Open Access
Open access

Energy Nexus

Elsevier
Elsevier
ISSN: 27724271
SCImago
Q1
WOS
Q1
Impact factor
8
SJR
1.335
CiteScore
7.7
Categories
Energy (miscellaneous)
Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
Areas
Energy
Environmental Science
Years of issue
2021-2025
journal names
Energy Nexus
Publications
340
Citations
5 332
h-index
35
Top-3 citing journals
Energy Nexus
Energy Nexus (183 citations)
Sustainability
Sustainability (130 citations)
Energies
Energies (127 citations)
Top-3 countries
India (90 publications)
USA (29 publications)
Malaysia (18 publications)

Most cited in 5 years

Found 
from chars
Publications found: 4807
Creep‐Fatigue Interaction Life Prediction and Fracture Behavior of 1.25Cr0.5Mo Steel at 560 °C
Chen H., Li J., Zhang Z., Liu L.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
In this article, a series of stress‐controlled creep‐fatigue interaction (CFI) tests on 1.25Cr0.5Mo steel at 560 °C are conducted. The cyclic deformation behavior of 1.25Cr0.5Mo steel with different stress levels is analyzed from the perspective of hysteresis loops, and then, the hysteresis cyclic characteristics and average strain parameter variation law under high‐temperature CFI are also analyzed. In terms of calculation, the average strain rate of half‐life is considered the main factor affecting fracture life. A life prediction equation based on ductile fatigue theory and effective stress concept is established, introducing the average strain rate of half‐life as the parameter. The existing experimental datasets of 1.25Cr0.5Mo steel are used to validate the predictive ability of the model under different load conditions. The results show that all the experimental data points fall into a range within a scatter band of ±2 on life prediction. Based on the combination of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy characterization, the fracture behavior and damage mechanism are explored. The reasons are revealed for accelerated softening and premature failure during CFI loading.
Comprehensive Properties and Magnetic Anisotropy of Fe–Si–Ni–Al–Mn Nonoriented Silicon Steel Prepared by Twin‐Roll Strip Casting
Hou D., Wang J., Mao Q., Fang F., Wang Y., Zhang Y., Zhang X., Yuan G.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
High‐strength non‐oriented silicon steel prepared by twin‐roll strip casting technology, replacing the conventional hot rolling method with a high compression ratio, effectively diminishes the γ texture and increases the intensity of cube and Goss orientation to 3.70 and 3.68, respectively, in recrystallization texture. The high density of NiAl precipitates with an average radius of 3.47 nm and a volume fraction of 0.9% is obtained after peak aging, significantly enhancing mechanical properties while minimizing magnetic performance loss. These precipitates maintain a coherent relationship with the matrix, preventing increased magnetic anisotropy. During peak aging, P10/400 rises from 25.0 to 31.3 W kg−1, while B50 slightly decreases from 1.66 to 1.62 T. Yield and tensile strength improve significantly from 576 and 733 MPa to 889 and 1053 MPa, respectively, with an elongation rate of 7.6%. The findings reveal that enhancing the proportion of Goss orientation intensifies the magnetic anisotropy between 45° and 90°. The most unfavorable angle of B50 and core loss in low‐frequency conditions is 60°, the worst angle of Goss orientation. The strip casting process, combined with the incorporation of coherent NiAl precipitates, can effectively improve the comprehensive properties of nonoriented silicon steel, informing potential industrial applications.
Correlation Between Microstructure and Micromechanism of Quasi‐Cleavage Fracture of 33Mn2V Dual‐Phase Steel
Liu J., Hu J., Zhao H., Dong H.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
As oil exploration expands into deep‐sea and cold regions, improving the low‐temperature toughness of oil casings is crucial, and dual‐phase (DP) heat treatment has shown potential as an effective method to enhance this property. In this study, the relationship between the microstructure and low‐temperature fracture mechanism of 33Mn2V steel is investigated under various heat‐treatment conditions. Intercritical quenching and tempering treatments produced DP steels with varying martensite fractions, analyzed using optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction. In the results, it is shown that quenching at 800 °C achieves the best impact toughness (40.5 J cm−2 at −120 °C), which is attributed to the combined effects of cooperative deformation between martensite and ferrite, effective surface energy (36.1 J m−2), and the maximum plastic deformation area (871 μm2) during crack propagation. In these findings, the role of microstructural evolution, including the optimal martensite fraction, in influencing fracture behavior and quasi‐cleavage mechanisms is highlighted.
Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Fusion‐Welded Component Geometric Dimension on Electroslag Fusion Welding Based on Multiphysics‐Field‐Coupled Modeling
Xu H., Wang Y., Li B., Huang X., Lou Y., Liu Z.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
In this study, a coupled multiphysics field model combining finite‐element and finite‐volume modeling is developed to investigate the effect of fusion‐welded component geometric dimension on electroslag fusion welding (ESFW) process, and the reliability of the model is verified experimentally. In the results, it is shown that for fusion‐welded parts with definite geometrical dimensions, the vertical fusion welding scheme reduces the amount of slag and welding current, but the total welding time is long and the heat‐affected zone is large; the horizontal scheme is the opposite. The preset rated welding current increases nonlinearly with increasing workpiece length. Increasing workpiece length decreases the average slag pool temperature uniformity and affects the slag pool flow, Lorentz force distribution, and increases the horizontal depth of fusion and depth of slag pool; increasing thickness increases the heat capacity and also affects the changes in the aforementioned physical quantities. The height during slag replenishment is related to the part length and thickness, while the recommended thickness is related to the part length, ESFW height, and slag replenishment mechanism. To avoid thermal distortion, the maximum cross‐section horizontal depth of fusion should be less than 1/3 of the thickness of fusion‐welded component.
Comparison Study of the Effect of MgO, MgO‐CaO, MgO‐Al2O3‐C, and MgO‐C Refractories on Cleanliness of a SiMn‐Killed Steel
Cheng Y., Duan S., Zhang L.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
The effects of four kinds of industrial MgO‐based refractories (MgO, MgO‐CaO, MgO‐Al2O3‐C, and MgO‐C) on the refractory/steel interfacial layer and inclusions in SiMn‐killed steel are investigated through laboratory experiments and thermodynamic calculations. After 60 min of contact, the penetration of the molten SiMn‐killed steel into the MgO, MgO‐CaO, and MgO‐Al2O3‐C refractories is minimal. In the MgO‐C refractory, a penetration depth of 1 mm is observed along grain boundaries. For MgO and MgO‐C refractories, a distinct interfacial layer is hardly found. The MgO‐CaO refractory produces an ≈20 μm thick CaO‐SiO2‐MgO interfacial layer, while the MgO‐Al2O3‐C refractory produces an ≈30 μm thick MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 interfacial layer. Regarding the experiments involving the MgO and MgO‐CaO refractories, the content of T.Mg and T.Al in the steel shows minimal variation. Consequently, the composition of inclusions remains largely unchanged. MgO‐Al2O3‐C and MgO‐C refractories significantly influenced the chemical reaction. The T.Mg content in the steel increases due to the presence of graphite phase in the refractory, and the T.Al content in the steel rises due to the dissolution of Al and Al2O3 particles from the refractories. Inclusions in the steel are transformed from the initial SiO2‐MnO type to spinel inclusions.
A Numerical Study on Hydrogen Reduction of Iron Oxide Pellets in a Shaft Furnace with Internal Retrieval of Thermal Energy
Shao L., Zhao C., Zou Z., Saxén H.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
In the current study, the hydrogen shaft furnace (HSF) process with a special focus on internal retrieval of thermal energy via injecting room‐temperature hydrogen (H2) from the furnace bottom is investigated. A validated 2D computational fluid dynamics model is employed to clarify how and to which extent the flow rate of bottom‐injected H2 affects the thermochemical state and overall performance indicators of the HSF. In the results, it is indicated that the thermal energy retrieved by adopting the bottom injection operation can well compensate for the reduction in the total sensible heat of feed H2 under the conditions considered. Therefore, the furnace shows a better overall performance because the system requires less total supply of sensible heat while achieving a higher solid outlet reduction degree compared to a reference scenario with no bottom injection. Since the central gas flow is enhanced and local species transport of H2 is facilitated, the radial uniformity of solid reduction degree is also improved effectively. Moreover, the fluidization factor is well below unity, indicating no substantial particle fluidization will take place within the furnace incorporating the operation of bottom injection. In these findings, the potential of internal thermal energy retrieval in achieving a more suitable and efficient HSF process is highlighted.
