Journal Description
Applied Sciences
Applied Sciences
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of applied natural sciences published semimonthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Engineering, Multidisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q1 (General Engineering)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our authors say about Applied Sciences.
- Companion journals for Applied Sciences include: Applied Nano, AppliedChem, Applied Biosciences, Virtual Worlds, Spectroscopy Journal and JETA.
Impact Factor:
2.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.9 (2022)
Latest Articles
Mask R-CNN-Based Stone Detection and Segmentation for Underground Pipeline Exploration Robots
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3752; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093752 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Stones are one of the primary objects that impede the normal activity of underground pipelines. As human intervention is difficult inside a narrow underground pipe, a robot with a machine vision system is required. In order to remove the stones during regular robotic
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Stones are one of the primary objects that impede the normal activity of underground pipelines. As human intervention is difficult inside a narrow underground pipe, a robot with a machine vision system is required. In order to remove the stones during regular robotic inspections, precise stone detection, segmentation, and measurement of their distance from the robot are needed. We applied Mask R-CNN to perform an instant segmentation of stones. The distance between the robot and the segmented stones was calculated using spatial information obtained from a lidar camera. Artificial light was used for both image acquisition and testing, as natural light is not available inside the underground pipe. ResNet101 was chosen as the foundation of the Mask R-CNN, and transfer learning was utilized to shorten the training time. The experimental results of our model showed that the average detection precision rate reached 92.0; the recall rate was 90.0%; and the F1 score rate reached 91.0%. The distance values were calculated efficiently with an error margin of 11.36 mm. Moreover, the Mask R-CNN-based stone detection model can detect asymmetrically shaped stones in complex background and lighting conditions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation and Thermo-Mechanical Investigation of Composite Structures)
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Open AccessArticle
Microstructural Investigations of Weld Deposits from Manganese Austenitic Alloy on X2CrNiMoN22-5-3 Duplex Stainless Steel
by
Ion Mitelea, Daniel Mutașcu, Olimpiu Karancsi, Corneliu Marius Crăciunescu, Dragoș Buzdugan and Ion-Dragoș Uțu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3751; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093751 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Duplex stainless steels are materials with high performance under mechanical stress and stress corrosion in chloride ion environments. Despite being used in many new applications such as components for offshore drilling platforms as well as in the chemical and petrochemical industry, the automotive
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Duplex stainless steels are materials with high performance under mechanical stress and stress corrosion in chloride ion environments. Despite being used in many new applications such as components for offshore drilling platforms as well as in the chemical and petrochemical industry, the automotive industry, etc., they face issues of wear and hardness that limit current applications and prevent the creation of new use opportunities. To address these shortcomings, it is proposed to develop a hardfacing process by a special welding technique using a universal TIG source adapted for manual welding with a pulsed current, and a manganese austenitic alloy electrode as filler material. The opportunity to deposit layers of manganese austenitic steel through welding creates advantages related to the possibility of achieving high mechanical characteristics of this steel exclusively in the working area of the part, while the substrate material will not undergo significant changes in chemical composition. As a result of the high strain hardening rate, assisted mainly by mechanical twinning, manganese austenitic alloys having a face-centered cubic crystal lattice (f.c.c) and low stacking fault energy (SFE = 20–40 mJ/m2) at room temperature, exhibit high wear resistance and exceptional toughness. Following cold deformation, the hardness of the deposited metal increases to 465 HV5–490 HV5. The microstructural characteristics were investigated through optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Vickers hardness measurements (HV). The obtained results highlighted the feasibility of forming hard coatings on duplex stainless steel substrates.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in 'Surface Sciences and Technology' Section, 2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Research on Material Viscoelasticity and Its Influence on Indentation Rolling Resistance
by
Lunlun Wan and Fuyan Lin
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3750; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093750 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Viscoelastic materials are applied in several fields, and their relaxation characteristics are intricately related to the failure mechanism of sealing components and the generation of indentation rolling resistance in belt conveyors. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the relaxation characteristics of viscoelastic materials
