Advanced non-dimensional dynamic influence function method considering the singularity of the system matrix for accurate eigenvalue analysis of membranes

An advanced non-dimensional dynamic influence function method (NDIF method) for highly accurate free vibration analysis of membranes with arbitrary shapes is proposed in this paper. The existing NDIF method has the weakness of not offering eigenvalues and eigenmodes in the low frequency range when the number of boundary nodes of an analyzed membrane is increased to obtain more accurate result. This paper reveals that the system matrix of the membrane becomes singular in the lower frequency range when the number of the nodes increases excessively. Based on this fact, it provides an efficient way to successfully overcome the weaknesses of the existing NDIF method and still maintain its accuracy. Finally, verification examples show the validity and accuracy of the advanced NDIF method proposed.

Spatiotemporal Distribution Characterization for Terahertz Waves Generated From Plasma Induced by Two-Color Pulses

The spatiotemporal distribution of terahertz (THz) radiation from plasma has been demonstrated with the technology of THz focal-plane imaging. It has been found that the spatiotemporal distribution will vary with the frequency, as well as the length of plasma. A doughnut-shaped distribution appears in the lower frequency range, while the bell-shaped distribution corresponds to the higher frequency range. For plasmas with different lengths, their generated THz images in the time domain are similar, the THz images in the frequency domain as well. The spatiotemporal distributions are simulated with the off-axis-phase matching theory. All the findings will renew the understanding of the THz generation from plasma induced by two-color pulses.

Origin of Degradation in Perovskite Solar Cells by Intensity Modulated Photovoltage Spectroscopy Measurement (IMVS)

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on lead halide perovskite have attracted much attention owing to the fast development of their power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 3.8% to 25%. Various factors play important roles in affecting the conversion efficiency of PSCs, such as charge carrier generation, transport, recombination, and collection. In addition, the presence of interfacial defects has also a crucial effect in charge carrier transfer and recombination processes. However, the origin and mechanism of interfacial charge recombinations in PSCs are still not comprehensively investigated. For that purpose, we have performed intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS) and transient photovoltage (TPV) measurements of PSCs, which were fabricated with FTO/c-TiO2/mp-TiO2/Perovskite/PTAA/Au cell structure. The solar cell (J-V) characteristics of the PSCs on the day-1, day-2, day-3, and day-6 after the cell fabrication, indicating a significant degradation of the cell with time. The Nyquist plots of IMVS measurement on the same day as the J-V measurement seem to be composed of two semicircles at a lower frequency range and a higher frequency range. The semicircle at the lower frequency range enlarged on the day-6 measurement, but the semicircle at higher frequency decreased. The change of this Nyquist plot is in agreement with a significant decrease in the J-V curves. The semicircle at lower frequency may be assigned to the ion diffusion or migration. Therefore, cell degradation may be caused by the liberation of ions (including iodide) from the surface of the perovskite crystal structure. It then increases recombination loss due to back charge transfer from TiO2 to perovskite as indicated by the changing of the semicircle at high frequency into a smaller semicircle. Therefore, the present results reemphasize that the improvement of PSC stability needs the prevention of ions liberations from the surface by introducing passivation substances. In addition, the results also show the practical usefulness of IMVS for inspecting PSC degradation due to such an ion liberation process.

Квазистационарное приближение в задаче возбуждения низкочастотных электромагнитных полей в литосфере

The paper considers the excitation of a horizontal grounded antenna of the ELF-ELF electromagnetic field and a lower frequency range in a two-layer environment. Approximate analytical formulas are obtained that describe quite completely behavior of fields in the low-frequency range. The accuracy of using the quasi-stationary approximation is analyzed. The possibility of replacing the actual surface impedance with a plane wave impedance, normally falling on the interface. For a number of experiments carried out on the Kola Peninsula in the framework of the international cooperation (FENICS-2014, FENICS-2019), the frequency boundaries of the applicability of the approximate approach in assessing conductivity of the Earth.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE IONOSPHERE ON THE VERTICAL FORCE EXCITED BY A HORIZONTAL ELECTRIC DIPOLE

An analytical expression for the vertical component of the magnetic field has been obtained, with the help of which calculations have been made showing the effect of the ionosphere on the low-frequency field in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide. At distances from the source that are less than the doubled waveguide height, in ELF, and a lower frequency range, noticeable changes in the field strength caused by the state of the ionosphere are found.