Drilling Performance and Surface Integrity of Hardened 42CrMo Steel in Clean Ultrasonic Vibration Hybrid Drilling Process
Li W., Zheng G., Jiang X., Ma J., Cheng X., Cui E., Yang X.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
42CrMo steel has high strength, good toughness, and other excellent mechanical properties, making it the preferred material for gear, drive shaft, and other key components. However, after heat treatment of such materials, there will still be serious machining problems during the drilling process. Herein, the clean ultrasonic vibration hybrid drilling process, which combines ultrasonic vibration technology with clean cutting technology (using media such as dry, liquid nitrogen (LN2), cold air, and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL)), is used to investigate the drilling performance and surface integrity of 42CrMo steel. The results show that both cutting force and cutting temperature are reduced under low temperature and MQL conditions compared to dry conditions. At the same time, a notable extension of tool life is obtained under these drilling conditions. MQL demonstrates effective cooling and lubrication properties, enhancing the chip‐breaking ability of ultrasonic vibration. In comparison to ultrasonic‐assisted drilling (UAD) (dry) conditions, the surface roughness under UAD (MQL) conditions is decreased by 45%, while the maximum microhardness is increased by 13%. The drilling accuracy is significantly improved. Consequently, UAD (MQL) can remarkably improve the hard drilling performance and surface integrity of 42CrMo steel.
Optimization of Eutectic Carbide Inhomogeneity in M42 High‐Speed Steel through Machine Learning and Finite‐Element Modeling
Yuan Q., Yin H., Wang Y., Sun R., Qiao Z., Zhang C., Zhang R., Khan D.F., Li D., Liang J., Qu X.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
The optimization of forging processes in M42 high‐speed steel is crucial for enhancing its microstructure and mechanical properties, particularly in reducing eutectic carbide inhomogeneity. In this study, machine learning (ML) is integrated with finite‐element modeling (FEM) to address the challenges of process parameter optimization in large‐sized ingots. The random forest algorithm is employed to predict the inhomogeneity of eutectic carbides using strain variables derived from FEM simulations as input features. The optimized process, validated through experimental analysis, demonstrates a significant improvement in carbide fragmentation, leading to a more uniform distribution of fine precipitates. The optimized M42 steel exhibits superior mechanical properties, with yield and compressive strengths increasing by ≈115 MPa and 305 MPa compared to the prior forging process. In the results, the efficacy of ML‐driven optimization is underscored in achieving a refined microstructure and enhanced material performance, offering a promising approach for industrial applications of high‐speed steel.
Utilization of Non‐Metallic Inclusion to Induce Intragranular Acicular Ferrite Formation Contributing to “Oxide Metallurgy”: Effect of Ti/Al Content on the Microstructure Evolution
Cai C., Mu W.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
Non‐metallic inclusion is generally aimed to be removed during the refining process of steel production. The steelmakers always intend to produce clean steel to optimize the final product properties. However, the fine size inclusion is hard to remove completely; alternatively, it could be served as the nucleation site to induce the formation of intragranular acicular ferrite (IAF). This is an optimal microstructure with the “interlock” morphology and has been reported to be able to improve mechanical property, e.g., low‐temperature impact toughness, according to the concept of “oxide metallurgy.” In this work, the low‐alloy steels with different amounts of Ti and Al contents are prepared, and the inclusion characteristics (i.e., composition, size, distribution, etc.) are quantitatively investigated. Furthermore, high‐temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy is applied to observe the IAF formation in situ with controlled isothermal holding and cooling conditions. The effect of nature of inclusions on IAF formation is investigated in the proposed steels. Subsequently, the theoretical model according to classical nucleation theory is utilized to evaluate the capability of different kinds of inclusions to induce IAF. Last but not least, the microstructure features in different steels are also investigated.
Physics‐Informed Data‐Driven Prediction of Submerged Entry Nozzle Clogging with the Aid of Ab Initio Repository
Kuthe S., Persson C., Glaser B.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
The operational efficiency of continuous casting in steel production is often hindered by the clogging of submerged entry nozzles (SEN), caused due to the agglomeration of nonmetallic inclusions (NMIs). SEN clogging is challenging to monitor and requires probabilistic models for accurate real‐time prediction. In this context, data‐driven models emerged as a promising tool to be used in the existing industrial settings. Despite frequent occurrence of SEN clogging, collecting large datasets under varied operational conditions remains challenging. The scarcity of data hampers the ability to develop and train traditional data‐driven models effectively. To overcome these challenges, physics‐informed data‐driven models are proposed in this work. The integration of outputs generated from theoretical calculations is sufficient to compensate for the lack of available datasets. To further enhance accuracy, an advanced methodology involving use of ab initio repository is developed. This repository contains material‐specific data including high‐temperature nonretarded Hamaker constants of NMIs in specific particle size range of 1–10 μm. A novel parameter, “Clogging Factor” is proposed to monitor and integrated into the modeling architecture to track the reduction in the available volume inside SEN due to the accumulation of NMIs. The proposed model has yet to be validated online but has shown potential in reducing SEN clogging. 