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Viscoelastic materials are applied in several fields, and their relaxation characteristics are intricately related to the failure mechanism of sealing components and the generation of indentation rolling resistance in belt conveyors. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the relaxation characteristics of viscoelastic materials using characterization models. This article focuses on exploring these characterization models and the indentation rolling resistance of viscoelastic materials. The research comprises the following aspects: (1) A 2N + 2 element generalized Maxwell constitutive model is proposed for the relaxation behavior of viscoelastic materials to address the limitations of conventional relaxation models. (2) We conducted numerical calculations based on the relaxation modulus to solve the relaxation spectrum using several relaxation spectrum models. The findings showed that the model parameters were dependent on the testing time range. (3) The relationship between the indentation rolling resistance and relaxation model parameters was evaluated based on the theoretical foundation of the indentation rolling resistance calculation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science and Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
An Analysis of the Kinematics and Dynamics Performance of a New Type of Three-Pronged Sliding Universal Coupling
by
Xia Xiu, Degong Chang, Yunpeng Ju and Liang Zheng
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3749; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093749 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The three-pronged sliding universal coupling is a new kind of three-pronged coupling. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that, compared with a traditional unequal angular velocity universal coupling (such as the Hooke universal coupling), the universal coupling has the superior characteristics
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The three-pronged sliding universal coupling is a new kind of three-pronged coupling. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that, compared with a traditional unequal angular velocity universal coupling (such as the Hooke universal coupling), the universal coupling has the superior characteristics of constant angular speed transmission, simple structure and strong transmission capacity by performing kinematic and dynamic analysis of the new three-pronged sliding constant angular velocity universal coupling. It provides a broad prospect for applications in automotive and other fields. To study its kinematic and dynamic characteristics, directional cosine matrices are utilized as tools to analyze the coordinate systems by establishing simplified geometric models and corresponding motions. Through the analysis of the motions of the input and output shafts and employing the method of single-force element, a set of equilibrium equations for the forces acting on the output shaft and the input shaft are formulated for solution analysis. The research indicates that during the rotation process, there exists a small angular difference between the input shaft and the intermediate shaft, demonstrating the quasi-constant angular velocity characteristics of the new tripod sliding universal coupling. The curves of the forces and force moment acting on each component of the coupling approximate sinusoidal curves. The optimal operating angle range for the new tripod universal coupling is at angle , during which the system exhibits good transmission and mechanical performance. It can be widely used in the automobile industry, tie steel industry and other occasions that require angular transmission. It is especially used in high-speed operation and large transmission capacity.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
The Relevance of Surface Resistances on the Conductive Thermal Resistance of Lightweight Steel-Framed Walls: A Numerical Simulation Study
by
Paulo Santos, David Abrantes, Paulo Lopes and Ligia Moga
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3748; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093748 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The accurate evaluation of the thermal performance of building envelope components (e.g., facade walls) is crucial for the reliable evaluation of their energy efficiency. There are several methods available to quantify their thermal resistance, such as analytical formulations (e.g., ISO 6946 simplified calculation
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The accurate evaluation of the thermal performance of building envelope components (e.g., facade walls) is crucial for the reliable evaluation of their energy efficiency. There are several methods available to quantify their thermal resistance, such as analytical formulations (e.g., ISO 6946 simplified calculation method), numerical simulations (e.g., using finite element method), experimental measurements under lab-controlled conditions or in situ. Regarding measurements, when using the heat flow meter (HFM) method, very often, the measured value is based on surface conditions (e.g., temperature and heat flux), achieving in this way the so-called surface-to-surface or conductive thermal resistance (). When the building components are made of homogeneous layers, their values are constant, regardless of their internal and external surface boundary conditions. However, whenever this element is composed of inhomogeneous layers, such as in lightweight steel-framed (LSF) walls, their values are no longer constant, depending on their thermal surface resistance. In the literature, such systematic research into how these values vary is not available. In this study, the values of four LSF walls were computed, with different levels of thermal conductivity inhomogeneity, making use of four finite elements’ numerical simulation tools. Six external thermal surface resistances () were modelled, ranging from 0.00 up to 0.20 m2·K/W. The average temperature of the partition LSF walls is 15 °C, while for the facade LSF walls it is 10 °C. It was found that the accuracy values of all evaluated numerical software are very high and similar, the values being nearly constant for walls with homogeneous layers, as expected. However, the variation in the value depends on the level of inhomogeneity in the LSF wall layers, increasing up to 8%, i.e., +0.123 m2·K/W, for the evaluated values.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Sustainable Building: Innovation, Development and Characterisation of New Material Products and Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of Baffle Board on Aerodynamic and Stealth Performance of Double S-Duct Caret Intake
