions of Mo-W-Ta-Ti-Zr, i.e., Mo+W, show reproducible hysteresis in stress-strain responsible for pseudo-elastic behavior. The (MoW) 85 Zr 7.5 (TaTi) 7.5 was down-selected based on temperature-dependent phase diagram analysis and molecular dynamics simulations predicted elastic behavior that reveals twinning-assisted pseudoelastic behavior. While mostly unexplored in body-centered-cubic crystals, twinning is a fundamental deformation mechanism that competes against dislocation slip in crystalline solids. Furthermore, this alloy shows identical cyclic deformation characteristics during uniaxial < 100 > loading, i.e., the pseudoelasticity is isotropic in loading direction. Additionally, a temperature increase from 77 to 1,500 K enhances the elastic strain recovery in load-unload cycles, offering possibly control to tune the pseudoelastic behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Sierra/Solid Mechanics 5.16 User's Guide

Sierra/SolidMechanics (Sierra/SM) is a Lagrangian, three-dimensional code for finite element analysis of solids and structures. It provides capabilities for explicit dynamic, implicit quasistatic and dynamic analyses. The explicit dynamics capabilities allow for the efficient and robust solution of models with extensive contact subjected to large, suddenly applied loads. For implicit problems, Sierra/SM uses a multi-level iterative solver, which enables it to effectively solve problems with large deformations, nonlinear material behavior, and contact. Sierra/SM has a versatile library of continuum and structural elements, and a large library of material models. The code is written for parallel computing environments enabling scalable solutions of extremely large problems for both implicit and explicit analyses. It is built on the SIERRA Framework, which facilitates coupling with other SIERRA mechanics codes. This document describes the functionality and input syntax for Sierra/SM.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mesoscale Modeling of Hydrogels Under Frictional Shear Stress

Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers often used as a simplified model of hydrated biological materials, from cartilaginous joints to the ocular tear film. However, the lubrication mechanisms of hydrogels remain poorly understood, partly due to their complex polymeric structure, which creates blurred interfaces during sliding that are challenging to study experimentally. In this study, we employ dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) to investigate the frictional behavior of a polymeric hydrogel network sliding against a solid wall in an explicit viscous solvent. This computational approach enables us to model hydrodynamic interactions and mesoscale polymer dynamics, capturing key aspects of hydrogel friction. Our simulations reveal that hydrogel friction is governed by the interplay between polymer relaxation and viscous shear, characterized by the Weissenberg number (Wi). At low Wi, friction coefficient remain nearly constant, dominated by polymer relaxation. However, at higher Wi, friction is dominated by viscous drag within a near-wall solvent layer, leading to a linear increase in friction coefficient with Wi. Furthermore, our results demonstrate an inverse relationship between the friction coefficient and the applied normal load, consistent with experimental observations. This work provides new insights into the fundamental tribological properties of hydrogels, shedding light on the micromechanics of hydrogel friction. Improving our understanding of hydrogel structure and dynamics under friction advances our knowledge of the mechanisms regulating biological lubrication in health and disease.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nonlinear modeling and performance analysis of cracked beam microgyroscopes

Cracks constitute a common structural defect in microelectromechanical systems that may arise during manufacturing, mechanical fatigue, or shock loading. Areas weakened by cracks increase the flexibility of the microstructure. Furthermore, depending on the crack severity, the increased flexibility can cause dramatic changes in the static and dynamic behaviors of electrically actuated MEMS. In this study, a numerical investigation of the depth and location of multiple edge cracks on the performance of beam microgyroscopes is conducted. Applying the Griffith strain energy release theorem for an edge crack, the vibrational characteristics of microgyroscopes with multiple cracks including the static deflection, natural frequencies, and mode shapes are studied analytically. Then, the differential quadrature method is employed to model the nonlinear dynamic behaviors of the cracked gyroscope system. Cracks initiated along the driving or sensing directions of the microgyroscope are found to have differing effects on its nonlinear dynamic response. This numerical study reveals that the onset of severe single cracks or a series of multiple cracks can significantly affect the sensitivity of the microgyroscope to base rotations and therefore leads to a degradation in the performance of the damaged MEMS sensor. This study also shows that a potential design approach for broadband microgyroscope systems manufactured with cracks can be proposed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Dynamic Deformation in Nuclear Graphite and Underlying Mechanisms

