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The experimental study of the angle-resolved hemispherical light scattering by V 4 O 7 film within a broad temperature range across metal–insulator transition reveals complex structural reorganization of the film deposited on the c-cut sapphire crystal. The bidirectional scattering distribution function and the surface autocorrelation function were obtained from scattering data to visualize statistics of the spatially resolved contributions of optical inhomogeneities in normal and lateral directions to the surface. The measurements reveal an anisotropic surface roughness distribution due to the twinned domain structure, with significant anisotropy changes across the phase transition. The V 4 O 7 film deposited on sapphire leads to a polydomain structure, minimizing elastic strain energy with distinct multiscale distributions of surface domains. Near T c , the material shows the lowest roughness but the highest lateral disorder of the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenges faced by designers of multi-field coupled cooling systems for high heat flux chips, this paper proposes a "near-source" microchannel cooling strategy and establishes a thermal–flow-force electrically coupled model for chips. The effects of chip Joule heat and cooling water flow rate on the cooling performance with respect to multi-field coupling effects were studied. The impact of multi-field coupling effects was revealed, and a method for enhancing microchannel cooling performance in light of multi-field coupling effects is proposed. The results indicated that considering multi-field coupling effects in the microchannel cooling process leads to a deterioration in the thermal performance of chips, accompanied by a significant increase in electrical fluctuations and thermal deformation amplitude. Compared to chips upstream of the cooling water, chips downstream subjected to thermal cascade effects were more sensitive to multi-field coupling effects. Moreover, the temperature variance index, output current, and strain energy density of high heat flux chips were positively correlated with Joule heat but inversely proportional to the Reynolds number of the cooling water for cases in respect of multi-field coupling effects. Additionally, serpentine microchannels maximized the operational performance of high heat flux chips by reducing temperature of chip by up to 55.1%, decreasing strain energy density by 96.7%, and increasing input potential by 120%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relaxed Si1−xGex layers on Si(001) serve as virtual substrates for strained Si or Ge layers. However, plastically relaxed layers inevitably contain misfit and threading dislocations, negatively affecting devices. Deposition of a SiGe layer on the backside of the substrate introduces a dislocation reservoir at the wafer edge that can reduce the threading dislocation density (TDD) of Si0.98Ge0.02/Si layers, as these preexisting dislocations start gliding toward the wafer center upon reaching the critical thickness. Here, we show that this low-strain system can be used effectively to study dislocation glide kinetics. In agreement with the literature, dislocation glide is a thermally activated process with an activation energy of 2.12–2.16 eV. Near the critical thickness, relaxation is sluggish and inefficient due to the linear dependence of the glide velocity on excess stress. At lower growth rates, dislocations from the edge reservoir are activated in a lower density due to the increase in the critical thickness through partial strain relaxation by already activated dislocations. Contrary to common models, here, the lowest possible growth rate is not essential for minimizing the TDD. Instead, a careful balance between low and high growth rates is beneficial. Overcoming the initial sluggish and inefficient relaxation phase is critical while also avoiding accumulation of strain energy, and, therefore, the activation of dislocation sources. Only in a later stage of buffer growth, the growth rate should be reduced to a minimum. With this method, the TDD of strain relaxed Si0.84Ge0.16 layers is reduced to 7 × 104 cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous intergranular films (AIFs) have been proven in experiments to improve the damage tolerance of nanocrystalline materials. However, a quantitative study is still lacking. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed here to investigate the effect of CuNb AIFs on the fracture toughness of nanocrystalline Nb. In order to clarify the role of AIFs, a bicrystal Nb model with one straight symmetrical tilt grain boundary and a mode-I crack in one of the grains was constructed, in which the AIF effect was introduced by replacing the normal grain boundary with a CuNb AIF. Then, AIF thickness-dependent tensile deformation of the bicrystal Nb samples was simulated. The work-of-fracture, which is defined as the released strain energy due to the newly generated unit area in the crack during stretching, was employed to quantify the fracture toughness of the bicrystal systems. The results show that the fracture toughness of the AIF sample can be tripled due to the blunted crack tip and the relieved stress concentration at the crack tip as compared to the AIF-free one that exhibits a brittle crack propagation behavior. Also, the thicker the AIFs, the more pronounced this reinforcing effect. More importantly, it is found that there exists a critical AIF width of 1.7 nm, below which the crack will eventually break through the AIF, and above which the