Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yue Yu, Juanjuan Wang, Xue Han, Shuguang Yang, Gaihong An, Conghua Lu
Summary: This review summarizes the fabrication methods, actuation mechanisms, and applications of fiber-shaped soft actuators (FSAs) in different fields. The development tendency of FSAs is also discussed.
ADVANCED FIBER MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yan Liu, Siyao Shang, Shuting Mo, Peng Wang, Bin Yin, Jiaming Wei
Summary: This review summarizes the milestones and recent achievements of cellulose paper-based actuators, discussing the application of cellulose paper in electro-, thermal, moisture, and magnetic actuation mechanisms, as well as available fabrication techniques. It also emphasizes the programmable actions of cellulose paper in emerging applications and the challenges it faces.
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE-ADVANCED MATERIALS AND DEVICES
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
S. Udhayakumar, George Vasanthan, J. Arout Chelvane, K. Kamala Bharathi
Summary: The increasing demand for energy and power resources due to economic and social development worldwide has led to the need for safe and renewable energy production. A linear type magnetostrictive transducer device using Terfenol-D magnetostrictive rods has been designed for renewable energy harvesting. The device consists of two Terfenol-D rods, three permanent magnets, springs, and primary and secondary coils. An equivalent circuit has been constructed to analyze the induced magnetic flux in the device. The output voltage has been examined under different frequencies and waveforms, with maximum values of 4.91V, 3.38V, and 2.82V for square, sine, and triangle waves respectively, making it a potential renewable energy source with moderate output voltage for real-time applications.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jonathan Briones, Wilfred Espulgar, Shohei Koyama, Hyota Takamatsu, Eiichi Tamiya, Masato Saito
Summary: This study focuses on achieving high-throughput single cell compartmentalization for quantifying protein expression in single-cell enzymatic assays through the design and optimization of a microfluidic platform. Utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics modeling, optimized parameters for circular microvalves that can close thousands of microchambers at lower sealing pressure were determined. The improvement in microfluidic chip throughput is crucial for applications in single cell analysis, especially in drug discovery and personalized treatment.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenyou Ge, Ye Tao, Weiyu Liu, Chunlei Song, Rui Xue, Hongyuan Jiang, Yukun Ren
Summary: The article reports the periodic jumping phenomenon of non-toxic gallium indium alloy droplets under the stimulation of a direct current field, and explores the characteristics and mechanism of the heartbeat through experiments. The heartbeat state and application boundaries of the LM droplet under different conditions are summarized, providing a new method for artificial simulation of heart beating in the future.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Omer HaLevy, Neta Melech, Stella Lulinsky, Slava Krylov
Summary: We present a theoretical and experimental study on the feasibility of a resonant sensing device with a compliant, parallel linkage-type, force amplification architecture. The device utilizes a resonator clamped at its ends to two proof masses connected to the substrate via oblique linkages, resulting in significant force amplification. The simple Manhattan geometry and low parasitic compliance of the device enable axial loading of the resonator without bending. Experimental results show good agreement with predicted sensitivity, indicating the potential for high-end robust inertial sensors.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Automation & Control Systems
Min Ye, Yan Zhou, Hongyu Zhao, Ziya Wang, Bradley J. Nelson, Xiaopu Wang
Summary: Microrobots have shown great potential in various applications, and soft microrobots have emerged as a significant branch due to their low invasiveness and safety. This review summarizes the recent progress of soft microrobots in terms of material, fabrication, and actuation, and introduces their outstanding behaviors in biomedical and environmental applications.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Yichao Shi, Zhimin Jiang, James H. Pikul
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of cascading dominoes to achieve soliton-like wave movements for object transport and locomotion with only two actuators. By adding revolute joints to each domino, the continuous stacking is ensured and the soliton wave shape is altered. The study also shows how domino geometry and actuator speed affect the wave propagation.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Chen Zhao, Jingke Song, Xuechan Chen, Ziming Chen, Huafeng Ding
Summary: This paper proposes a unique solution to the singularity problem by using quantitative criteria to find the best redundant actuators to help the parallel mechanism pass through singularities.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Robotics
Woo-Seok Jang, Do-Yun Kim, Yun-Seok Choi, Yong-Jae Kim
Summary: The letter introduces a 2-DOF ankle-foot prosthesis with a compact size and low inertia, designed to provide comfortable walking with little effort for amputees. Using a parallel linkage mechanism and a unique spring mechanism, the prosthesis enhances walking propulsion without increasing foot mass. Placing heavy elements at the proximal part reduces inertia and metabolic cost, while capacitive type force sensors enable precise force measurement without adding mass to the foot. Overall, the effectiveness of the proposed prosthesis is verified through force sensor tests and preliminary walking tests on uneven ground.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hai-Feng Lu, Zhen-Zhou Nie, Hari Krishna Bisoyi, Meng Wang, Shuai Huang, Xu-Man Chen, Zhi-Yang Liu, Hong Yang
Summary: The introduction of liquid metal nanodroplets into the LCE network significantly enhances the mechanical properties and fatigue resistance performance of the composite material, making it more promising for industrial applications and suitable for high-load actuators.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sagar N. Agnihotri, Giovanni Stefano Ugolini, Matthew Ryan Sullivan, Yichao Yang, Agustin De Ganzo, Ji Won Lim, Tania Konry
Summary: Most common cellular analysis methods employ a top-down approach, which destroys the cell and prevents correlation between genomics and functional assays. This study presents a bottom-up approach using single-cell tools, allowing functional phenotyping through observing cytotoxicity and probing underlying biology.
