This study investigated the static bending behavior of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) microbeams supported on an elastic foundation. The proposed model was formulated by coupling higher-order shear deformation beam theories (HoSDBTs) with the modified couple stress theory (MCST). Four distinct CNT distribution patterns within the polymer matrix were considered. Using Hamilton’s principle, governing equations and boundary conditions for simply-supported microbeams were derived and solved analytically. This comprehensive parametric study explored the effects of the material length scale, CNT volume fraction, aspect ratio, foundation stiffness (Winkler and Pasternak models), and CNT gradation on bending stiffness. Results revealed that all parameters notably influenced the mechanical response, with key roles played by size-dependent effects and elastic foundation interactions. The proposed MCST-enhanced HoSDBT model effectively captures size-dependent behaviors, rendering it suitable for the design and optimization of FG-CNTRC micro-devices.
The new generation composite materials are widely used in Engineering due to their light weight, high strength, and resistance to corrosion and wear. Two main modeling strategies, the piecewise layered approach and the continuously graded approach were employed in the literature, with the latter offering a more realistic representation. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of analyzing the stability and vibration behavior of exponentially graded cylindrical shells, particularly when embedded in elastic media. Nevertheless, most works were limited to simply supporting boundary conditions and so neglected the foundation effects. To fill this notable gap in the literature, the present study focused on the buckling behavior of exponentially graded cylindrical shells (EGCSs) with clamped edges under external pressure within an elastic medium. A theoretical framework was then established for future design applications in advanced Engineering fields.

Open Access
Hotspots in Photovoltaic Arrays Based on Multipoint Parabolic Motionzhikai dai
, gong chen
, zhiqi chen
, chang lu
, yao zheng
, xinyi wang
, jinqiu wang
, rui min
, xinyang wu
, wei wei
, zhengpeng yang
, deyi li
, huachao zhang
, ziyu yang
, yeshuai shao 
|
Available online: 09-14-2025
With the rapid development of solar power generation technology, the hotspot effect of photovoltaic (PV) arrays poses a key challenge to the efficiency and stability of the system. Conventional PV array models have significant limitations in dealing with complex shadow shading and multi-peak output characteristics, especially when confronted with complex topologies such as the complex-total-cross-tied (CTCT) structures. To address this issue, this paper proposed a mathematical model for PV arrays based on multipoint parabolic motion, which could accurately simulate the output characteristics of PV arrays under localized shading conditions. The model decomposed the current-voltage ($I-V$) characteristic curve of the PV arrays into multiple parabolic trajectories. A shadow shading model for complex structures was successfully constructed by combining with a kinematic model. MATLAB/Simulink simulations and experimental validation showed that the proposed model guaranteed computational accuracy with error less than 5%, while computational efficiency was greatly improved. The proposed model could accurately capture the multi-peak characteristics when compared with the traditional engineering model. Results from the experiment further verified the robustness of the model in dynamic shading scenarios, hence providing an efficient and reliable tool for maximum power tracking and hotspot localization in the PV system.
Efficient management of airflow and heat dissipation in data centers is becoming increasingly critical as computing densities increase and thermal loads grow. To address these challenges, this study numerically examines the thermo-fluid behavior of a medium-sized data center containing twelve heat-generating server racks under multiple ventilation strategies. A three-dimensional CFD model was developed using the RANS equations with the SST $k$–$\omega$ turbulence formulation and the Boussinesq approximation to account for buoyancy-driven flow. Eight ventilated configurations were evaluated by combining two louver orientations (20$^{\circ}$ and 50$^{\circ}$), two inlet heights (top or bottom), and two inlet velocity modes (constant or pulsatile), in addition to a no-ventilation control scenario. Both steady and transient simulations were performed to capture the interactions between inlet momentum, recirculation patterns, and thermal stratification over a one-hour operational period. The control case exhibited strong thermal stratification and a stable hot layer beneath the ceiling, demonstrating the inadequacy of natural convection alone. Introducing ventilation significantly modified the airflow topology and improved cooling performance, though with considerable sensitivity to inlet design. Shallower-angle louvers (20$^{\circ}$) enhanced horizontal jet penetration and reduced recirculation pockets, whereas steeper louvers (50$^{\circ}$) generated stronger impingement and more localized hot spots. Inlet height further shaped vertical temperature distribution: bottom inlets effectively cooled lower and mid-rack levels, while top inlets reduced ceiling-layer temperatures by disrupting buoyant plumes. Pulsatile ventilation outperformed constant inflow by periodically increasing momentum, enhancing mixing, and weakening plume formation during peak phases. Mass-flow analysis similarly showed that extraction capacity strongly correlated with inlet velocity amplitude. Overall, the results highlight the importance of coordinated selection of inlet position, louver angle, and temporal forcing. The combined use of shallow-angle louvers and pulsatile ventilation presents a promising pathway for improving cooling uniformity and thermal management in high-density data centers.
The long-term performance and safety of high-speed railway infrastructure are strongly governed by the dynamic interaction between trains and the rail–track system, particularly in the presence of structural irregularities. In this study, the influence of rail and sleeper irregularities on train-induced vertical ballast settlement was systematically investigated using advanced three-dimensional finite element simulations implemented in PLAXIS 3D. Nine representative track configurations were established, encompassing ideal conditions as well as isolated and combined rail and sleeper irregularities. Dynamic train loading was simulated at operating speeds of 100, 200, and 300 km/h, while nonlinear constitutive behavior of ballast and substructure materials, together with realistic contact interactions between track components, was explicitly considered. The numerical results indicate that even minor geometric or support irregularities significantly disrupt load transfer mechanisms, leading to localized stress concentrations and accelerated ballast settlement. With increasing train speed, the sensitivity of the rail–track system to such irregularities was markedly amplified, resulting in pronounced dynamic displacements. Track configurations involving concurrent rail and sleeper irregularities exhibited the most severe settlement responses. These findings demonstrate that ballast degradation is governed not only by train speed but also by the interaction and superposition of track irregularities, which can substantially shorten maintenance cycles if left unaddressed. The study underscores the critical importance of early defect identification, preventive maintenance strategies, and high-fidelity numerical modeling in enhancing the resilience, serviceability, and long-term reliability of modern high-speed railway networks.