by
Bin Wang, Qiang Wang and Sichen Li
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3747; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093747 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Intake is not only the main air supply component of an aircraft, but also one of the forward radar scattering sources. The aerodynamic and stealth performance of intake is critical to the serviceability of advanced fighter aircrafts. The effects of baffle boards with
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Intake is not only the main air supply component of an aircraft, but also one of the forward radar scattering sources. The aerodynamic and stealth performance of intake is critical to the serviceability of advanced fighter aircrafts. The effects of baffle boards with different configurations on the performance of the caret intake with a double S-duct diffuser are presented in this article. The multi-level fast multipole method (MLFMM) and the SST k-ω turbulence model were respectively used to calculate the surface current and the flow field. It was found that the average RCS value of intake can be effectively reduced by installing the baffle board with vertical orientation in the front diffuser, with the DC60 value and the loss of outlet total pressure both increased slightly. The boundary layer separation and the RCS characteristics of intake were closely related to the configuration of the corrugated baffle board. Compared with the traditional curved board, by installing the corrugated board with optimized corrugation number and shape, the stealth performance of intake can be further improved, and the loss of aerodynamic performance can be also reduced.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aerospace Science and Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Two-Way Power Flow Balancing in Three-Phase Three-Wire Networks by Unbalanced Capacitive Shunt Compensation
by
Adrian Pană, Alexandru Băloi, Florin Molnar-Matei, Cristian Stănese, Andrei Jorza and David Stoica
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3746; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093746 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Developed to achieve the balancing of three-phase loads and improve their power factor, the BCC (Balancing Capacitive Compensator) is presented in this paper as having a broader capability, namely that of balancing the two-way power flow. BCCs are becoming useful in today’s distribution
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Developed to achieve the balancing of three-phase loads and improve their power factor, the BCC (Balancing Capacitive Compensator) is presented in this paper as having a broader capability, namely that of balancing the two-way power flow. BCCs are becoming useful in today’s distribution networks with a high content of DERs (Distributed Energy Resources), where unbalanced power transfers to the higher voltage network occur more and more frequently as a result of the excess power generated. The article contains a case study in which, by means of Matlab-Simulink 2021 modelling, such a network is studied by considering two regimes corresponding to the two-way power flow. The numerical analysis of phase components and sequence components confirms the validity of the mathematical model concerning the BCC and also for the case of changing the way of power flow in the section controlled by the compensator. This demonstrates the possibility of extending the load balancing function of the BCC to that of balancing the two-way power flow and is an additional argument in support of replacing, in the more or less near future, conventional shunt capacitive compensators with capacitive balancing compensators.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Solar Filament Detection Based on an Improved Deep Learning Model
by
Zhenhong Shang, Mingzhao Song and Runxin Li
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3745; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093745 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Solar filaments are good tracers of space weather and magnetic flux ropes in the corona. Identifying and detecting filaments helps to forecast space weather and explore the solar magnetic field. Many automatic detection methods have been proposed to process the large number of
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Solar filaments are good tracers of space weather and magnetic flux ropes in the corona. Identifying and detecting filaments helps to forecast space weather and explore the solar magnetic field. Many automatic detection methods have been proposed to process the large number of observed images. Current methods face issues of unreliable dataset annotations and poor anti-interference capability. First, to address the issue of unreliable dataset annotations, we built a solar filament dataset using a manual annotation method. Second, we introduced Transformer into Convolutional Neural Networks. Transformer, with the ability to extract more global features, can help counter interference. In addition, there is large disparity in the size of solar filaments. Therefore, a multi-scale residual block is designed to extract features across various scales. Deformable large kernel attention and a res path are used to better integrate encoder and decoder information. Results show that this method outperforms the existing solar filament detection methods (improved U-Net and improved V-Net), achieving an F1 score of 91.19%. In particular, our results show lower interference by sunspots and background noise than existing methods. The ability to counter interference is improved.
