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Large magnetocaloric effects can be observed in materials with first-order magneto-structural phase transition. However, materials with large thermal hysteresis show a reduced effect in moderate fields (∼ 2 T) because the external field is insufficient to induce a fully reversible transformation. The hysteresis can be overcome or even exploited by applying a second external stimulus. A multi-stimuli test bench has been built to demonstrate the multicaloric effect in FeRh alloy using a pulsed magnetic field up to 9 T and a uniaxial stress of up to 700 MPa. A cyclic multicaloric effect of ± 2.5 K could be observed for a sequential application of a pulsed field of 3 T and a uniaxial stress of 700 MPa. The interplay among external field strength, thermal hysteresis, and the transition width enables the use of pulsed magnetic fields and allows a decoupling of the applied magnetic field and the heat transfer process in the multi-stimuli cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations from equilibrium Young's angle, known as contact angle hysteresis (CAH), are frequently observed upon droplet deposition on a solid surface. This ubiquitous phenomenon indicates the presence of multiple local surface energy minima for the sessile droplet. Previous research primarily explains CAH via considering macroscopic roughness, such as topographical defects, which alter the effective interfacial energy between the fluid phase and the solid phase, thereby shifting the global surface energy minimum. One typical example is the classic Cassie–Baxter–Wenzel theory. Here, we propose an alternative microscopic mechanism that emphasizes the complexity of molecular rearrangements at the fluid–solid interface, treating their interfacial tensions as variables, which results in multiple local surface energy minima. Our theoretical framework demonstrates that CAH can occur even on chemically homogeneous and mechanically smooth-flat substrates, aligning with previously unexplained experimental observations. In addition, we explore the interplay between macroscopic and microscopic roughness in influencing CAH and clarify the contrasting wetting behaviors—the lotus effect and the rose petal effect—on hierarchical roughness from a thermodynamic perspective. This work provides valuable insights into surface tension determination by restoring the natural physical properties of interfaces and illuminates the multifaceted mechanisms underlying the everyday occurrences of CAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural disorder in mesoporous solids gives rise to complex phase behavior for materials confined within their pore spaces. As a result, a wide spectrum of possible phase configurations associated with spatial distributions of thermodynamic phases throughout the pore networks can be realized in experiments. Despite their importance, quantifying these states remains largely unaddressed. By considering solid–liquid equilibria as a representative example and using a simple random network model, we investigate the spectrum of such states accessible in real experiments and relate this spectrum to the structural characteristics of porous solids. We classify these states by their free energies and demonstrate how network effects break degeneracies for specific phase compositions and temperatures. Furthermore, we identify the experimental conditions that delineate boundary free energy states, differentiating accessible from inaccessible states. The insights from this study on solid–liquid equilibria are also equally applicable to gas–liquid equilibria in confined spaces and contribute to a deeper understanding of relaxation dynamics associated with hysteresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of above-bandgap photovoltage, referred to as the anomalous photovoltaic effect (APV), is an extraordinary characteristic sought after property in bulk ferroelectric photovoltaic devices. Despite the fact that the relatively narrow bandgap of BiFeO3 (BFO) (2.7 eV) induces a comparatively larger generation of photocurrent than other ferroelectric photovoltaic, it falls short in producing an anomalous photovoltage (Eg ≪ Voc) and exhibits leaky ferroelectric hysteresis due to unavoidable oxygen vacancies. This work revealed a reduction in oxygen vacancies through the substitution of Ba(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 in BFO, leading to improved structural, morphological, synchrotron XPS, and electrical properties. This reduction in oxygen vacancies has resulted in an impressive above-bandgap photovoltage (APV) of 4.41 V for 80BFO–20BFN with greater ferroelectric polarization (Pr = 20.45 μC/cm2) observed at the co-existence of polar and non-polar phases. Moreover, both theoretical and experimental optical analyses have demonstrated a significant decrease in the bandgap to 1.92 eV, effectively extending the visible region close to 653 nm. As a result, a larger population of photoexcited charge carriers is generated, enabling the attainment of a high current density (Jsc) of 0.75 μA/cm2 under 100 mW/cm2 light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates wake-up and imprint in ferroelectric Al0.70Sc0.30N films. The study employs a series of electrical measurements with varying field amplitudes and waveforms to understand the origin and underlying principle of wake-up and imprint as well as their relation. It is shown that the material can be considered wake-up free. However, inherent imprint and imprint variation of the polarization-electric field hysteresis in combination with minor loops result in a wake-up like effect. This effect is most likely related to the formation of persistent inversion domain nuclei—a mechanism that is discussed in detail and compared with alternative explanations based on charged defects. Investigations using unipolar fields are conducted to explore the reversibility of imprint and ways to program it, while partial switching is applied to investigate domain propagation and support the aforementioned explanation for the evolution of the polarization-electric field hysteresis. It is concluded that after an energetically more demanding domain nucleation, domain wall motion can switch the majority of polarization in Al1−xScxN. As a consequence, the presence of initial domains reduces the coercive field with respect to unipolar films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time-dependent quantum transportation through a metal/polymer/metal system is theoretically investigated on the basis of a Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model combined with the hierarchical equations of motion formalism. Using a non-adiabatic dynamical method, the evolution of the electron subspace and lattice atoms with time can be obtained. It is found that the calculated transient currents vary with time and reach stable values after a response time under the bias voltages. However, the stable current as the system reaches its dynamical steady state exhibits a discrepancy between two sweep directions of the bias voltage, which results in pronounced electrical hysteresis loops in the current–voltage curve. By analyzing the evolution of instantaneous energy eigenstates, the occupation number of the instantaneous eigenstates, and the lattice of the polymer, we show that the formation of excitons and the delay of their annihilation are responsible for the hysteretic current–voltage characteristics, where electron–phonon interactions play the key factor. Furthermore, the hysteresis width and amplitude can also be modulated by the strength of the electron–phonon coupling, level-width broadening function, and temperature. We hope these results about past condition-dependent switching performance at a sweep voltage can provide further insight into some of the basic issues of interest in hysteresis processes in conducting polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal hysteresis exhibited in plastic crystal compounds greatly reduces