Influence of Rare‐Earth Ce on the Hot Ductility of Steels Containing Residual Elements Sn Based on Single‐Phase Austenite Alloy: Inhibiting Sn Segregation and Transition of Inclusions
Chen S., Yu Y., Mao W., Zhang L., Zhang J., Sun Z., Li J., Liu X.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
The removal of residual elements in the scrap steel recycling process has emerged as a significant challenge for the contemporary metallurgical industry. The current production methods cannot effectively eliminate the adverse effects of residual elements. Consequently, a novel strategy is proposed to enhance hot workability by adding Ce to an invar alloy containing Sn. In this study, after adding 500 ppm Sn, the reduction in area decreases markedly from 75 to 40% at 1050 °C. After adding 44 and 120 ppm Ce, the reduction in area remarkably increases to 80 and 76%, respectively. The Sn‐containing sample hot ductility improves at 1150 °C, and the sample containing Ce still maintains a high level. After adding Sn and Ce, the typical inclusions transformation process is as follows: MnS → MnS + Ni3Sn2 → Ce2O2S and Ni3Sn2·Ce2O2 → Ce2O2S, Ce2O3, Ni3Sn2·Ce2O2S and Ni3Sn2·Ce2O3. The lattice mismatch of Ce2O2S and Ni3Sn2, Ce2O3 and Ni3Sn2 is 1.96 and 3.26%, respectively. The rare‐earth inclusions act as a heterogeneous nucleation core, which attract Ni3Sn2 to nucleate. Two kinetic models are developed to elucidate the Sn and Ce nonequilibrium segregation and the inclusion transformation process. The beneficial transformation of inclusions and the preferential segregation of Ce enhanced the hot ductility of the invar alloy.
The Research on Wetting Behavior between Blast‐Furnace‐Type Slag and Carbon Materials
Jiang C., Liu B., Liang W., Li J., Xue C., Zhang J., Yang J., Li K.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
The wetting interactions between slag and carbonaceous materials are crucial for the permeability and fluidity in the blast furnace, thus affecting its efficient and stable operation. In this research, the effects of basicity, MgO, and FeOx contents on the wetting behavior of slags on graphite substrate, with MgO content specifically examined for the wetting behavior on coke substrate, are investigated. In the results, it is indicated that slag without FeOx does not undergo strong chemical reactions with the graphite substrate, resulting in bad wettability. The basicity and MgO in the slag have same effects on the surface tension of the slag. By controlling surface tension, the wetting properties at the slag–graphite interface can be altered. However, slag containing FeOx, due to its reduction reaction with the substrate, leads to the accumulation of Fe at the interface, which improves the properties at the slag–graphite interface and enhances wetting by slag. It is also observed that although slag exhibits bad wetting behavior on both graphite and coke surfaces, coke shows better wetting behavior than graphite. This is primarily because coke contains more ash components similar to slag, facilitating strong interaction between them. Moreover, coke has more pores, allowing slag to diffuse into the surface gaps within a certain range of surface tension, thereby improving wetting behavior.
A Multiobjective Optimization of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process Parameters to Reduce Defects by Modified Taguchi Method
Kazemi Z., Nayebi A., Rokhgireh H., Soleimani M.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
This study investigates the optimization of process parameters in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) to minimize defects caused by insufficient melting and vaporization of metal powder. The research employs a simulation method that incorporates vaporization effects to tackle a multiobjective optimization problem in selective laser melting (SLM), utilizing the Taguchi method for systematic analysis. Validation of the simulation approach is conducted by comparing it with experimental results from Verhaeghe et al. (Acta Mater. 2009) revealing a strong correlation between simulated and experimental data. This underscores the effectiveness of the method and highlights the significance of vaporization in SLM processes. The optimization process focuses on enhancing melting efficiency while minimizing vaporization by adjusting critical parameters such as laser power, scanning speed, and laser spot radius. Results indicate that laser power has a significant impact on insufficient melting, while scan speed is more critical for reducing vaporization. Furthermore, the study explores various weight scenarios for the combined objective function, concluding that equal weight factors for unmelted and vaporized elements do not guarantee a reduction in total defects. This research provides essential insights into the complex interactions within LPBF, emphasizing the need for careful parameter optimization to improve manufacturing quality.