Article
Robotics
JaeHyung Jang, Young-Uk Song, Jee-Hwan Ryu
Summary: This letter introduces an active-type twisted string actuator (TSA)-based continuously variable transmission (CVT). The proposed mechanism adjusts the rotation ratio of twisted strings to achieve continuous adjustment of the transmission ratio, improving the transmission performance of TSA.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shishan Ruan, Lang Liu, Mengbo Zhu, Chengcheng Shao, Lei Xie
Summary: A modified magnesium slag-based cementitious material (M·C) was developed for mine filling using industrial solid waste. The mechanical properties, stability, hydration heat and synergistic reaction mechanism of M·C were investigated. The M·C with optimized ratios was used for industrial mine backfill tests.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Runhua Huang, Huichao Guo, Zenan Gu, Yun Ling
Summary: The advancement of laser-assisted material processing plays a significant role in soft sensing and actuation technology, offering great potential in the development of soft electronics and robots.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Wen-qing Li, Lei Zhao, Yang Yue, Jia-yi Wu, Zhi-jiang Jin, Jin-yuan Qian
Summary: This study investigates the valve body stress of the feed-water valve during the opening process based on a thermo-fluid-solid coupling model. The results provide valuable insights for the design of similar valves.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Zhen-hao Lin, Cong-wei Hou, Liang Zhang, An-qi Guan, Zhi-jiang Jin, Jin-yuan Qian
Summary: This paper investigates the vibration characteristics of sleeve control valves by analyzing the lift coefficient of flow field and vibration of valve stem and plug using the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method. The results indicate that the vortex moves downward and decreases in intensity as the valve opening increases, with the dominant shedding frequency occurring at around 449 Hz. The lift coefficient (CL) is highest at a small valve opening, reaching approximately 2400 at Lmin-op, while it is about 850 at Lmax-op. The total vibration level decreases on the stem and plug with the rising valve opening. The differences in vibration levels between M1 and M2 increase with the valve opening, reaching 25.47 dB and 8.48 dB on the X-axis and Z-axis, respectively. This research provides valuable insights for reducing vibration and noise in sleeve control valves.
ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yunze Shen, Jin-Yuan Qian, Zhilin Sun
Summary: This study experimentally investigated the thermal performance of a passive solar water heater with vacuum tube using a mixture of wet gas and liquid water. The results showed that a wet gas proportion of 70% significantly improved the water temperature and thermal stratification compared to a wet gas proportion of 10%. The temperature distribution zone of different mixtures followed a quadratic parabola shape. A linear regression equation was developed to correlate thermal efficiency with different proportions of mixtures.
ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Lei Zhao, Jia-yi Wu, Zhi-jiang Jin, Jin-yuan Qian
Summary: The influence of cavitation on the sleeve regulating valve is quantitatively analyzed in this study. The results show that energy loss and resistance coefficient increase with different flow directions and levels of cavitation. This is of great significance for the optimization and design of sleeve regulating valves and pipeline systems.
FLOW MEASUREMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yunze Shen, Jin-yuan Qian, Leilei Fan, Zhilin Sun, Bengt Sunden
Summary: This study optimizes the deflector structure in passive solar water heaters and investigates the effects of deflector length and material on temperature stratification through numerical simulations. The results show that a 300 mm long deflector significantly increases temperature stratification, while 100 mm long and 200 mm long deflectors have a negative impact. Additionally, the Aerogel deflector is found to be the best material choice for achieving optimal temperature stratification.
HEAT TRANSFER ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jin-yuan Qian, Wen-qing Li, Xiao-juan Li, Qian Chen, An-qi Guan, Kan Sheng, Zhi-jiang Jin
Summary: This paper analyzes the evolution process of droplet coalescence through microchannel experiments and the volume of fluid method, and studies the internal circulation characteristics of droplets under different surface velocities conditions. The results show that with the decrease of droplet length, the velocity distribution inside the droplet changes from being dominated by the shearing action of the microchannel wall to the shearing action of the continuous phase. During the droplet coalescence, there is a convective trend in the contact area between two droplets, with the maximum radial and axial velocities reaching 3.5 times and 7.5 times of the droplet surface velocity, respectively. This work can provide a reference for improving droplet control accuracy and mixing efficiency.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Ji Lin, Jin Qian, Yu Xie, Ji Wang, Rui Xiao
Summary: In this study, a micromechanical mean-field shear transformation zone (STZ) model is developed to systematically describe the stress responses of amorphous polymers. The model captures the behaviors of amorphous polymers in various loading conditions and successfully reproduces the Bauschinger effect. The deformation-induced material polarization, in the form of an anisotropic distribution of STZs, is identified as the governing mechanism of the Bauschinger effect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLASTICITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
An-Qi Guan, Jia-Xiang Xu, Zhi-Jiang Jin, Jin-Yuan Qian
Summary: Axial flow check valve (AFCV) is widely used in piping systems due to its small flow resistance, low noise, and good sealing performance. The study focuses on the transient closing characteristics of AFCV with damping structure in order to improve its service life and process safety. The effects of the structures of damping devices and the diameter of damping holes on the dynamic motion, fluid force, and damping characteristics are analyzed using dynamic mesh technology.