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Open AccessArticle
Numerical Coupling between a FEM Code and the FVM Code OpenFOAM Using the MED Library
by
Giacomo Barbi, Antonio Cervone, Federico Giangolini, Sandro Manservisi and Lucia Sirotti
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3744; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093744 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper investigates a numerical code-coupling technique to tackle multiphysics and multiscale simulations using state-of-the-art software packages that typically address some specific modeling domain. The coupling considers the in-house FEM code FEMuS and the FVM code OpenFOAM by exploiting the MED library from
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This paper investigates a numerical code-coupling technique to tackle multiphysics and multiscale simulations using state-of-the-art software packages that typically address some specific modeling domain. The coupling considers the in-house FEM code FEMuS and the FVM code OpenFOAM by exploiting the MED library from the SALOME platform. The present approach is tested on a buoyancy-driven fluid flow within a square cavity, where the buoyancy force constitutes the coupling term. In uncoupled scenarios, momentum and temperature equations are solved in both FEM and FVM codes without data exchange. In the coupled setting, only the OpenFOAM velocity and the FEMuS temperature fields are solved separately and shared at each time step (or vice versa). The MED library handles the coupling with ad hoc data structures that perform the field transfer between codes. Different Rayleigh numbers are investigated, comparing the outcomes of coupled and uncoupled cases with the reference literature results. Additionally, a boundary data transfer application is presented to extend the capabilities of the coupling algorithm to coupled applications with separate domains. In this problem, the two domains share interfaces and boundary values on specific fields as fluxes are exchanged between the two numerical codes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical, Computational and Experimental Fluid Dynamics: Methods and Advanced Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in In Vitro Culture and Bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis in Ex Vitro Conditions on the Growth and Development of Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.)
by
Anna Krzepiłko, Roman Prażak and Katarzyna Matyszczuk
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3743; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093743 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The blackberry, valued for its delicious fruit, has gained attention for its medicinal bioactive compounds. In vitro cultivation methods, including nanoparticle enhancement, are increasingly chosen due to their advantages over traditional propagation techniques. We tested the effect of commercial zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs)
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The blackberry, valued for its delicious fruit, has gained attention for its medicinal bioactive compounds. In vitro cultivation methods, including nanoparticle enhancement, are increasingly chosen due to their advantages over traditional propagation techniques. We tested the effect of commercial zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the growth and development of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) of the Navaho variety in an in vitro culture on MS medium supplemented with 0.6 mg dm−3 BA, 0.1 mg dm−3 IBA, 0.01 mg dm−3 GA3, and various concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles: 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg dm−3. The morphological features of the plantlets were assessed two and three months after the start of the culture. Selected biological characteristics of the plantlets were determined. The values of the morphological and biological parameters assessed in the plantlets from in vitro culture depended on the concentration of ZnONPs in the medium. Increasing the concentration of ZnONPs negatively affected the number and length of shoots and roots and the fresh weight of the plantlets. The total phenolic content in the plantlets from the treatments with ZnONPs was lower than in the control plants, but the total antioxidant capacity as measured by the ABTS method was higher. The content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in the blackberry plantlets decreased at higher concentrations of ZnONPs in the medium. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles increased the zinc content and reduced the iron content in the blackberry plantlets. Concentrations of 10–30 mg dm−3 ZnONPs increased the concentrations of potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and copper, while at the highest concentration of 40 mg dm−3 ZnONPs, the concentrations of these minerals were similar to the control, except for a lower content of calcium and manganese. The plantlets from the in vitro culture growing in the presence of ZnONPs were acclimatized to ex vitro conditions in control soil and soil inoculated with Bacillus thuringiensis. Bacteria added to the ex vitro substrate favourably influenced the growth and development of the shoots and roots of the blackberry plants and their fresh weight.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Microbes in Agriculture and Food, 2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Prediction of Delayed Surface Subsidence Based on the Improved Knothe-n Model
by
Jianhui Dong, Chengqian Tang, Xiao Liu and Yangdan Dong
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3742; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093742 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The delayed surface subsidence caused by coal seam mining is a problem that cannot be ignored, while accurate prediction of the surface subsidence provides a guarantee of the safety and stability of the relevant areas. However, the traditional Knothe model has limitations in