crack failed to do this. It is revealed that the enhanced fracture toughness originated from the transformation of brittle crack propagation to abundant dislocation emission from AIFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A backward stable numerical calculation of a function with condition number κ$$ \kappa $$ will have a relative accuracy of κϵmachine$$ \kappa {\epsilon}_{\mathrm{machine}} $$. Standard formulations and software implementations of finite‐strain elastic materials models make use of the deformation gradient F=I+∂u/∂X$$ \boldsymbol{F}=I+\partial \boldsymbol{u}/\partial \boldsymbol{X} $$ and Cauchy‐Green tensors. These formulations are not numerically stable, leading to loss of several digits of accuracy when used in the small strain regime, and often precluding the use of single precision floating point arithmetic. We trace the source of this instability to specific points of numerical cancellation, interpretable as ill‐conditioned steps. We show how to compute various strain measures in a stable way and how to transform common constitutive models to their stable representations, formulated in either initial or current configuration. The stable formulations all provide accuracy of order ϵmachine$$ {\epsilon}_{\mathrm{machine}} $$. In many cases, the stable formulations have elegant representations in terms of appropriate strain measures and offer geometric intuition that is lacking in their standard representation. We show that algorithmic differentiation can stably compute stresses so long as the strain energy is expressed stably, and give principles for stable computation that can be applied to inelastic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study derives the constitutive relationships between stress resultants and strain measures for 4-star auxetic structures using force-moment analysis of a representative unit cell and the Castigliano strain energy method. To validate the accuracy of the constitutive model, bending analysis is performed for a 4-star auxetic rectangular plate under Levy boundary conditions. The analytical and numerical results show excellent agreement, confirming the validity of the constitutive relations extracted from the generic 4-star unit cell. This work establishes a theoretical framework for designing 4-star auxetic metamaterials and demonstrates their potential for diverse engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock burst prevention is a critical concern in deep rock engineering. Combining laboratory tests and numerical simulations, this work investigates the cutting-seam method and its mechanism for preventing strain rock bursts. In the laboratory test, the true triaxial loading system is used to simulate rock strain bursts. The test results show that the cutting-seam samples better preserve their integrity compared to the sample without the measure. The cutting seam effectively halts the development of penetrating cracks on the free face. After the rock burst, the number of fragments from the cutting-seam samples significantly reduces compared to the intact sample. The debris characteristic analysis shows a better fractal characteristic in the fragment size-number than the fragment size-mass, with the fractal dimension decreasing from the intact sample to the single-seam and further to the double-seam sample. Acoustic emission results demonstrate that the cutting seam reduces the stored strain energy and cumulative damage in the rock sample during the loading, and the double-seam effect is better than the single-seam case. Based on the laboratory tests, discrete element simulations are conducted to reveal that the position, depth, and spacing of the cutting seam influence its effectiveness in preventing rock bursts. The influence mechanism and the parameter selection are also discussed. Finally, simulations applied to an engineering project verify that the cutting-seam method alters the surrounding stress distribution of the tunnel, shifting stress concentration zones deeper and effectively reducing strain energy density near the seams. These findings are expected to enhance the understanding of the cutting-seam approach and provide theoretical support for its practical application. Highlights: A cutting-seam approach is proposed and tested to prevent the strain rock burst. The cutting seam physically halts the penetrating cracks and minimizes damage to the free surface. Different cutting-seam parameters and their influences are discussed through laboratory and numerical tests. The cutting-seam method shifts the stress concentration area deeper and reduces the strain energy density nearby. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open graded friction course (OGFC) is highly susceptible to environmental impacts such as load and clogging, due to its rich void structure and exposure to environments. Especially in cold regions, freeze–thaw (F-T) damage is inevitable for OGFC. While the existing analysis methods cannot specifically describe the material's micro-response to load or environment. Therefore, the digital image correlation (DIC) in combination with computed tomography (CT) was applied to closely examine the intricate process of F-T damage of OGFC in this research. Principal strain and strain energy were used to describe the F-T damage process and distribution. In addition, the effects of initial void content and immersion conditions on the temporal and spatial distribution of damage were discussed. The data demonstrated that the spatial distribution of F-T damage strain was uneven. During F-T cycles, the principal strain inside