their cyclic efficiency, limiting their potential for replacing current environmentally harmful refrigerants. A mechanistic understanding of the origins of this hysteresis has yet to be established. Here, we systematically investigate the transformation kinetics of the model plastic crystal, neopentyl glycol (NPG), through microscopic and calorimetric techniques. We reveal an asymmetry between the forward (heating) and reverse (cooling) transitions. We also demonstrate that the forward transformation is rate-limited by the rate of growth of rotationally disordered domains. In contrast, the reverse transformation is rate-limited by the nucleation of the ordered crystal domain, demonstrated by the sharp exothermic peaks in calorimetry and rapid self-nucleation phenomena observed optically. This nucleation limitation is largely responsible for the large thermal hysteresis in NPG, which we observe to be as large as 16.7 °C for an approximately 10 mg sample cooled at 0.5 °C min−1. These findings demonstrate the underlying origin of the thermal hysteresis and introduce a direction to mitigate hysteresis in plastic crystal transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, three atomic layer deposition (ALD) approaches are used to deposit an Al2O3 gate insulator on n-GaN for application in vertical GaN power switches: thermal ALD (ThALD), plasma-enhanced ALD (PEALD), and their stacked combination. The latter is a novel method to yield the most ideal insulating layer. Also, the influence of an in situ NH3 or H2 plasma pre-treatment is studied. Planar MIS capacitors are used to investigate the electrical properties and robustness of the gate insulators. In vacuo x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to study the changes in chemical composition after every surface treatment. XPS shows that all plasma pre-treatments efficiently remove all carbon contamination from the surface, but only NH3 plasma is observed to additionally remove the native oxide from the n-GaN surface. The water precursor step in the ThALD process does not completely remove the CH3 ligands of the trimethylaluminum precursor step, which might electrically be associated with a reduced forward bias robustness. The O2 plasma step in the PEALD process is associated with the removal of carbon and a tremendous increase of the O content in the GaN surface region. Electrically, this strongly correlates to an enhanced forward bias robustness and an increased forward bias hysteresis, respectively. The ThALD/PEALD stack method mitigates the shortcomings of both ALD processes while maintaining its advantages. Electrical measurements indicate that the stack method alongside NH3 plasma pretreatment provides the best characteristics in terms of hysteresis, threshold voltage, forward bias robustness, and interface trap density of states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement of magnetic materials with coupled magneto-structural phase transition (MST) to fulfill the ultimate objectives of practical solid-state cooling applications requires a better understanding of the hysteresis phenomenon linked across the phase transition region along with the large magnetocaloric parameters. For the present sample Mn0.65Ni0.65Fe0.70Si, the MST is associated with a sharp jump in magnetization along with a small thermal hysteresis of ∼13 K. A giant isothermal magnetic entropy change (| Δ S M max |) of ∼37.6 J kg−1 K−1 at 299 K and effective refrigerant capacity (R C effe ) of ∼214.3 J kg−1 under ΔH = 30 kOe is obtained with excellent compatibility between the martensite and austenite phases. The geometrical compatibility condition, i.e., very small (∼0.55%) deviation of the middle eigenvalue (λ 2) from unity justifies the observation of small hysteresis in the present material. The investigation of hysteresis behavior under different extents of the driving forces (temperature or magnetic field) reveals that both the driving forces trigger equally the phase transition and are responsible equivalently for the hysteresis phenomenon. The present study provides a pathway to understand the complexity of the hysteresis behavior, its impact on the reversibility of magnetocaloric effect, and its minimization by optimizing the geometrical compatibility condition between the austenite and martensite phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanowires (NWs) composed of 2,4-bis[(4-diethylamino)-2-hydroxyphenyl] squaraine were prepared by evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA). NWs were ∼560 nm wide (aspect ratios: 10–90). X-ray diffraction analysis indicated polymorphism (monoclinic/triclinic). Optical data reported the triclinic phase with energetic disorder. Given the favorable alignment of the Au work function and squaraine HOMO energy, symmetric, unipolar metal–insulator–metal devices were formed by the EISA of NW meshes on inter-digitated Au electrodes. Room temperature DC I–V characteristics displayed hysteretic I–V loops, indicating memristive behavior. At low bias, data indicated Ohmic transport with carrier extraction facilitated by thermionic emission. At high biases, devices exhibited space-charge-limited conduction in the presence of shallow traps. At 77 K, data indicated Ohmic transport at low bias with carrier extraction by thermionic emission while, at high biases, trap-limited space-charge-limited conduction in the presence of traps distributed in energy, with carrier extraction by Fowler–Nordheim tunneling, was observed. The I–V hysteresis was eliminated at 77 K and attenuated by fast scan rates at room temperature, suggesting that carrier trapping/de-trapping underpinned the hysteresis. In impedance measurements, the device response fitted a Randles equivalent circuit indicating purely electronic conduction. By applying voltage waveforms, I–V hysteresis and analog resistive switching (memristive) functionality were observed. Device conductance could be increased sweep by sweep, giving conductance tuning through distinct states, with wait time- or voltage-erase options, consistent with trap filling/emptying effects. Repeated erase–write–read of multiple distinct states over many voltage cycles during continuous use in air was demonstrated. Finally, synaptic functions, e.g., pulse-dependent plasticity, and short- to long-term memory transition, were successfully emulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the promising room temperature nuclear radiation detection materials, the all-inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 single crystal has been receiving much attention in recent years. Even though the performance of the CsPbBr3 detector is improving continuously, the disadvantages of detection instability have not been solved fundamentally, and this instability is mainly caused by ionic migration in the CsPbBr3 single crystal itself. In this paper, a reasonable ionic migration model is proposed based on an in-depth study of the current hysteresis phenomenon and ionic migration mechanism in the Ti/CsPbBr3/Ti detector. The model shows that the ions migrate to the anode or cathode under an external electric field, and the accumulated ions subsequently form an inverted internal electric field inside the crystal and carrier transport barriers at the metal–semiconductor interface simultaneously. The photoelectric characteristic and ionic migration activation energy (E a i o n) fitting results also prove the rationality of the ionic migration model. Furthermore, the ionic migration model can also be used to explain the left-shift of the energy response peak and the decrease in the normalized charge collection efficiency in the Ti/CsPbBr3/Ti detector. This paper systematically investigates the intrinsic origin of migrated ions and the influence of ionic migration on detection stability, which will provide a potential solution to improve detection stability by suppressing ionic migration in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report an analysis of reverse current mechanisms observed in GaN