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The delayed surface subsidence caused by coal seam mining is a problem that cannot be ignored, while accurate prediction of the surface subsidence provides a guarantee of the safety and stability of the relevant areas. However, the traditional Knothe model has limitations in considering delayed surface subsidence. Because of this, the Knothe-n time function model is segmented and improved by using the data of the subsidence area obtained from a FLAC3D-based numerical model, and the maximum delayed surface subsidence in different periods is calculated. The analytical results are compared with the numerical results to validate the effectiveness of the improved segmented time function model in predicting delayed surface subsidence. The improved model is applied to predict the surface subsidence in the Yutianbao subsidence area. The root-mean-square error between the predicted and measured values for the maximum subsidence monitoring point is 1.12, and the root-mean-square error between the average predicted and measured values for the surface monitoring points is 0.37, which verifies the accuracy of the improved model. The prediction model provides a scientific basis for environmental protection and safety management after coal seam mining.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
Study on Ring Deformation and Contact Characteristics of Thin-Walled Bearing for RV Reducer
by
Yanshuang Wang and Fangzheng Liu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3741; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093741 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The thin-walled rings of the RV reducer main bearings are prone to structural elastic deformation, which can significantly change the bearing mechanical characteristics. According to the actual assembly state of the RV reducer, the simulation model of the planetary frame–main bearings–pin gear housing
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The thin-walled rings of the RV reducer main bearings are prone to structural elastic deformation, which can significantly change the bearing mechanical characteristics. According to the actual assembly state of the RV reducer, the simulation model of the planetary frame–main bearings–pin gear housing is established considering the ring deformation. The model was used to calculate and comparatively analyze the ring deformation and contact characteristics of thin-walled bearings under rigid and flexible conditions, on the basis of which the mechanism of ring deformation was described, and the effects of load conditions, ring thickness and radial clearance on ring deformation, flexible contact characteristics, and ultimate carrying capacity were analyzed. The results show that the distribution of contact loads is the main factor affecting the ring deformation. The ring deformation can optimize the bearing contact characteristics, and the greater the deformation, the more pronounced the optimization effect. However, excessive ring deformation makes the contact ellipse more susceptible to truncation, which, in turn, reduces the ultimate carrying capacity. This study indicates a 38.2% decrease in the carrying capacity of the flexible ring model compared to that of the rigid ring model. In this paper, the effect of ring deformation on bearing mechanical characteristics is deeply discussed. The research results have important guiding significance for the structural optimization design of thin-walled bearings.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Reliability and Maintenance Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Exploration of Fragmentation Mechanisms of Yellow Split Peas during Grinding Using a Multimodal Approach
by
Laurène Koëgel, Reine Barbar, Adrien Réau and Bernard Cuq
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3740; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093740 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the context of food and agro-ecological transitions, the development of food applications based on legume flours and plant proteins requires a mastery of grain milling. While wheat grain milling has been extensively studied and is well-mastered, legume grinding and its underlying mechanisms
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In the context of food and agro-ecological transitions, the development of food applications based on legume flours and plant proteins requires a mastery of grain milling. While wheat grain milling has been extensively studied and is well-mastered, legume grinding and its underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. The aim of this work is to contribute to the study of the fragmentation mechanisms of pea grains during grinding. Experiments were carried out on hulled yellow pea grains (Kameleon variety) ground under different conditions using a ball mill (MM400, Retsch®, Haan, Germany) or a micro-cylinder mill. The results showed that the grinding of pea grains, regardless of the type of mill, produced powders characterized by particle size distribution curves with a multimodal shape. The curve analysis was performed according to a simplified deconvolution approach, taking into account different particle populations without diameter overlap. Four particle populations of different sizes were identified and correlated with specific mechanisms governing the grinding of yellow split peas. The physical and biochemical properties of the resulting powders were determined. Taking into account the proportions of the four populations within the powders, the results showed a positive correlation between the volume proportions of very fine (0–10 µm) and fine (10–55 µm) particles within the powders and the starch damage rate and the specific surface area developed, irrespective of the type of mill.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Processing Technology of Pulses and Cereals)
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Open AccessArticle
Design and Analysis of a Curved Composite Bracket
by
Hyunbum Park
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3739; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093739 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The structural design of a composite bracket applied to an aircraft propulsion system was carried out in this study. Aircraft engine intakes are fitted with various components in order for the engine to operate. The thickness of the composite laminate was determined through