Time-dependent deformation in nuclear graphite is influenced by the creation and migration of radiation-induced defects in the reactor environment. This study investigates the role of pre-existing defects such as point defect clusters and Mrozowski cracks in nuclear graphite IG-110. Separate specimens were irradiated with a 2.8 MeV Au 2+ beam with a fluence of 4.38 × 10 14 cm −2 and an 8 MeV C 2+ beam with a fluence of 1.24 × 10 16 cm −2 . Microscopic specimens were either mechanically loaded inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM) or subjected to ex situ indentation-based creep loading. In situ TEM tests showed significant plasticity in regions highly localized around the Mrozowski cracks, resembling slip or ripplocation bands. Slip bands were also seen near regions without pre-existing defects but at very high stresses. Ex situ self-ion irradiation embrittled the specimens and decreased the creep displacement and rate, while heavy ion irradiation resulted in the opposite behavior. We hypothesize that the large-sized gold ions (compared to the carbon atoms) induced interplanar swelling as well as cross-plane channels for increased defect mobility. These findings illustrate the role of pre-existing defects in the dynamic relaxation of stresses during irradiation and the need for more studies into the radiation environment’s impact on the mechanical response of nuclear graphite.

creep deformation↗

On the mechanical behavior of a Nb 3 Sn superconducting coil during a quench: Two-dimensional finite element analysis of a quench heater protected magnet

New high-field accelerator magnets based on $Nb_3Sn$ superconductors are pushing the boundaries of magnet design and quench protection towards new limits. While their large stored energies and current densities result in a very challenging scenario for magnet protection, their great electromagnetic forces create also new requirements in terms of magnet design and stress management techniques. Furthermore, the strain sensitivity of $Nb_3Sn$ cables turns the electro-mechanical limits of the conductor into a parameter of the highest importance, where conductor degradation becomes a critical aspect in magnet operation. The coupling of all the above-mentioned considerations during quench is a case of special interest that adds further complexity to the design of $Nb_3Sn$ magnets. The objective of this paper is to provide a complete two-dimensional investigation of the coil and magnet structure mechanics during a quench event. Here, the analysis is performed using a combination of finite element codes that provide the necessary input for the mechanical study. The core of the modelling strategy relies on a thermal-electric model, whose results are directly used as loads in the mechanical simulation. In doing so, the stress evolution during and after a quench is obtained. We focus for this time in the analysis of a quench heater protected magnet, where dynamic effects are of less importance in contrast to other protection systems like CLIQ.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Atomistic Mechanisms of Stress-Dependent Molten Salt Corrosion in NiCr Alloys

Ni-based structural alloys in molten salt environments often experience simultaneous mechanical loading and corrosive attack, yet the mechanisms governing stress-corrosion interactions remain unclear. Prior studies largely emphasize tensile stress, while the role of compressive stress has received limited attention. Here, reactive molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the coupled effects of applied strain and corrosion in Ni 0.75 Cr 0.25 exposed to molten FLiNaK at 800 °C. A Σ5(210) grain boundary model is subjected to tensile (+4%) to compressive (−4%) uniaxial strains, and corrosion behavior is evaluated through fluorine adsorption, charge redistribution, and grain boundary evolution. Tensile strain accelerates intergranular corrosion susceptibility by reducing local atomic packing through elastic dilation and increasing excess free volume at the grain boundary, which enhances atomic mobility and salt infiltration. In contrast, compressive strain can suppress corrosion by promoting the formation of a ridge-like surface layer along the grain boundary, limiting salt access to the underlying alloy. These results provide atomistic insight into how stress states influence grain boundary corrosion in molten salts.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Shr receptor from Streptococcus pyogenes uses a cap and release mechanism to acquire heme–iron from human hemoglobin

Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus ) is a clinically important microbial pathogen that requires iron in order to proliferate. During infections, S. pyogenes uses the surface displayed Shr receptor to capture human hemoglobin (Hb) and acquires its iron-laden heme molecules. Through a poorly understood mechanism, Shr engages Hb via two structurally unique N-terminal Hb-interacting domains (HID1 and HID2) which facilitate heme transfer to proximal NEAr Transporter (NEAT) domains. Based on the results of X-ray crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering, NMR spectroscopy, native mass spectrometry, and heme transfer experiments, we propose that Shr utilizes a “cap and release” mechanism to gather heme from Hb. In the mechanism, Shr uses the HID1 and HID2 modules to preferentially recognize only heme-loaded forms of Hb by contacting the edges of its protoporphyrin rings. Heme transfer is enabled by significant receptor dynamics within the Shr–Hb complex which function to transiently uncap HID1 from the heme bound to Hb’s β subunit, enabling the gated release of its relatively weakly bound heme molecule and subsequent capture by Shr’s NEAT domains. These dynamics may maximize the efficiency of heme scavenging by S. pyogenes , enabling it to preferentially recognize and remove heme from only heme-loaded forms of Hb that contain iron.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Origin of Mechanical Enhancement in Polymer Nanoparticle (NP) Composites with Ultrahigh NP Loading