Schottky barrier diodes leading to hysteretic behavior of the I–V curves at low temperature. By means of DC measurements from 33 to 475 K, we demonstrate the presence of two leakage mechanisms when comparing the experiments with the results obtained using a unified model to predict the ideal reverse current of the diode. Poole–Frenkel emission is the dominant mechanism for temperatures above 200 K, while trap-assisted tunneling prevails for lower temperatures, where also, hysteresis cycles are revealed by means of DC dual-sweep voltage measurements. The energy of the corresponding traps has also been determined, being around 0.2 and 0.45 eV, respectively. The hysteresis phenomenon is attributed to the bias-induced occupancy of the energy states originating the leakage-current processes, which leads to the reduction of the reverse current after a high negative voltage is applied to the diode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical pressure is widely applied to antiferroelectrics (AFEs) as a criterion to enhance their antiferroelectricity. However, NaNbO3 (NN)-based ceramic with well-defined double polarization hysteresis (P–E) loops was rarely reported based on this strategy, and the effect of chemical pressure on antiferroelectricity remains to be understood. In this work, the Me cations (Me is Ti, Sn, Zr) with different ionic radii were introduced into the component system 0.76NaNbO3–0.20AgNbO3–0.04CaMeO3 to tune the negative chemical pressure and investigate its effect on antiferroelectricity. The enhancement of negative chemical pressure can effectively stabilize the AFE phase and reduce hysteresis, as revealed by the P–E loops and dielectric properties, which is further confirmed by the change in crystal lattice parameters and in situ Raman spectra. Rietveld refinement of x-ray powder diffraction reveals that the enhanced negative chemical pressure mainly reduces the cation off-centering displacement and [BO6] octahedral tilting angles. As a result, the 0.76NaNbO3–0.20AgNbO3–0.04CaZrO3 exhibits good reversibility of the electric field-induced antiferroelectric–ferroelectric phase transition and well-defined double P–E loops. This work reveals the underlying mechanism of chemical pressure and provides an effective way of discovering new NN-based AFEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polarization switching in van der Waals ferroelectric materials driven by an electric field remains robust even at the atomic layer limit, paving the way for advances in the miniaturization and integration of ferroelectric devices. Thus, understanding the modulation of ferroelectric properties in two-dimensional ferroelectric materials is essential for their efficient nanoscale applications. NbOI2, a recently confirmed van der Waals ferroelectric, offers an ideal platform for investigating in-plane spontaneous polarization at the nanoscale. We explored the influence of laser excitation on the ferroelectric polarization properties of NbOI2. In multilayer NbOI2 devices with in-plane configurations, no significant current signals were detected along the c-axis or b-axis (the ferroelectric polarization axis) in the absence of illumination. However, under laser excitation, the material exhibited clear hysteresis loop behavior along both the c-axis and b-axis, indicating that laser excitation effectively reduces the coercive voltage. Furthermore, at the same excitation wavelength, the current peak along the c-axis was larger, with more pronounced hysteresis loops. Our experimental findings demonstrate that laser excitation can lower the coercive field in multilayer NbOI2 and induce different electrical hysteresis behavior along different crystallographic orientations, providing valuable insights for the development of NbOI2-based optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistive strain sensors show great potential in motion detection, medicine and healthcare, and human–machine interaction owing to their ease of fabrication, simple structure, and adjustable electrical performance. However, developing high-performance flexible resistive strain sensors with high sensitivity, high linearity, and low hysteresis remains a challenge. In this work, we report an LMPs (liquid metal particles)/MXene/AgNWs strain sensor (LMA strain sensor) with high sensitivity (GF = 6.339), high linearity (R2 = 0.982 24), and low hysteresis (0.452%). In this process, AgNWs act as a bridge between the MXene nanosheets, and the change in contact area of the MXene nanosheets under stretching endows the sensor with high sensitivity. The aggregated LMPs function as a structural framework, capitalizing on their intrinsic fluidic characteristics to serve as an adhesive between silver nanowires (AgNWs) and MXene nanosheets. This approach effectively minimizes the interstitial spaces between AgNWs and MXene. The formation of Ti-O → Ga3+ coordination bonds between MXene nanosheets and LMPs has strengthened the interfacial interactions. Consequently, the sensor demonstrates superior linearity and low hysteresis. In addition, a sensitive layer with a buckled structure is obtained by stretch-release. The buckled structure inhibits inhomogeneous and irreversible connection losses of the sensitive material, further improving the sensor's mechanical durability. LMA strain sensors can accurately detect various human activities such as breathing detection, motion detection, and expression detection. This work will provide an avenue for developing high-performance strain sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an active alignment and stabilization control system for laser setups based on a thin-disk regenerative amplifier. This method eliminates power and pointing instability during the warm-up period and improves long-term stability throughout the entire operation. The alignment method is based on a four-mirror control system consisting of two motorized mirrors placed within the regenerative amplifier cavity, two additional motorized mirrors external to the amplifier cavity, and four camera detectors. The implemented stabilization system achieves significant performance improvements, increasing the power stability from 1.87% to 0.79% RMS and the peak-to-peak stability from 7.43% to 3.88%. Furthermore, the system significantly enhances beam positional stability, achieving up to a sixfold improvement in certain sensor measurements. The advantage of this method is the removal of long-term pointing instability by adding a second controlled motorized mirror to the cavity, in addition to using only one cavity end mirror for optimizing the overlap with the pump spot on the cavity medium. To achieve higher precision in pointing, the nonlinear hysteresis effect of the piezoelectric actuator is mitigated. Although the power and pointing stability of the cavity are secured, pointing instability at the input of the compressor occurs. This issue is resolved by two additional controlled motorized mirrors external to the cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-dependent nonlinear fluid oscillations in the gap between two side-by-side ships during transfer process are investigated numerically based on a two-dimensional fully nonlinear potential flow solver in the time domain. The focus is on understanding the nonlinear dynamic evolution of fluid oscillations within the gap under different incident wave parameters and varying operation windows. Amplitude dynamics, phase dynamics (via Hilbert transform), and time-varying wavelet energy spectra reveal that the fluid oscillations are significantly influenced by incident wave frequency, amplitude, and operation window. The nonlinear evolutions are fundamentally governed by the relative phase between excitation and response. The significance of transfer process, especially within the resonant frequency band, is highlighted for the ship-to-ship operations. Additionally, the combined effects of free-surface nonlinearity and operation window on the relative phase, resonant frequency, and response