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The structural design of a composite bracket applied to an aircraft propulsion system was carried out in this study. Aircraft engine intakes are fitted with various components in order for the engine to operate. The thickness of the composite laminate was determined through classical laminate theory. The mechanical properties of the manufactured specimen were analyzed and reflected in the conceptual design. The material for the design and analysis was a composite material consisting of carbon fiber and epoxy resin. The results of the designed composite structures were compared with those of aluminum alloy structures, and the structural integrity was investigated via the structural analysis of the designed bracket. The commercial FEM code Nastran 2022 and ANSYS 2023 software were used for numerical analysis. A stress and deformation analysis was carried out, and the buckling stability was also evaluated due to the characteristics of the composite structure. The bracket was shown to be sufficiently safe through structural analysis.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Composites and Structures for Aerospace and Mechanical Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Precision Agriculture: Assessment of Ergonomic Risks of Assisted Driving System
by
Ermanno Vitale, Francesca Vella, Serena Matera, Giuseppe Christian Rizzo, Lucia Rapisarda, Federico Roggio, Giuseppe Musumeci, Venerando Rapisarda, Elio Romano and Veronica Filetti
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3738; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093738 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: the precision agriculture field optimizes resource use, enhancing performance. However, this leads to exposure to ergonomic risks for operators, in particular, tractor drivers, potentially causing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study investigates how the display position in a semi-automatic tractor system influences operator
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Background: the precision agriculture field optimizes resource use, enhancing performance. However, this leads to exposure to ergonomic risks for operators, in particular, tractor drivers, potentially causing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study investigates how the display position in a semi-automatic tractor system influences operator comfort and muscle activation during harrowing operations. Methods: the assessment of muscular strain involved the use of surface electromyographic devices, while posture was evaluated throughout the analysis of the distribution of pressure exerted by the operator’s body on the seat, which was observed using two barometric pads, each positioned on the backrest and base of the seat. Finally, infrared thermography (IRT), a non-invasive tool to assess muscle activation, was used to measure the surface temperature of the driver’s back. The results showed a significantly greater muscular activation display for the position of display in semi-automatic driving at 50° and 80°. Conclusions: this study showed how the position of the display on the vehicle negatively influences posture, exposing workers to the risk of developing fatigue and, therefore, discomfort, with the potential onset of MSDs. The combined use of sEMG and IRT allowed for a non-invasive, cheap, and repeatable mechanical and functionality analysis.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering)
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Open AccessArticle
Analyzing Delay and CO Emissions: A Simulation Study of the Median U-Turn Method at Intersections
by
Ziyan Zhao, Caixia Tian, Baohua Guo, Chengming Zhu and Qingwen Guo
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3737; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093737 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
To improve traffic efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions at urban road intersections, VISSIM software was used to simulate traffic states to compare the median U-turn method with the direct left-turn method under various traffic volumes and left-turn ratios. Based on the average delay
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To improve traffic efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions at urban road intersections, VISSIM software was used to simulate traffic states to compare the median U-turn method with the direct left-turn method under various traffic volumes and left-turn ratios. Based on the average delay and CO emissions, suitable conditions were identified for using the median U-turn method at intersections. The results show that there are three critical left-turn ratio boundary curves named ,, and based on the relatively smaller average delay and there is a critical left-turn ratio boundary curve based on the lower average CO emissions at the intersection when the through traffic volume is in the range of 0–3000 veh/h and the left-turn ratio is in the range of 0–4. The median U-turn method is considered applicable at the intersection when the through traffic volumes are in the range of 0–87 veh/h, 87–400 veh/h, 400–416 veh/h, 416– veh/h, and 934–3000 veh/h, respectively, and, accordingly, the left-turn ratios are in the range of 0–, 0– or –4, 0–4, 0–, and . These findings can provide a reference for traffic managers to organize the left-turn traffic at an intersection reasonably.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation Planning, Management and Optimization)
Open AccessArticle
New Method to Estimate Rock Mass Deformation Modulus Based on BQ System
by
Huishi Xue, Yanhui Song, Man Feng and Guanghong Ju
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3736; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093736 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The rock mass deformation modulus is one of the most important design parameters in a range of rock engineering applications. Its value is usually obtained directly through in situ testing or estimated indirectly on the basis of a rock mass quality classification system.