Polymer nanoparticle composites (PNCs) with ultrahigh loading of nanoparticles (NPs) (>50%) have been shown to exhibit markedly improved strength, stiffness, and toughness simultaneously compared to the neat systems of their components. Recent experimental studies on the effect of polymer fill fraction in these highly loaded PNCs reveal that even at low polymer fill fractions, hardness and modulus increase significantly. In this work, we aim to understand the origin of these performance enhancements by examining the dynamics of both polymer and NPs under tensile deformation. We perform molecular dynamics simulations of coarse-grained, glassy polymer in random-close-packed NP packings with a varying polymer fill fraction. We characterize the mechanical properties of the PNC systems, compare the NP rearrangement behavior, and study the polymer segmental and chain-level dynamics during deformation below the polymer glass transition. Finally, our simulation results confirm the experimentally observed increase in modulus at low polymer fill fractions, and we provide evidence that the source of mechanical enhancement is the polymer bridging effect.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The energetics and dynamics of confinement in flexible frameworks and molecular confinement

Porous frameworks form the chemical and structural basis for critical technologies in separations, catalysis, nuclear waste containment and biomedical applications. Hundreds of zeolites and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been synthesized, and their ability to separate and store hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Nevertheless, a fundamental and systematic molecular-level understanding of the thermodynamic and structural factors governing the stability and guest-host interactions in these materials lags behind focused studies of specific systems. Because the guest molecules interact with each other and with the host framework, molecular confinement is a finely balanced and complex phenomenon. The ability of the guest molecules to bind and diffuse through the pores is determined by the nature of the host framework which, in turn, responds to the nature and concentration of guest molecules and to pressure and temperature. The work explores how framework flexibility, tailored by structure, composition, temperature and pressure, is a general phenomenon, similar in nature but variable in extent, in both zeolites and MOFs and is part of a free energy landscape in which framework-guest interactions, pressure, and temperature result in changes in framework geometry and, in some cases, phase transitions. These subtle and/or pronounced changes in lattice geometry, energetics, and dynamics can play a decisive role in confinement and in differentiating the binding of molecules of similar size. The free energy landscape created by these structural changes links polymorphism, amorphization, “breathing,” “gate opening” and confinement. Specifically, the generality of such behavior arises from commonalities in lattice dynamics and energetics of frameworks containing a combination of strong rigid bonds and weaker more flexible deformation modes. Identifying and describing these common and collective phenomena is the focus of the research on a selected group of zeolites and MOFs. Structural studies using X-ray and neutron diffraction explore the mechanical functionality of these important materials, specifically how framework materials respond to changes in temperature, pressure and guest loading. These structural studies are combined with calorimetric measurements, using techniques uniquely developed in the participating laboratories, of heats of formation, heat capacities and entropies, and guest-host interactions. The experimental thermodynamic studies are complemented by inelastic neutron scattering studies of the lattice dynamics related both to framework vibrations and to guest-host interactions. The report below summarizes the work done at UC Davis, which is complemented by work done at BYU (Woodfield) and Virginia Tech (Ross).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The energetics and dynamics of confinement in flexible frameworks and molecular confinement