amplitudes are examined. Two typical nonlinear behaviors of hysteresis and jump are observed in the transient fluid oscillations during the transfer process. The physical insights gained from this study provide a deeper understanding of the nonlinear transient fluid resonance involved in the ship-to-ship transfer process, offering valuable knowledge for the practical side-by-side transfer operations, and contributing new perspectives on the gap resonance problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to delve into the leakage, deflection, and oscillation characteristics of brush seals. To achieve this, the flow characteristics of a brush seal were first analyzed through numerical simulation. Subsequently, a static brush seal test rig was utilized to measure the leakage performance and hysteresis characteristics of brush seals with varying geometric structures under pressure ratios ranging from 1.1 to 3.8. The deflections of bristle during operation were observed using an endoscope, and dynamic pressure sensors were employed to collect data on the airflow dynamic pressure in the free end area of bristles, facilitating the analysis of bristle oscillation characteristics. The results indicated that considering the parameters of this study, the leakage increases with the rise in pressure ratio and radial gap. The long front plate configuration was found to contribute to an increase in leakage. Specifically, under the three radial gap conditions of 0, 0.1, and 0.2 mm, the maximum leakage difference between brush seals with and without the front plate configuration was 4.9%, 4.6%, and 2.6%, respectively. The increase in radial gap and the existence of the front plate were observed to diminish the hysteresis effect of brush seals. At a pressure ratio of π = 2.0, the hysteresis indicator H for structures with a radial gap of 0.2 and 0.1 mm decreased by 45.5% and 63.6%, respectively, compared to the 0 mm gap structure. The existence of the front plate resulted in a 33.3% reduction in H compared to its absence. Additionally, an increase in pressure ratio and radial gap was correlated with an increase in brush oscillation frequency. Under identical pressure ratio conditions, brush seals with the front plate also exhibited higher brush oscillation frequencies than those without. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the collision of two unequal-size droplets with various diameter ratios (Δ) is elaborately scrutinized over a wide range of impact Weber numbers (We). The dynamic evolutions are carefully observed via visual software, which is found to be very different compared with equal-size collisions. The spreading hysteresis is observed over a full spectrum of We for unequal-size collisions because of the merged droplets experiencing wave-capillary propagation, which is commonly seen at the macro-scale. The merged droplet is always directionally moving toward the negative x-direction, resulting from the existence of an energy difference between two collisional droplets. The variation of Δ and We on unequal-size-induced directional movement is discussed in detail by recording the mass-center variation of merged droplets at different given conditions. The maximum spreading factor of merged droplets, βmax, co, has been discussed by involving Δ into the energy-balance equation. Although the predicted results are slightly lower than MD simulations, this is still the most suitable mode due to the different energy dissipation mechanisms at the nanoscale. How Δ affects the off-center collisions is examined by observing collisional dynamics and drawing phase diagrams with respect to three important characteristic parameters (We, B, and Δ). Finally, we establish a theoretical model for predicting the boundary between coalescence and stretched separation, which agrees well with data extracted from MD simulations. This work paves the way to understand the collision with two unequal-size nanodroplets and provides guidance for nanoscale applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear hysteresis modeling is essential for estimating, controlling, and characterizing the behavior of piezoelectric material-based devices. However, current deep-learning approaches face challenges in generalizing effectively to previously unseen voltage profiles. This Letter tackles the limitation of generalization by introducing the notion of neural operators for modeling the nonlinear constitutive laws governing inverse piezoelectric hysteresis, specifically focusing on the relationship between voltage inputs and displacement responses. The study utilizes two neural operators—Fourier neural operator and the deep operator network—to predict material responses to unseen voltage profiles that are not part of the training data. Numerical experiments, including butterfly-shaped hysteresis curves, show that in accuracy and generalization to unseen voltage profiles, neural operators outperform traditional recurrent neural network-based models, including conventional gated networks. The findings highlight the potential of neural operators for modeling hysteresis in piezoelectric materials, offering advantages over existing methods in varying voltage scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Letter demonstrates a 1500-V enhancement-mode (E-mode) GaN-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on the recessed-free structure. The E-mode GaN-based HEMTs fabricated based on the ultrathin barrier epitaxial structure have a small gate interface traps density (Dit) of ∼1012 cm−2 eV−1, which can be attributed to the avoidance of AlGaN etching in the gate region. Meanwhile, a small threshold voltage (Vth) hysteresis of 19 mV and a small subthreshold swing of 101 mV/dec are achieved in the fabricated devices with a Vth around 1.91 V. A small Vth shift of 0.05 V was achieved under positive gate voltage stress, indicating that the devices have good Vth stability. Meanwhile, a high yield of more than 90% has been achieved on 6-in. wafer, which provides a good scheme for the commercialization of E-mode HEMTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nonstationary numerical simulation was performed on the outlet pressure stabilization and periodic variable-pressure condition of a pump turbine model in the pumping condition. The objective was to dissect the flow mechanism and force characteristics of components within the outlet variable-pressure pumping condition of the pump turbine and to probe into the stability of the pump turbine under such working conditions. Additionally, the alterations in the runner state, pressure distribution, pressure pulsation, as well as the forces exerted on the runner and top cover during this process were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the internal pressure and flow pattern of the pump turbine under variable-pressure conditions fluctuated periodically in accordance with the outlet pressure. An augmented frequency of the outlet pressure variation led to an elevation in the amplitude of the internal pressure change. Nevertheless, a hysteresis difference was observed in the changes of the flow channel pressure and flow pattern. The pressure pulsation in the runner area was influenced by the runner rotation, static and dynamic interferences in the lobe-free area, and the unsteady flow induced by the alterations in the outlet pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical texturing creates patterned and pillared surfaces that display superhydrophobicity in drop spreading and drop impact studies. Often, such surfaces are accompanied by large hysteresis since the three-phase contact line may get trapped over and within the pillars. In this context, wetting characteristics of a water drop spreading over a micro-pillared surface of copper are investigated. Apart from drop spreading on a bare pillared surface, two companion studies where the pillars are fully and partially coated using superhydrophobic and hydrophobic coatings have been carried out. The Weber number and Reynolds