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The rock mass deformation modulus is one of the most important design parameters in a range of rock engineering applications. Its value is usually obtained directly through in situ testing or estimated indirectly on the basis of a rock mass quality classification system. Because in situ testing is generally costly, time-consuming, and presents operational difficulties, it cannot be carried out extensively, and many researchers have concentrated on developing indirect procedures to obtain information on the modulus of deformation, such as the RMR method, Q method, and GSI method. The purpose of this paper is to present a new system for estimating the rock mass deformation modulus called the BQ method, which is based on the BQ (basic quality) system. In this paper, the BQ system is first briefly reviewed, and then more than 60 in situ measurements from three large hydropower stations in China are used to develop a new relationship between BQ and the deformation modulus, based on a power function relationship. The paper also derives correlations based on the existing estimation formula and the relationship between BQ and other classification schemes, resulting in several recommended formulas for estimating the deformation modulus of a rock mass using the BQ method.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rock Mass Characterization: Failure and Mechanical Behavior)
Open AccessEditorial
Advances in Vehicle Dynamics and Road Safety: Technologies, Simulations, and Applications
by
Edgar Sokolovskij and Vidas Žuraulis
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3735; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093735 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Alongside various road safety aspects, vehicle dynamics play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in modern society within a holistic traffic safety framework [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Vehicle Dynamics and Road Safety: Technologies, Simulations and Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Research on the Improvement of Granite Residual Soil Caused by Fly Ash and Its Slope Stability under Rainfall Conditions
by
Bowen Hu, Qizhi Hu, Yiming Liu and Gaoliang Tao
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3734; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093734 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Granite residual soil has distinctive engineering characteristics due to its unique properties, and the resulting slopes are less stable and less resistant to rain erosion. The granite residual soil was improved by the addition of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% fly ash, and
[...] Read more.
Granite residual soil has distinctive engineering characteristics due to its unique properties, and the resulting slopes are less stable and less resistant to rain erosion. The granite residual soil was improved by the addition of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% fly ash, and the effects of fly ash on the intensity index and penetration of granite residual soil were investigated by triaxial strength tests and permeability tests. In combination with scanning electron microscopy measurements, a study of the stability of fly ash-modified granite residual soil slopes by modeling rainfall using the finite element software ABAQUS revealed the following: (1) the permeability coefficients of the residual granitic soils decreased by one order of magnitude when fly ash was added; (2) the improvement in the triaxial strength index of the improved soil was most pronounced when the dosage of fly ash was 15%, so that a dosage of 15% was considered optimal; and (3) numerical simulations concluded that the stability of the slope formed by 15% fly ash-improved soil fill improved significantly relative to the original slope, with the coefficient of safety increasing from 1.06 to 1.42, and the resistance to water seepage also significantly improved.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Slope Erosion Monitoring and Anti-erosion)
Open AccessReview
Current Status and Economic Prospects of Alternative Protein Sources for the Food Industry
by
Fábio Medeiros, Ricardo S. Aleman, Lucia Gabríny, Seung Woon You, Roberta Targino Hoskin and Marvin Moncada
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3733; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093733 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The rising demand for novel and alternative protein (AP) sources has transformed both the marketplace and the food industry. This solid trend is driven by social awareness about environmental sustainability, fair food production practices, affordability, and pursuit of high-quality nutritional sources. This short
[...] Read more.
The rising demand for novel and alternative protein (AP) sources has transformed both the marketplace and the food industry. This solid trend is driven by social awareness about environmental sustainability, fair food production practices, affordability, and pursuit of high-quality nutritional sources. This short review provides an overview of key aspects of promising AP sources (plants, algae, insects, fungi and cultured protein) as well as the economic potential, prospects, and operational challenges of this market. The low environmental performance of livestock production, associated with high GHG emissions and land use, can be overcome by less resource-intensive AP production. However, despite the forecasted expansion and improved economic viability, key challenges such as regulatory concerns, consumer acceptance and product functionality still need to be addressed. While the consumption and production of plant-based products are relatively well established, research and development efforts are needed to remediate the main commercialization and manufacturing issues of unprecedented protein sources such as cultured protein and the emerging edible insects sector.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectroscopy Applications in Plant and Plant-Based Foods)
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