Impact Dynamics of Droplet Containing Particle Suspensions on Deep Liquid Pool

Droplet impact on surfaces is ubiquitous in many natural and industrial processes. While the impact dynamics of droplets composed of simple fluids have been studied extensively, droplets containing particles are less explored, but are more application relevant. The non-Newtonian behavior of particle suspension introduces new physics affecting the impact dynamics. Here, we investigated the impact dynamics of droplets containing cornstarch particles on a deep water pool and systematically characterized the impact outcomes with various Weber number and particle volume fractions. Distinctive phenomena compared to Newtonian droplet impact have been observed. A regime map of the impact outcomes is unveiled and the transition boundaries are quantified with scaling analysis. Rheology of the suspension is found to play a pivotal role in giving rise to distinct impact outcomes. The results lay the foundation for further characterization of the dynamics of suspension droplet impacting on liquid surfaces and can be translated to other suspension fluids

Insights into the senescent mechanisms of harvested strawberry fruit at the physiological, molecular and metabolic levels

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a worldwide cultivated horticultural crop, however, its short preservative life of the harvested fruit remains a challenge to be addressed. Currently, although much progress has been made toward understanding the senescence of harvested strawberry fruit, the defined mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we performed a series of morphological, physiological and biochemical, as well as transcriptome and proteome analyses using the widely-cultivated strawberry 'Benihoppe' during 0−8 d at room temperature. The results showed not only the shorter storage of harvested strawberry fruit resulted from the rapid perishability, softening, and water loss, but also an increase in soluble sugars within 2 d and a coordination of ABA with JA at the early stage, BR at the middle stage and ethylene at the later stage, respectively. The RNA-seq data highlighted on ABA with NCEDs and PYLs, auxin with IAAs and AUXs, ethylene with ACSs, EIN3 and ERFs, BR with BZRs, and JA with JMTs; while proteome data highlighted on ABA with PYL/SnRK2/ABF, JA with JAR1/JAZ, GA with GID1, BR with BSK, and ethylene with ETR/CTR/EIN2, suggesting an important role of ABA, JA, and ethylene in the senescence of harvested strawberries. Interestingly, higher contents of nerolidalyl caproate and threonine represented characteristic signs of ripening and senescence. Finally, a physiological, molecular and metabolic model for strawberry fruit senescence is proposed, providing comprehensive insights into the preservative mechanisms

Design and Preliminary Ground Experiment for Deployable Sunshade Structures of a Modular Space Telescope

On-orbit assembling space telescope (OAST) is one of the most feasible methods to implement a large-scale space telescope. Unlike a monolithic space telescope (such as Hubble Space Telescope, HST) or a deployable space telescope (such as James Webb Space Telescope, JWST), OAST can be assembled in the spatial environment. To ensure proper telescope performance, OAST must be equipped with a large deployable sunshade. In order to verify the technology of the OAST, the authors propose a modular space telescope on the China Space Station (CSS) and design a deployable sunshade. The deployable mechanism of the sunshade is made up of a radial deployable mechanism and an axial deployable mechanism. The paper describes the overall design approach, the key component technologies, and the design and preliminary testing of a part of the deployable sunshade assembly