number based on the drop diameter and impact speed are varied over the range 1–41 and 440–2870, respectively, while the Bond number remains constant, ∼1.03. Imaging sequences show spreading behavior that is distinctive of the surface chosen. For a fully coated surface, the drop is seen to jump-off upon impact while a residual drop remains over uncoated and partially coated pillars during the receding phase. These observations are compared against three-dimensional numerical simulations that resolve the pillar shapes. Simulations are seen to be qualitatively in good agreement with experiments. Simulations additionally probe the contact line movement over coated and uncoated pillars for comparison with experiments. The filling of the interpillar space with liquid and the resulting interface deformation are examined. Jointly, the emptying of the interpillar gap is also discussed. Experiments and simulation show a jump in drop footprint when the contact line leaves the pillar, and the associated velocity becomes large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domain reversal dynamics of the pristine and 10 wt. % BiFeO3 nanoparticle-embedded P(VDF-TrFE) (polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) flexible ferroelectric membranes were investigated. A scaling relation of A∝fαE0β relevant to the domain reversal dynamics was eventually determined. The pristine P(VDF-TrFE) flexible membrane takes the form of A∝f0.04077E00.39748 in stage III of high electric fields. Nevertheless, for BiFeO3-embedded P(VDF-TrFE) [BFO/P(VDF-TrFE)] flexible membranes, the relations are developed as A∝f−0.3326E02.74911 in the low electric fields of stage I and as A∝f0.04309E01.04872 in stage III separately. The negative α indicates that more and more domain reversal lags behind the alternating periodic electric field in stage I. Instead, in stage III, the positive α indicates that most domain reversals can occur anytime whatever the alternating speed of electric fields is. Analogously, the positive β indicates that at any selected frequency, domains can flip at an external electric field. Abnormally, for the pristine P(VDF-TrFE) membrane, the scaling relation in the first E0 stage is broken, reflecting only dielectric contributions this time. The dynamic scaling data are significant for the micromechanism accomplishments of copolymers and for the designs of flexible electric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capture of moisture from the atmosphere through condensation has the potential to provide a sustainable source of water. Here, we investigate the condensation of humid air at low subcooling condition (11 °C), similar to conditions for natural dew capture, and explore how water contact angle and contact angle hysteresis affect the rates of water capture. We compare water collection on three families of surfaces: (i) hydrophilic (polyethylene oxide, MPEO) and hydrophobic (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) molecularly thin coatings grafted on smooth silicon wafers, which produce slippery covalently attached liquid surfaces (SCALSs), with low contact angle hysteresis (CAH = 6°); (ii) the same coatings grafted on rougher glass, with high CAH (20°–25°); (iii) hydrophilic polymer surfaces [poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone), PNVP] with high CAH (30°). Upon exposure to water, the MPEO SCALS swell, which likely further increases their droplet shedding ability. MPEO and PDMS coatings collect similar volume of water (around 5 l m−2 day−1), both when they are SCALS and non-slippery. Both MPEO and PDMS layers collect about 20% more water than PNVP surfaces. We present a basic model showing that, under low heat flux conditions, on all MPEO and PDMS layers, the droplets are so small (600–2000 µm) that there is no/low heat conduction resistance across the droplets, irrespective of the exact value of contact angle and CAH. As the time to first droplet departure is much faster on MPEO SCALS (28 min) than on PDMS SCALS (90 min), slippery hydrophilic surfaces are preferable in dew collection applications where the collection time frame is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study experimentally investigates the flow-induced flutter of a thin flexible sheet, focusing on how the sheet's aspect ratio and mass ratio affect its stability and flutter characteristics in the post-critical regime. The flutter frequency of the sheet was obtained using hotwire measurements, while flutter amplitude and mode shape were acquired through high-speed imaging. The flowfield around the flapping sheet was analyzed using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Based on experimental observations, we report the onset of flutter as a subcritical bifurcation with hysteresis. The dynamic characteristics of the sheet play a significant role in its flutter instability, with the onset and cessation of flutter occurring at a frequency close to the sheet's second-mode natural frequency. The results show that both aspect ratio and mass ratio significantly affect the critical wind speed and flutter characteristics in the post-critical regime. Both flutter frequency and amplitude decrease as the aspect ratio decreases. PIV measurements in various planes reveal the highly three-dimensional nature of the flow. Results from off-axis PIV show a pair of counter-rotating spiral vortices in the wake that oscillate and change orientation with the sheet's movement. Additionally, a theoretical analysis was conducted to derive an approximate analytical relationship between the aspect ratio and critical wind speed. Experimental results aligned well with theoretical predictions for sheets with low aspect ratios (aspect ratio ≤ 1) but deviated for sheets with higher aspect ratios (aspect ratio > 1). The relevant scaling parameters have also been explored to represent the experimental data in a non-dimensional form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape memory alloys exhibit unique properties ideal for functionally integrated components, such as actuators. While commonly used Ni-Ti alloys are well established, especially in biomedicine and aerospace, their high cost limits wider applications. Fe-based shape memory alloys present an affordable alternative, suitable for diverse applications, with a larger thermal hysteresis but lower recovery strain. Nonetheless, their functional properties can be enhanced through optimized processing methods like laser powder bed fusion and adjustments to their alloy composition. In the present study, laser powder bed fusion was used for modifying the composition and microstructure of a Fe-30Mn-6Si-5Cr alloy. For this purpose, laser parameters were varied to evaporate up to 47.3% of the initial Mn in the manufacturing process. In this context, the amount of Mn evaporated was dependent on both the line energy and more considerably on the volume energy density introduced in the manufacturing process. Subsequently, the impact of the resulting compositional changes on the microstructure was analyzed, and the functional properties were visualized using a demonstrator. Lowering the Mn content below 24.1% led to a higher degree of ferrite in the otherwise austenitic microstructure. This also affected the functional properties. These findings highlight the potential of laser-based additive manufacturing for modifying the composition and microstructure of shape memory alloys in situ and, thus, tailoring their functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are the key components of actuators and sensors due to their shape memory effect and superelasticity. However, the thermal hysteresis associated with martensitic phase transformation limits their use in the long-duration precise control. We report a strategy that obtains SMAs with low hysteresis by constructing a composition-temperature pseudo phase diagram. This strategy is inspired by the physically parallel ferroelectric system where the hysteresis is minimized at the multiple phase coexistence point, due