Porous frameworks form the chemical and structural basis for critical technologies in separations, catalysis, nuclear waste containment and biomedical applications. Hundreds of zeolites and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been synthesized, and their ability to separate and store hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Nevertheless, a fundamental and systematic molecular-level understanding of the thermodynamic and structural factors governing the stability and guest-host interactions in these materials lags behind focused studies of specific systems. Because the guest molecules interact with each other and with the host framework, molecular confinement is a finely balanced and complex phenomenon. The ability of the guest molecules to bind and diffuse through the pores is determined by the nature of the host framework which, in turn, responds to the nature and concentration of guest molecules and to pressure and temperature. The work explores how framework flexibility, tailored by structure, composition, temperature and pressure, is a general phenomenon, similar in nature but variable in extent, in both zeolites and MOFs and is part of a free energy landscape in which framework-guest interactions, pressure, and temperature result in changes in framework geometry and, in some cases, phase transitions. These subtle and/or pronounced changes in lattice geometry, energetics, and dynamics can play a decisive role in confinement and in differentiating the binding of molecules of similar size. The free energy landscape created by these structural changes links polymorphism, amorphization, “breathing,” “gate opening” and confinement. Specifically, the generality of such behavior arises from commonalities in lattice dynamics and energetics of frameworks containing a combination of strong rigid bonds and weaker more flexible deformation modes. Identifying and describing these common and collective phenomena is the focus of the research on a selected group of zeolites and MOFs. Structural studies using X-ray and neutron diffraction explore the mechanical functionality of these important materials, specifically how framework materials respond to changes in temperature, pressure and guest loading. These structural studies are combined with calorimetric measurements, using techniques uniquely developed in the participating laboratories, of heats of formation, heat capacities and entropies, and guest-host interactions. The experimental thermodynamic studies are complemented by inelastic neutron scattering studies of the lattice dynamics related both to framework vibrations and to guest-host interactions. This research was a collaboration between UC Davis (A. Navrotsky) BYU (B. Woodfield) and Virginia Tech (N. Ross).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermal and electric multidomain dynamic model for integration of power grid distribution with behind-the-meter devices

As renewable energy sources like solar and wind power become more integrated into the grid, coordinated control of behind-the-meter devices is crucial for enhancing grid flexibility and reliability and for meeting cost targets, with standardized models being developed to support this transition. The increasing flexibility and uncertainty of integrated renewable energy grids, along with interactions between various subsystems, make traditional steady-state modeling insufficient to capture transient and dynamic behaviors. Current models (e.g., composite load and battery equivalent models) focus on thermodynamic or electrical characteristics but overlook critical electromechanical interactions. This limits the ability to share performance information for grid services and hampers fast dynamic simulations. In addition, motor stalling is usually triggered by a fault event and attributed to the characteristics of the mechanical torque of the motor, resulting in absorption of a large amount of reactive power during the stalling period. Further, this significant withdrawal of reactive power will deteriorate the dynamic voltage stability of power grids and cause delayed voltage recovery. Therefore, an in-depth modeling of the thermodynamics or mechanical torque is essential to study the impacts of the realistic torque characteristics of those behind-the-meter devices on power system voltage stability. This study developed a dynamic multidomain model for building HVAC systems, such as air-source heat pumps, to simulate their thermal and electrical responses to grid transients. The model can accurately predict power metrics with a mean absolute percentage error of 10%, by validating against with power system computer-aided design performance data. Case studies demonstrate the model capability of capturing the transient response to sudden voltage changes, rapid load fluctuations, and system shutdowns respectively. During a sudden voltage drop (30% for 0.1s), a fully loaded heat pump’s motor speed dropped, continued declining, and shut down after 3.6s, with severe power oscillations and a torque spike. A partially loaded unit experienced temporary oscillations but stabilized. Under higher building loads, compressor speed increased from 64% to 100%, with power and torque rising before stabilizing. In safety-triggered shutdowns, power decreased after minor fluctuations, and torque briefly spiked before dropping to zero.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Spontaneous crack healing in calcite reveals the influence of dynamic strain evolution and surface chemistry

The mechanics of fracture healing in calcite remain poorly constrained yet are fundamental to managing fluid transport in geothermal reservoirs and hydrocarbon systems. Here, we apply microfocused synchrotron Laue X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy to investigate subcritical crack healing in a 1 mm-thick calcite crystal subjected to controlled loading in a double-torsion device. Over a 44-hour period following load removal, we map the evolution of residual strain fields surrounding the crack tip and observe a progressive increase in compressive strain perpendicular to the crack plane accompanied by infrared spectroscopic signatures that reveal enhanced accumulation of water at the healed interface. The correlation between strain evolution and surface chemistry suggests that spontaneous crack healing in calcite is driven by dynamic anelastic relaxation coupled with irreversible fluid-mineral interactions. These findings offer insight into time-dependent crack closure processes in carbonates and highlight the role of chemically-mediated plasticity in subsurface fracture evolution.

materials science↗

Computational simulation of asymmetric phase transformation in cracked Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂: Variant selection and chemo-mechanical implications