JOURNAL OF FLUIDS ENGINEERING-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wen-qing Li, Xiao-juan Li, An-qi Guan, Zhi-jiang Jin, Jin-yuan Qian
Summary: A novel method based on periodic change of two-phase velocity for droplet coalescence in microchannels is proposed, which improves the mixing performance inside the coalesced droplet. The feasibility of the method is justified by investigating the droplet coalescence in different velocity pairs. The droplet pairs are alternatively generated by the periodic change of two-phase velocity, and the quantitative mixing of reagents can be achieved by precise control of the volume of droplet pairs.
JOURNAL OF FLOW CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Jin -yuan Qian, Jia-xiang Xu, Li Fang, Lei Zhao, Jia-yi Wu, Zhi-jiang Jin
Summary: This paper analyzes the cavitation characteristics of a typical sleeve control valve based on the effects of throttling windows number and flow directions. The results show that increasing the throttling windows number can greatly reduce the vapor volume, and the vapor distribution is significantly different under different flow directions. By changing the flow direction from forward to backward and increasing the throttling windows number, the erosion and abrasion of the valve body caused by fluid impact can be reduced. This analysis is significant for the anti-cavitation design of control valves.
ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jing-xian Kong, Chen Yang, Xin-ji Chen, Dong-yu Chen, Zhi-jiang Jin, Jin-yuan Qian
Summary: Energy crisis has hindered global economic development due to the unsustainability of non-renewable energy sources and the unreliability of renewable energy sources. Therefore, improving energy usage efficiency has become increasingly important. Heat is the largest energy end-use and optimizing heat transfer efficiency in tubular heat exchangers plays a crucial role. This study focuses on two new types of spiral spoilers, namely multi-channel spoilers and staggered spoilers, and investigates their thermohydraulic characteristics using numerical methods. Experimental validations were also carried out. The results show that both flow channels and deflecting angles contribute to better mixed fluid, leading to enhanced heat transfer but also increased irreversible loss. Multi-channel spoilers with a channel number of 2 and a pitch ratio of 1.5 strike the best balance between energy loss and heat transfer. Staggered spoilers with a deflecting angle of 15 degrees achieve the highest heat transfer enhancement, reducing irreversible loss by 45.07% compared to a deflecting angle of 120 degrees. Staggered spoilers outperform multi-channel spoilers, especially in laminar flow.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Long-jie Yu, Xue-hua Yang, Zhi-xin Zhang, Zhen-hao Lin, Zhi-jiang Jin, Jin-yuan Qian
Summary: This study presents a parametric analysis on the structure of a conical throttling valve and its impact on hydrogen decompression performance. The results show that the cone angle and pressure difference significantly affect the flow patterns and flow characteristics of hydrogen. The optimized structure with a convex cylinder improves the flow patterns and hydrogen decompression performance.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Xin-ji Chen, Chen Yang, Jing-xian Kong, Feng-lei Wang, Zhi-jiang Jin, Jin-yuan Qian
Summary: This paper studies the application of spirally corrugated tube at low Reynolds number in heat exchangers. It is found that the structure of the tube can evenly distribute solid particles, achieving anti-fouling effect and improving heat exchange efficiency. The thermal-hydraulic characteristics of different sample points are analyzed and four representative sample points are selected. The effects of corrugation pitch ratio and depth ratio on convective heat transfer and fluid resistance are studied.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jin-yuan Qian, Lei Zhao, Xiao-juan Li, Wen-qing Li, Zhi-jiang Jin
Summary: In this study, the characteristics of droplets including formation time, length, and mixing efficiency were investigated. The exchange between the dispersed phase velocity and the continuous phase velocity has a marginal effect on droplet formation time but a significant effect on droplet length. The mixing efficiency in the droplet forming stage can be classified into time-dominated and length-dominated regimes based on the droplet superficial velocity.
JOURNAL OF ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY-SCIENCE A
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Qian Wu, Fengbo Zhu, Ziliang Wu, Yu Xie, Jin Qian, Jun Yin, Huayong Yang
Summary: This study presents a suspension printing strategy for the direct deposition of liquid metal into 3D dangling structures, as well as the use of acrylamide/nanoclay as a support bath and photo-curing agent, enabling the formation of high-fidelity and spatially resolved structures.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2022)