to the absence of energy barrier across different phases. Following this, an alloy in the phase diagram with a low hysteresis of about 5 K is synthesized. In contrast, those alloys compositionally different from the optimal one have large hysteresis. Microstructures characterization and diffraction analysis are employed to identify the multiple phase coexistence. The proposed strategy should be general and can shed light on the rational design of SMAs with low hysteresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report results of the numerical investigation carried out to discern the instabilities and pattern transitions near the onset of rotating magnetoconvection (RMC) using the plane layer Rayleigh–Bénard geometry when both rotation and magnetic field are comparable and nonparallel. A parametric study has been conducted for this purpose by varying the Taylor number (Ta , strength of rotation), the Chandrasekhar number (Q , strength of the magnetic field), and the Prandtl number (Pr) in the ranges of 2.5 × 10 3 ≤ Ta ≤ 3 × 10 4 , 0 < Q ≤ 100 , and 0.38 ≤ Pr ≤ 0.7 , respectively. Our analyses reveal the presence of two structurally distinct oblique rolls at the onset of convection, namely, positive oblique roll (SOR+) and negative oblique roll (SOR−) that lie at angles ± γ with the magnetic field. The appearance of these two oblique rolls is found to divide the (Q , Ta) plane into three regions where SOR+, SOR−, and double-roll (both SOR+ and SOR−) emerge as the primary states. With the increasing Rayleigh number (Ra), the SOR− goes through subsequent transitions to produce a plethora of flow patterns in the form of secondary and higher order states. On the contrary, for all (Ta , Q), the SOR+ does not go through any bifurcation when it appears as the primary state and remains stable in the entire range of Ra considered in this study. We find that the Nusselt number (Nu) corresponding to both SOR+ and SOR− scales as Nu ∼ 1 + r α , where r = Ra / Ra c is the reduced Rayleigh number with Ra c being the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of convection. However, while the value of α is found to vary non-monotonically with Q for SOR−, it remains constant (α = 0.9) for SOR+. At certain parameter values, we find the emergence of steady or time-dependent finite amplitude flow states in the form of transverse rolls (TR), parallel rolls (PR), and bifurcating states of SOR+. The appearance of these finite amplitude states leads to the phenomena of flow multiplicity, accompanied by the hysteresis in certain parameter regimes where two or more states coexist depending on the history of the preceding states. Finally, we uncover the effect of Pr on the oblique roll instability at the onset of convection. We find that at low Pr , the onset of convection can be subcritical depending on Ta and Q ; finite amplitude steady oblique roll persists there. However, as either of Ta , Q , and Pr increases, the subcritical convection inhibits and supercritical convection takes place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the complex challenges in ventilated cavitating flow studies is analyzing hysteresis behavior and the formation air entrainment coefficient ( C q f ) under different conditions. This study explores the formation and collapse processes of the supercavity using experimental observations, numerical simulations, and machine learning (ML) models to reveal the hysteresis behavior of air entrainment at different flow conditions. Initially, the research focused on studying air entrainment hysteresis for a disk-shaped cavitator under different Froude numbers (Fr) through experimental and numerical methods. The study identified two key air entrainment coefficients in the hysteresis curves, which are important for gas generator design. In the ML section, hyperparameter optimization for the random forest (RF) model is performed using genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The results demonstrate that the GA-RF model is more accurate than the PSO-RF model in predicting experimental data. The GA-RF findings show that, for a fixed cavitator diameter, C q f increases with Fr, reaching a maximum value (Max C q f ) before decreasing as Fr continues to rise. Additionally, with an increase in the cavitator diameter, Max C q f increases and Fr belonging to this ventilation coefficient (F r MaxCq f ) decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigated the dependence of dynamic hysteresis on the electric field amplitude E0 and the frequency f in organic ferroelectric copolymer polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene [P(VDF-TrFE)] thin films prepared by a spin-coating method on fluorine-doped tin oxide conductive glass. Three stages can be observed of the hysteresis area vs the field strength E0. In stage I of low E0 values, the area ⟨ A ⟩ dependent on E0 follows the law of ⟨ A ⟩ ∝ E 0 1.92795 , whereas the diverse distribution of the area ⟨ A ⟩ with frequency f is found. In stage II of the intermediate E0 values, ⟨ A ⟩ ∝ E 0 β is not applicable owing to collective contributions between 180° domain and chiral domain, while a relation of ⟨ A ⟩ ∝ f − 0.18636 can be deduced, a fascinating characteristic distinguishing from the nonlinear relations of the inorganics in this section. In stage III of high E0 values, the scaling law is ⟨ A ⟩ ∝ f 0.08447 E 0 0.49394 where the chiral domain is active. The positive β in the law of ⟨ A ⟩ ∝ f α E 0 β illustrates that a growing number of chiral domains in P(VDF-TrFE) can keep pace with the variation of E0. Especially, the negative α in the transition zone, resembling some inorganics under low electric fields, probably indicates 180° domain reversal failing to follow with the alternating velocity of the increasing periodic electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermotronics has attracted much attention driven by the promising potentials offered by devices such as thermal diodes, thermal transistors, and thermal memristors. Heat shuttling (or heat ratcheting, or heat pumping) is a phenomenon exhibited by nonlinear materials presenting temperature-dependent thermal conductivity which, when sandwiched between two thermal baths with one bath subjected to a time-varying temperature, show nonvanishing net heat flow, although the baths share the same average temperature. Phase-change materials (PCMs) like VO 2 were recently taken for illustration due to a strong change in conductivity over a small temperature range; energy extraction from the thermal variations of the environment was envisioned thereupon. However, up to now, the impact of PCM hysteresis has been either overlooked or roughly approximated. On the basis of a thermal model simulating partial hysteresis loops and nonhysteretic branches, we demonstrate that the presence of hysteresis profoundly modifies the appearance of the heat-shuttling effect and can constitute a hindrance to its manifestation. Operating configurations to improve its observation have been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermotronics has attracted much attention driven by the promising potentials offered by devices such as thermal diodes, thermal transistors, and thermal memristors. Heat shuttling (or heat ratcheting, or heat pumping) is a phenomenon exhibited by nonlinear materials presenting temperature-dependent thermal conductivity which, when sandwiched between two thermal baths with one bath subjected to a time-varying temperature, show nonvanishing net heat flow, although the baths share the same average temperature. Phase-change materials (PCMs) like VO 2 were recently taken for illustration due to a strong change in conductivity over a small temperature range; energy extraction from the thermal variations of the environment was envisioned thereupon. However, up to now, the impact of PCM hysteresis has been either overlooked or roughly approximated. On the basis of a thermal model simulating partial hysteresis loops and nonhysteretic branches, we demonstrate that the presence