Coupling between microcracks and phase transformation in ion-conducting ceramics can jointly affect mechanical responses and ion transport. In this work we investigate the cubic-to-tetragonal phase transformation in Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ in the presence of a microcrack under hydrostatic loading and quantify its implications for crack-tip stress concentration and Li-ion transport using phase-field and molecular dynamics simulations. The phase transformation exhibits a strong asymmetry between hydrostatic tension and compression. Under tension, the crack edge nucleates one tetragonal variant that amplifies the crack-tip stress intensity and promotes crack opening. Under compression, the crack tip nucleates a different tetragonal variant that enhances the stress-induced crack-closure tendency. Effective Li diffusivity analysis shows faster transport degradation under compression due to accelerated transformation kinetics, exposing a trade-off between mechanical stability and ionic conductivity. These results highlight the intertwined nature of cracking, phase transformation, and ionic transport in ion-conducting oxides and provide mechanistic insights into chemo-mechanical degradation of solid electrolytes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Intrinsic size dependent plasticity in BCC micro-pillars under uniaxial tension and pure torsion

The mechanical behavior of submicron body-centered cubic (BCC) micro-pillars is investigated by three-dimensional dislocation dynamics (DD) simulations to better understand the governing mechanisms for size dependent plasticity under uniaxial tension and pure torsion. A formula is developed to compute the incremental plastic twist due to dislocation motion in DD simulations. The DD simulations show that different dislocation microstructures are created depending on the loading conditions, which leads to different size dependent mechanical behavior. While in tension plasticity is mainly governed by the kinetics of dislocation motion controlled partly by the surface dislocation sources, plastic flow in torsion is controlled by dislocation pile-ups associated with strain gradients. The simulation results also reveal a Bauschinger effect and plastic recovery under cyclic twist, which have been observed in recent experiments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Dynamic cycling enhances battery lifetime

Laboratory aging campaigns benchmark and elucidate the complex degradation behavior of lithium-ion batteries, and are critical not only for developing new battery chemistries and cell designs but also for engineering reliable battery management systems. Critically, these laboratory experiments aim to quantify and capture realistic aging mechanisms. In this study, we systematically compare dynamic discharge profiles representative of electric vehicle driving to the well-accepted constant-current profiles. Surprisingly, we discovered that dynamic discharge enhances lifetime substantially compared to constant current discharge. Specifically, for the same average current and voltage window, varying the dynamic discharge profile leads to an increase of up to 38 % in equivalent full cycles at end-of-life. Explainable machine learning reveals the importance of low-frequency current pulses as well as time-induced aging under these realistic discharge conditions. Our work quantifies the importance of evaluating new battery chemistries and designs with realistic load profiles, and highlights the opportunities to revisit our understanding of aging mechanisms at the chemistry, materials, and cell levels.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Nonlinear Interface Reduction for Time-Domain Analysis of Hurty/Craig-Bampton Superelements with Frictional Contact

Virtual prototyping in engineering design relies today on modern numerical models of contacting structures with accurate resolution of interface mechanics, which strongly affect the system-level stiffness and energy dissipation due to frictional losses. High-fidelity modeling within the localized interfaces is required to resolve local quantities of interest that may drive design decisions. The high-resolution finite element meshes necessary to resolve inter-component stresses tend to be computationally expensive, particularly when the analyst is interested in response time histories. The Hurty/Craig-Bampton (HCB) transformation is a widely used method in structural dynamics for reducing the interior portion of a finite element model while having the ability to retain all nonlinear contact degrees of freedom (DOF) in physical coordinates. These models may still require many DOF to adequately resolve the kinematics of the interface, leading to inadequate reduction and computational savings. This study proposes a novel interface reduction method to overcome these challenges by means of system-level characteristic constraint (SCC) modes and properly orthogonal interface modal derivatives (POIMDs) for transient dynamic analyses. Both SCC modes and POIMDs are computed using the reduced HCB mass and stiffness matrices, which can be directly computed from many commercial finite element analysis software. Comparison of time history responses to an impulse-type load in a mechanical beam assembly indicate that the interface-reduced model correlates well with the HCB truth model. Localized features like slip and contact area are well-represented in the time domain when the beam assembly is loaded with a broadband excitation. The proposed method also yields reduced-order models with greater critical timestep lengths for explicit integration schemes.

42 ENGINEERING↗