Distribution Behaviors of Phosphorus in CaO–SiO2–FeOx–MgO–MnO–Al2O3 Basic Oxygen Furnace Slags
Wang S., Deng Z., Song G., Zhu M.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
Considering the dephosphorization and the reuse of ladle slag in basic oxygen furnace (BOF), the distribution behaviors of P in the CaO–SiO2–FeOx–MgO–MnO–(0–10%)Al2O3–5%P2O5 system slags are investigated in laboratory. It is found that three phases generally present in the slags, namely P‐rich phase (2CaO·SiO2–3CaO·P2O5), (Fe, Mn, Mg)O phase, and liquid phase, and most of Al2O3 is distributed in the liquid phase. Al2O3 and FeOx reduce the areal fraction of the P‐rich phase, and the P2O5 content in the P‐rich phase generally increases (up to 14.3%). Higher slag basicity results in a higher fraction of P‐rich phase and a lower P distribution ratio between the liquid phase and the P‐rich phase. Proper FeOx and Al2O3 contents can not only result in the largest distribution of P2O5 in the P‐rich phase but also have good slag properties, while the increase in FeOx and Al2O3 contents reduces the phosphate capacity. To save cost, a higher‐basicity slag with a lower FeOx content and a certain Al2O3 content can be considered at dephosphorization stage of BOF.
Phase‐Field Simulation of Carbon Diffusion during Banded Structure Formation in Low‐Carbon Steel
Hu J., Chen Y., Luo Z., Zhang H., Jin G.
Q2
Wiley
Steel Research International 2025 citations by CoLab: 0  |  Abstract
During the cooling process after rolling, low‐carbon steel frequently develops banded structures, primarily due to the segregation of alloying elements and the uneven diffusion of carbon under a slow cooling rate during phase transformation. The current work integrates experiment and simulation to discuss the influence of various cooling rates on ferrite and pearlite bands in Cr–Mn–Ti low‐carbon steel. Meanwhile, a multicomponent multiphase‐field model is established to quantitatively analyze carbon diffusion behavior during the evolution of austenite–ferrite. The results reveal that low cooling rates and the segregation of Mn, Si, and Cr elements can promote the formation of banded structure. Furthermore, in the solute‐poor regions, slow cooling rates allow sufficient time for carbon diffusion during austenite–ferrite transformation, which leads to the extension in both carbon diffusion distance and interface migration distance, thereby generating severe ferrite bands. Additionally, in the solute‐rich regions, as the cooling rate decreases, C concentrations at Ar3 temperature and Ar1 temperature increase, inhibiting the nucleation and growth of ferrite, thereby resulting in strong pearlite bands. This study further elucidates the formation mechanisms of ferrite and pearlite bands, enhancing the understanding of carbon diffusion behavior during banded structure formation.

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India, 90, 26.47%
USA, 29, 8.53%
Malaysia, 18, 5.29%
Iran, 16, 4.71%
Nigeria, 16, 4.71%
United Kingdom, 15, 4.41%
China, 10, 2.94%
Bangladesh, 8, 2.35%
Brazil, 8, 2.35%
Egypt, 8, 2.35%
Italy, 8, 2.35%
Canada, 7, 2.06%
UAE, 7, 2.06%
Pakistan, 7, 2.06%
South Africa, 7, 2.06%
Japan, 7, 2.06%
Germany, 6, 1.76%
Australia, 6, 1.76%
Ghana, 6, 1.76%
Jordan, 5, 1.47%
Turkey, 5, 1.47%
Ethiopia, 5, 1.47%
France, 4, 1.18%
Greece, 4, 1.18%
Oman, 4, 1.18%
Republic of Korea, 4, 1.18%
Finland, 4, 1.18%
Sweden, 4, 1.18%
Qatar, 3, 0.88%
Kuwait, 3, 0.88%
Lebanon, 3, 0.88%
Netherlands, 3, 0.88%
Norway, 3, 0.88%
Saudi Arabia, 3, 0.88%
Portugal, 2, 0.59%
Indonesia, 2, 0.59%
Spain, 2, 0.59%
Cyprus, 2, 0.59%
Colombia, 2, 0.59%
Morocco, 2, 0.59%
Mexico, 2, 0.59%
Palestine, 2, 0.59%
Thailand, 2, 0.59%
Tunisia, 2, 0.59%
Czech Republic, 2, 0.59%
Sri Lanka, 2, 0.59%
Bahrain, 1, 0.29%
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Vietnam, 1, 0.29%
Denmark, 1, 0.29%
Dominican Republic, 1, 0.29%
Israel, 1, 0.29%
Ireland, 1, 0.29%
Cameroon, 1, 0.29%
Costa Rica, 1, 0.29%
Cuba, 1, 0.29%
Latvia, 1, 0.29%
Nepal, 1, 0.29%
New Zealand, 1, 0.29%
Paraguay, 1, 0.29%
Poland, 1, 0.29%
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