of hysteresis profoundly modifies the appearance of the heat-shuttling effect and can constitute a hindrance to its manifestation. Operating configurations to improve its observation have been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inertia of trapping and detrapping of nonequilibrium charge carriers affects the electrochemical and transport properties of both bulk and nanoscopic structures in a very peculiar way. An emerging memory response with hysteresis in the current–voltage response and its eventual multiple crossing, produced by this universally available ingredient, are signatures of this process. Here, we deliver a microscopic and analytical solution for these behaviors, understood as the modulation of the topology of the current–voltage loops. Memory emergence thus becomes a characterization tool for intrinsic features that affect the electronic transport of solids such as the nature and number of trapping sites, intrinsic symmetry constraints, and natural relaxation time scales. This method is also able to reduce the seeming complexity of frequency-dependent electrochemical impedance and cyclic voltammetry observable for a variety of systems to a combination of simple microscopic ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, a magneto-mechanic hysteresis model for giant magnetostrictive materials is suggested by considering the effect of the domain rotation and domain wall motion on the magnetization process under prestress and the applied magnetic field. The coercive force, which is magneto-mechanic dependent, is proposed instead of a pinning constant in the Jiles–Atherton model. The model can well predict the characteristics of a magnetization-applied field curve and magnetostrictive strain-applied field curve shown in the experiment, especially the "overturn phenomenon" under different compressive prestresses. Furthermore, the effect of the microstructure parameter, such as the ratio of the domain wall thickness to the internal stress wavelength, the amplitude of internal stress, the ratio of the domain wall thickness to the inclusion radius, and inclusion consistency, on coercive force under applied prestress can also be described by the model. The comparison between the results predicted by the model and experiment shows that the model is suited for a wide-ranging applied magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite current–voltage hysteresis in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) having been the subject of significant research over the past decade, inverted hysteresis (IH), although frequently observed, is still not properly understood. Several mechanisms, based on numerical simulations, have been proposed to explain it but a satisfactory description of the underlying cause remains elusive. To rectify this omission, we analyze a drift-diffusion model of a planar three-layer PSC, using asymptotic techniques, to show how inverted hysteresis comes about. The asymptotic analysis of the drift-diffusion model yields a simple approximate model that shows excellent agreement with numerical simulations of the full drift-diffusion model provides fundamental insights into the causes of IH and reconciles the alternative explanations found in the literature. This approximate model is analyzed further to isolate the material properties and external conditions that contribute to inverted hysteresis and constitutes a diagnostic tool in which the appearance of IH can be used to infer properties of the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large contact angle hysteresis surfaces were the topic of a contribution in Ref. [19]. They address the relation between vapor of a liquid, a finite contact angle, and a possible wetting transition at saturation vapor pressure. In Ref. [15], the authors apply surfaces with low contact angle hysteresis to the evaporation of drops of salt solutions. Low contact angle hysteresis implies that contact lines or sessile drops move without much resistance. [Extracted from the article]

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) undergoes a metal–insulator phase transition at ∼70 °C. As this is a first-order phase transition, VO2 exhibits thermal hysteresis. The reflectivity and electrical resistivity of VO2 drastically change at insulator-to-metal (TIMT) and metal-to-insulator (TMIT) transition temperatures during heating and cooling, respectively. For smart glass and thermal memory applications employing VO2, the origin and control factor of thermal hysteresis must be investigated. Additional elemental doping and nano-structuring of VO2 affect the thermal hysteresis width. However, the factors determining TIMT and TMIT remain unclear. TIMT and TMIT can be modified by irradiating Ar+ on the surface of VO2 nanostructures with varying Ar+ irradiation doses (nAr+) at 1 keV. The temperature-dependent reflectivity against IR light is evaluated. For VO2, TIMT decreases with nAr+ = 3.9 × 1014 cm−2; TMIT increases with nAr+ > 3.9 × 1015 cm−2. Ar+ irradiation decreases the thermal hysteresis width. Because the expected penetration depth of Ar+ at 1 keV into the VO2 surface is <6 nm, the VO2 chemical state at the outermost surface is investigated using x-ray absorption spectroscopy with soft x-ray irradiation. The V L-edge peak energy decreases with increasing nAr+ . Ar+ irradiation reduces V only at the outermost surface state. TIMT is more sensitive than TMIT to the reduction of V. The reduction of only a small fraction at the surface affects the phase transition of the entire VO2. These results are beneficial for understanding the cause of thermal hysteresis width and improving the performance of devices using VO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) undergoes a metal–insulator phase transition at ∼70 °C. As this is a first-order phase transition, VO2 exhibits thermal hysteresis. The reflectivity and electrical resistivity of VO2 drastically change at insulator-to-metal (TIMT) and metal-to-insulator (TMIT) transition temperatures during heating and cooling, respectively. For smart glass and thermal memory applications employing VO2, the origin and control factor of thermal hysteresis must be investigated. Additional elemental doping and nano-structuring of VO2 affect the thermal hysteresis width. However, the factors determining TIMT and TMIT remain unclear. TIMT and TMIT can be modified by irradiating Ar+ on the surface of VO2 nanostructures with varying Ar+ irradiation doses (nAr+) at 1 keV. The temperature-dependent reflectivity against IR light is evaluated. For VO2, TIMT decreases with nAr+ = 3.9 × 1014 cm−2; TMIT increases with nAr+ > 3.9 × 1015 cm−2. Ar+ irradiation decreases the thermal hysteresis width. Because the expected penetration depth of Ar+ at 1 keV into the VO2 surface is <6 nm, the VO2 chemical state at the outermost surface is investigated using x-ray absorption spectroscopy with soft x-ray irradiation. The V L-edge peak energy decreases with increasing nAr+ . Ar+ irradiation reduces V only at the outermost surface state. TIMT is more sensitive than TMIT to the reduction of V. The reduction of only a small fraction at the surface affects the phase transition of the entire VO2. These results are beneficial for understanding the cause of thermal hysteresis width and improving the performance of devices using VO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding ferroelectric characteristic is crucial, especially for elucidating the existence of ferroelectric and its relationship with hysteresis in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites. Our focus is to evaluate the ferroelectric properties of MAPbI3 perovskite films by suppressing the rotation of the MA+ ions through the substitution of TMA+ cations. Our findings indicate that both MAPbI3 and MA0.85TMA0.15PbI3 exhibit non-ferroelectric properties at room temperature, which persist even after external polarization treatment. Further analysis reveals that the hysteresis in J–V characteristics is associated with ion migration