Bandgap Properties of Two-Layered Locally Resonant Phononic Crystals

Multi-layered locally resonant phononic crystals (LRPCs) with wider and multiple bandgaps (BGs) in low frequency range and small size of the unit cell have promising applications in noise and vibration controls. In this paper, a 2D two-layered ternary LRPC consisting of a periodical array of cylindrical inclusions embedded in an epoxy matrix is investigated by the finite element method (FEM), where the inclusion is comprised of two coaxial cylindrical steel cores with rubber coating. It is found that the size of the inclusion of the 2D two-layered ternary LRPC has significant effects on the BG properties. With the increase of the core radius and coating thickness, the first BG would shift to lower frequency range with its width decreasing, and the second BG width would become wider until the third BG appears. Especially, with the increase of the coating thickness, more bands and BGs would appear in the lower frequency range. Based on the formation mechanisms of the BGs, several mass-spring models to predict the frequencies of the first two BG edges are developed. The results calculated by these mass-spring models are in good agreement with those by the FEM except for the upper edge frequency of the second BG when the rubber coating thickness exceeds a certain value and the third BG is opened up. These proposed mass-spring models would allow for quick pre-estimation of the resonance frequencies, and facilitate the selection of possible parameters for the wider and lower frequency BGs to obtain the desired attenuation bands. The studies would also benefit the design of multiple BGs for some device applications.

Spectral analysis of multi-year GNSS code multipath time-series

In the presented study multi-year time series of changes in the L1 pseudo-range multipath are analysed. Data from 8 stations of the EUREF Permanent Network (EPN) were used in the study. Periodic components present in the signal and their stability over time were analysed. Also, the type of background noise was determined, based on the spectral index. In some cases, the presence of weak components with a 1/2 and 1/3 of the Chandler period has also been found. Time-frequency analysis shows that periodic signals are not stationary in most of the examined cases, and particular signal components occur only temporarily. The analysed signals were characterised by pink noise in the lower frequency range and by white noise for higher frequencies, which is also characteristic for time series of coordinates obtained from GNSS measurements.

Designs of rectangular-shaped planar Inverted-F antennas at mobile operating frequencies with different ground plane techniques

This article presents the designs of planar inverted-F antennas (PIFAs) at frequencies of 0.835 GHz, 0.9 GHz, 1.8 GHz, 1.9 GHz, 2 GHz, and 2.6 GHz. Initially, the designs of rectangular-shaped PIFAs are determined through the parametric studies concerning the dimensions of the antenna’s patch length, shorting plate, ground plane, and substrate. Afterward, rectangular-shaped slots are introduced into radiating element of two antennas that operate at a lower frequency range of less than 1 GHz, to tune the resonant frequency to the respective 0.835 GHz and 0.9 GHz. Different configurations of partial or full ground plane are implemented to improve the reflection coefficient, <em>S</em>₁₁ performance to be below -10 dB in both simulation and measurement. The proposed six PIFAs have gain that are greater than 2 dB with the nearly omnidirectional radiation patterns. All the designs and analyses are performed using the CST Microwave Studio utilizing Rogers 4003C substrate.

Impedimetric characterization of human blood using three-electrode based ECIS devices

In this study, three-electrode based electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) devices were used to study the electrical properties of blood and its constituents using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The three-electrode based ECIS devices were fabricated by using micromachining technology with varying sizes for working, reference and counter electrodes. The blood and its constituents such as serum, plasma, and red blood cells (RBCs) were prepared by conventional methods and stored for impedance measurement using fabricated microdevices. Equivalent circuits for blood, serum, plasma and RBCs were proposed using the software package ZSimpWin to validate the experimental data. The proposed equivalent circuit models of blood and its components have excellent agreement up to a frequency of 1 MHz. It is evident from the experimental results that blood and its components have specific impedance signatures that decrease with the increase of frequency. Blood shows higher impedance than the other samples in the lower frequency range (<50 kHz). It was also found that above 50 kHz, the impedance value of RBCs is nearly the same as whole blood. The impedance of serum and plasma steadily decreases with the increase of frequency up to 100 kHz and flattens out after that. The minimum impedance value achieved for serum and plasma is much less than the value obtained for whole blood.