The heterogeneity of microelement strength of rock particle materials is one of the main factors that cause the size effect of the rock particle crushing behavior. In this paper, a numerical model of rock particles that considering the characteristic of microscopic heterogeneous bond strength was established by using Weibull distribution theory through discrete element method. Single particle crushing experiments were carried out on five groups of rock particles and numerical particles with different particle sizes (6-21 mm), the crushing strength and failure modes of rock particles and numerical particles with different sizes were obtained. The results shows that the proposed numerical model can effectively reproduce the size effect of rock particle crushing behavior. The particle crushing strength data are satisfied the Weibull statistical model and have obvious size effect. The particle failure modes can be divided into three different failure types: “brittle” failure, “quasi brittle” failure, and “ductile” failure. As the particle size increase, the particle failure mode changes from “ductile” failure to “brittle” failure. Finally, a microscopic damage function model of particle crushing was established based on the numerical simulation results, which explained the microscopic mechanism of the size effect of particle crushing behavior. This study not only helps to improve the stability of engineering materials, but also optimizes engineering design and construction, and promotes related technological innovation.

The integration of information technology in the built environment is intended to enable the efficient use of energy without compromising the comfort of humans. However, these devices and systems require a constant supply of energy, adding to the already high demand. In an attempt to promote zero additional energy-demand practices, this study explores the application of the direct and reversible property of smart photoluminescent material in the generation of artificial light at night (ALAN), where low-level light (LLL) is required for the identification of hazards. To achieve this, the energy transformation capacity of europium- and dysprosium-doped strontium aluminate (SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺) in the generation of visible light via photoluminescence was investigated. The performance of the material as a photoluminescent (PL) tape and component in PL paint was documented after activation by sunlight, inspired by evaluation tests and the Standard Test Method for Photopic Luminance of Photoluminescent Markings. From the single preliminary observation, tape luminance from initial tests in August 2020 declined from derived 8550 mcd/m² to 3150 mcd/m² at 10 min and 60 min respectively; then in September 2021, from derived 11,700 mcd/m² to 4500 mcd/m² at 10 min and 60 min respectively, after an additional tape layer was applied in a separate campaign. The 10- and 60 min checkpoints evaluate how well the tape holds its brightness over time. For the paint, symbol recognition remained visible up to 90 min and became indistinct after 120–150 min after activation, supporting qualitative symbol discernibility under the stated test conditions. The coating dried hard in 25 min, set to touch in 12 h, and retained afterglow after 24 h water immersion and exposure to 0 °C and 42 °C. These exploratory, non-replicated results demonstrate persistent afterglow and qualitative symbol discernibility under the stated laboratory conditions and support further controlled evaluation for low-light built-environment applications.