phenomena. The external polarization treatment aids in releasing electrons from defect states, enabling them to revert to their original lattice sites. As a result, devices subjected to polarization treatment exhibit reduced hysteresis and enhanced photovoltaic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding ferroelectric characteristic is crucial, especially for elucidating the existence of ferroelectric and its relationship with hysteresis in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites. Our focus is to evaluate the ferroelectric properties of MAPbI3 perovskite films by suppressing the rotation of the MA+ ions through the substitution of TMA+ cations. Our findings indicate that both MAPbI3 and MA0.85TMA0.15PbI3 exhibit non-ferroelectric properties at room temperature, which persist even after external polarization treatment. Further analysis reveals that the hysteresis in J–V characteristics is associated with ion migration phenomena. The external polarization treatment aids in releasing electrons from defect states, enabling them to revert to their original lattice sites. As a result, devices subjected to polarization treatment exhibit reduced hysteresis and enhanced photovoltaic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the findings of a wind tunnel experiment aimed at investigating the mode transition process of a two-dimensional over-under turbine-based combined cycle inlet at an incoming flow Mach number of 2.9. The study utilized high-speed schlieren and dynamic pressure acquisition systems to examine the evolution process of the shock-dominated flow structure of the high-speed duct during the mode transition process. Additionally, the impact of mode transition speed on the unstart/restart characteristics of the high-speed duct was analyzed. The results indicate that, during the forward mode transition process, the increasing captured airflow of the high-speed duct leads to a higher number of shock reflections and the shock train moves forward in the duct, ultimately resulting in unstart. The unstarting flow field exhibits a small oscillation characteristic dominated by the separation bubble located at the entrance. However, evident hysteresis characteristics were observed in the restart process during the reverse transition. Furthermore, a higher mode transition speed delays the unstart and restart of the high-speed duct, consequently increasing the hysteresis interval. Theoretical analysis suggests that a larger mode transition speed leads to lower mass accumulation efficiency in the high-speed duct, thereby slowing the pressure response and causing the shock train to lag forward, resulting in delayed unstart. The delay in the restart process is attributed to the relative slip motion of the separation bubble with the upper surface of the splitter, in addition to its forced motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The RBCC (rocket-based combined-cycle) engine integrates a rocket engine into the flow passage of the ramjet engine, thereby significantly broadening the operating range and becoming one of the potential solutions for the reusable space transportations. The embedded rocket, as one of the core components of an RBCC engine, is strongly coupled to other components, such as the inlet and combustor, and can induce significant impacts on the inlet start behaviors. For the stable operation of the RBCC inlet, the start/unstart hysteresis characteristics and the reliable start boundaries driven by embedded rocket are experimentally and numerically studied. The results show that due to the function of embedded rocket jet, the inlet start/unstart hysteresis range of Mach number rises from Mach 1.79–1.87 to 1.85–1.90, and the back pressure hysteresis range changes from Pc/P∞ of 3.9–5.8 to 4.7–5.8. Meanwhile, during the increasing and decreasing process of the embedded rocket pressure, the inlet undergoes a transition between start and unstart, accompanied by hysteresis phenomena as well. Furthermore, three different control strategies are proposed for the start of RBCC inlet. Similar to the traditional ramjet inlets, the RBCC inlet can self-/re-start by reducing the back pressure. Particularly, owing to the synergistic effect of embedded rocket jet and back pressure, the RBCC inlet can self-/re-start by reducing the embedded rocket pressure from Procket/P∞ = 58 to 39 in the "embedded rocket dominated" cases, while the inlet self-/re-start can be achieved by increasing the rocket pressure from Procket/P∞ = 20 to 39 in the "back pressure dominated" cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hysteresis related to first-order phase transformation in shape memory alloys, which is the macroscopic manifestation of energy dissipation, is detrimental to the precise control of actuation and causes structural and functional fatigue of components. It is of vital importance to explore high-performance shape memory alloys with low stress-hysteresis, large superelasticity, and wide temperature range operation in practical applications. Here, we have developed a Ni-Mn-Fe-In shape memory microwire, exhibiting an ultra-low stress-hysteresis and huge tensile superelasticity in a wide temperature range. The microwire shows a smooth surface and a single crystal structure (with ⟨001⟩A-oriented along the axial direction of microwire), and the microstructure of the microwire contains austenite matrix and sparsely distributed precipitates with an average size of 20–80 nm, all of which may be beneficial to obtain low hysteresis and large strains in the microwire. As a result, the microwire exhibits a minimum stress-hysteresis of as low as 8.5 MPa (with overall strain of 15.3%) and corresponding energy dissipation as low as 1.44 MJ/m3. The microwire always shows a low stress-hysteresis (less than 24 MPa) and low energy dissipation (less than 2.86 MJ/m3) above room temperature. The microwire shows a huge superelasticity with recoverable strains higher than 15% in the wide temperature range from 218 to 418 K. Together with the advantages of easy fabrication and no post-processing required, this microwire shows a tremendous potential for cyclic actuators and energy conversion devices under multi-field coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric stages use piezoelectric actuators and flexure hinges as driving and amplifying mechanisms, respectively. These systems have high positioning accuracy and high-frequency responses, and they are widely used in various precision/ultra-precision positioning fields. However, the main challenge with these devices is the inherent hysteresis nonlinearity of piezoelectric actuators, which seriously affects the tracking accuracy of a piezoelectric stage. Inspired by this challenge, in this work, we developed a Hammerstein model to describe the hysteresis nonlinearity of a piezoelectric stage. In particular, in our proposed scheme, a feedback-linearization algorithm is used to eliminate the static hysteresis nonlinearity. In addition, a composite controller based on equivalent-disturbance compensation was designed to counteract model uncertainties and external disturbances. An analysis of the stability of a closed-loop system based on this feedback-linearization algorithm and composite controller was performed, and this was followed by extensive comparative experiments using a piezoelectric stage developed in the laboratory. The experimental results confirmed that the feedback-linearization algorithm and the composite controller offer improved linearization and trajectory-tracking performance. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS: 1. A Hammerstein model is proposed that uses a static modified Prandtl–Ishlinskii part and a second-order linear system in combination. 2. A feedback-linearization algorithm is used to compensate for the hysteresis nonlinearity in a piezoelectric stage. 3. An equivalent-disturbance compensator is implemented to suppress model uncertainties and external disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]