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This paper presents a preliminary work to evaluate the electrical impedance of three-dimensional pore fractal networks embedded in a cube. The construction and structural parameters of pore and electrical networks are illustrated in detailed. The total impedance response (modulus and phase) of networks is primarily associated with structural parameter of network, pore structure parameter of cube, conductivity of pore and solid phases. The impedance response of cube with the evolution of fractal network is analyzed comprehensively in this work. Besides, the influence of conductivity of pore phase caused by different types of electrolytes, electrical frequencies and conductivity of solid phase on the total impedance response is systematically studied.

Foamed concrete possesses characteristics such as high strength-to-weight ratio and low density, and widely used to reduce dead loads on the structure and foundation, contributes to energy conservation, and lowers the labor cost during construction. In this paper, the objective is to propose prediction relation for the compressive strength of foamed concrete by fractal theory. A theoretical relation was derived for the compressive strength relating to porosity based on the fractal model for foamed concrete. The proposed relation stands out compared to empirical model since it employs easily measurable parameter, the fractal dimension of porous structure in foamed concrete. The fractal dimension of porous structure can be calculated from the scaling law of the compressive strength of foamed concrete. The fractal model for porous structure serves as a simple and effective tool for predicting the compressive strength of foamed concrete because of its ease in application. The prediction relation of the compressive strength developed in this paper is found to match well with the measured strength.

The stress-dependent flow and transport behaviors of porous media are ubiquitous in various scientific and engineering applications. It has been shown that the change of effective stress has important effects on the permeability and porosity of porous media. In this paper, a new stress sensitivity model for porous media is developed based on the fractal theory and the elasto-plastic thick-walled cylinder model. The proposed model is able to predict the elasto-plastic deformation of the fractal porous media under loading–unloading stress cycles, which plays a crucial role on the permanent variations of the permeability and porosity. It is found that the permeability of stress-sensitivity porous media is related to the capillary fractal dimension, capillary fractal tortuosity dimension, minimum and maximum capillary diameters, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of capillary. Each parameter has a clear physical meaning. The validity of the developed fractal model is verified by comparing the model predictions with the available experimental data.

The polarization orientation effect and porosity effect on the piezoelectric properties and related parameters are studied in 2–2-type composites based on domain-engineered relaxor-ferroelectric [011]-poled single crystals. The parameters, which are of great interest, are an anisotropy of the piezoelectric coefficients $d_{3j}^{\ast }$, an anisotropy of the energy-harvesting figures of merit $d_{3j}^{\ast }{g}_{3j}^{\ast }$ and the hydrostatic piezoelectric coefficient $d_h$. An orientation of the main crystallographic axes in each polydomain single-crystal layer is described by angles $\beta$ and $\gamma$. Diagrams built for the first time show the ($\beta ,\gamma$) regions, where a large anisotropy of $d_{3j}^{\ast }$ (or $d_{3j}^{\ast }{g}_{3j}^{\ast }$) is achieved, and where inequality $d_h>$ 1000 pC/N holds. A large local max $d_h$ = 1930 pC/N is achieved in a 2–2–0 PZN–0.065PT-based composite at the longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient $d_{33}$ = 2290 pC/N and figure of merit $d_{33}^{\ast }{g}_{33}^{\ast }$ = 1.02${}^{.}$10${}^{-9}$ Pa${}^{-1}$. The aforementioned large parameters are to be of value in piezoelectric sensing, energy harvesting and hydroacoustics.

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the percolation behavior of the complex dielectric constant of ceramic matrix composites (CMC). Samples of piezoactive CMC were obtained by joint sintering of synthesized PZT piezoceramic powder (matrix) and crushed particles of sintered PZT piezoceramics (filler) of different compositions. The experimental dependencies of real and imaginary parts of the complex dielectric constant of CMC on the porosity of piezoceramic matrix and volume content of ceramic filler particles were measured and analyzed. It was shown that the additional porosity of the ceramic matrix resulting from sintering of the CMC masks the dielectric percolation transition, that actually occurs at the volume concentration of ceramic filler close to percolation threshold (V ∼ 1/3).

Voids are inevitable in the fabrication of fiber reinforced composites and have a detrimental impact on mechanical properties of composites. Different void contents were acquired by applying different vacuum bag pressures. Ultrasonic inspection and ablation density method were adopted to measure the ultrasonic characteristic parameters and average porosity, the characterization of voids' distribution, shape and size were carried out through metallographic analysis. Effects of void content on the tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear properties and the ultrasonic characteristic parameters were discussed. The results showed that, as vacuum bag pressure went from -50kPa to -98kPa, the voids content decreased from 4.36 to 0.34, the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient decreased, but the mechanical strengths all increased.

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a new environmental friendly energy device which has received greatly attention due to its technology for producing electricity directly from organic or inorganic matter using bacteria as catalyst. To date, many studies have been carried out on advective flow through porous anode in a continuous flow MFC. However, the precise mechanical mechanism of flow through porous anode and the quantified relationship between porous media and MFC performance are not yet clearly understood. It has been found experimentally the power density can be increased apparently at certain spacing configuration. Based on these available experimental data, we studied the effect of spacing between electrodes and the Darcy number of porous anode on the power generation performance of MFC using lattice Boltzmann method. The simulation results indicated that the spacing between electrodes significantly influence the flow velocity profile and residence time in the MFC. Moreover, it was found that the Darcy number of porous anode could regulate the output efficiency of MFC. Our results would be helpful to optimize MFC design.

The long-standing dream of scientists to be able to link molecules together into crystalline, extended (infinite) 2D and 3D structures is now realized by the establishment of reticular chemistry through the discovery and development of metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks. The architectural, thermal, and chemical stability of such frameworks allowed study of their ultra-high porosity, reactivity and many applications including carbon capture and conversion to fuels, and water harvesting from desert air.