the OGFC during F-T cycles was generally increased, and the deformation of the sample gradually accumulated. According to the strain energy growth rate variation, the F-T damage could be divided into two stages during the 18 F-T cycles, namely, the development stage and the deceleration stage. Moreover, the crucial parts of F-T damage were determined to be at the end of the voids connected with the outside or the void interface between the aggregates and asphalt mortar. The larger initial void content would increase the strain of OGFC during F-T cycles, as well as the inhomogeneity of the strain. Furthermore, the strain energy increased considerably, and the development of F-T damage of OGFC accelerated. Under partial immersion conditions, the immersed part has large strain and strain energy due to the direct effect of F-T, and the increase in immersion depth aggravates the F-T damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the solidification history of magmas beneath active volcanoes takes place in chemically and physically perturbed plumbing systems where the growth of crystals is collectively governed by a range of kinetic processes related to the dynamics of crustal reservoirs and eruptive conduits. In this context, we have experimentally investigated the partitioning of major, minor, and trace cations between plagioclase and trachybasaltic melt under conventional static (no physical perturbation) and dynamic (melt stirring) crystallization regimes. Slow interface reaction kinetics are established between the advancing crystal surface and the adjacent melt, as the result of the combined control of a small degree of effective undercooling, prolonged diffusive relaxation, and convective homogenization. The kinetic aspects of plagioclase growth influence the partitioning of trace cations during transport of structural units across the crystal-melt interface, with consequent departure from macroscopic equilibrium in the system. The type and number of charge–balanced and −imbalanced configurations produced by the accommodation of trace cations into the coordination polyhedron can be thermodynamically rationalized in terms of lattice strain and electrostatic partitioning energetics. However, the overall solution energy accompanying trace cation kinetic substitutions cannot be entirely deconvoluted from major component activities in both melt and plagioclase phases. The emerging view that slow interface kinetic processes may lead to strong compositional dependence for the partition coefficient in dynamic subvolcanic environments contrasts markedly with the conventional idea that the energetics of cation partitioning are dominantly controlled by the effect of isothermal changes in the bulk system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, five fracture criteria (maximum tangential stress (MTS), generalized maximum tangential stress (GMTS), minimum strain energy density (SED), generalized minimum strain energy density (GSED), and modified maximum tangential stress (MMTS)) were evaluated for asphalt concrete using fracture data from tests conducted under various loading modes and conditions. Tests were performed on semi‐circular bend (SCB) specimens of various sizes. Based on the results, the MTS criterion tends to overestimate fractures, while the GMTS criterion exhibits more precise predictions. The SED and GSED criteria inaccurately predict fractures, especially under certain loading conditions. The MMTS criterion shows superior predictive capability for asphalt concrete fractures. Specimen size influences fracture resistance, with larger specimens exhibiting higher fracture values. Overall, the MMTS criterion closely mirrors the crack growth behavior of asphalt concrete, highlighting its precision in predicting fracture results. The errors between the predictions of the fracture criteria MTS, GMTS, SED, GSED, and MMTS, and the experimental results ranged from 0% to 42.8%, 0% to 22.5%, 0% to 52.7%, 0% to 42.4%, and 0% to 14.5%, respectively. Highlights: Fracture tests were conducted on asphalt concrete under various conditions such as temperatures, loading rates, SCB specimen sizes, and loading modes.Five fracture criteria (MTS, GMTS, SED, GSED, MMTS) were assessed for their applicability to asphalt concrete.The MMTS criterion was found to have the best ability to predict fractures in asphalt concrete compared to the other criteria studied.The size of the specimen has an impact on fracture resistance, with larger specimens showing higher fracture values. All the fracture criteria used in the study accurately reflect this trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase field models have been employed extensively in the study of microstructure evolution in materials. Elasticity plays an important role in solid‐state phase transformation processes, and it is usually introduced into phase field models in terms of the elastic strain energy by applying Khachaturyan–Shatalov microelasticity theory. Conventionally, this energy is derived in the reciprocal space and results in full‐space Fourier transformation in practice, which becomes bottle‐neck in large‐scale and massively‐parallel applications. In this article, we propose an error‐controlled approximation algorithm for scalable and efficient calculation of the elastic strain energy in phase field models. We first derive a real‐space convolutional representation of the elastic strain energy by representing the equilibrium displacements in the Khachaturyan–Shatalov microelasticity theory using Green's function. Then we propose an error‐controlled truncation criterion to approximate the corresponding terms in the phase field model. Finally, a carefully designed parallel algorithm is presented to carry out large‐scale simulations. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated by real‐world large‐scale phase field simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐contact variable stiffness (SVS) metamaterial offers specific patterns of elastic strain energy storage by changing its force‐transferring path. The change of the elastic strain energy storage patterns further influences the stiffness variation of the SVS metamaterials. However, challenges still arise because typically fabricated SVS metamaterials inevitably contain structural irregularities, eccentricities, and defects. These microstructural imperfections impede the stable generation of designed strain energy storage patterns in the metamaterial, implying that the SVS metamaterials cannot achieve expected stiffness variations. To address this burning question, an SVS metamaterial/meta‐structure design paradigm with eccentric unit designs is proposed, which can realize both stable stiffness variations and high load‐bearing. The theoretical, simulation, and experimental results demonstrate that the SVS chain meta‐structure achieves ≈110 times stiffness variation between the low and high loading conditions. Its load‐bearing can reach more than 1500 N when the meta‐structure falls into the high stiffness stage. Furthermore, some typical functions are demonstrated using the stability‐enhanced SVS metamaterial, including customized mechanical protections for human joints and information transformation regulated by remote mechanical input signals. The results can provide a useful solution for generating a more feasible stability‐enhanced SVS metamaterial/meta‐structure and promote their potential applications in aerospace, medical devices, and robotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights A thermodynamically‐based fractional viscoelastic‐viscoplastic‐damage constitutive model combined with continuous damage mechanics (CDM) theory was established, in order to describe the rate‐dependent nonlinear behavior of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs). The fractional Helmholtz free energy consists of four contributions: viscoelastic (VE), viscoplastic (VP), hardening and damage, in which the VE and VP parts are constructed by fractional Zener and Scott‐Blair (SB) element forms respectively. The constitutive equation is obtained through Helmholtz free energy for the fractional Zener model, and plastic flow and hardening evolution law are all derived in the process. The ductile damage, coupled to both VE and VP free energy parts, is introduced through fractional damage energy release rates to model the degradation of material properties. The corresponding strain energy release rate and dissipation contributions are also derived. The fractional implicit time integration algorithms of proposed model are presented. The model is applied to validate tests of FRPCs under various loading conditions. The model validation and comparison are presented by simulating experimental data and existing models in the literature. And the corresponding evolution of dissipated energy is discussed to further valid the characterization ability of the model. A thermodynamical fractional constitutive model was developed for FRPCs. The Helmholtz free‐energy potential for fractional Zener model is adopted. The physical significance of fractional order parameters is explored. Fractional implicit integration algorithm of proposed model is implemented. The validation and comparison of the model are presented under various loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mining, the roof structure of a working face with a large mining height in a shallow‐buried coal seam is prone to cutting instability in front of the support, which causes support crushing and coal‐wall spalling. This study analyzes 2201 working faces with large mining heights in the Haiwan No. 3 Mine by investigating the mechanical response law of coal walls under the transient excitation of roof structure instability. A mechanical model of coal walls under dynamic and static load coupling is established, revealing the formation mechanism of coal wall spalling and its main influencing factors. Prevention and control technologies of advanced grooving and pressure relief are proposed, and grooving parameters are determined. The results show that: During the mining process of large mining height working face in shallow buried coal seam, the step change of static response of coal wall is induced by the transient instability of roof structure, and the high abutment pressure is formed on the coal wall. At the same time, the strain energy and gravitational potential energy of roof cutting instability are released to form a dynamic load. Under the action of dynamic and static load, the plastic failure dissipation power of the coal wall is greater than the critical power, and the coal wall spalling occurs. The main influencing factors are mining load, mining height, and internal friction angle of the coal wall. The method of advanced grooving pressure relief can change the roof structure and coal force mechanism, by cutting off the connection between the coal wall and immediate roof, reducing the height of the coal wall force, effectively controlling the position of the roof cut off break line, reducing the static load effect of the roof on the coal, and transferring the position of the dynamic load response to the depth of the coal wall. When the grooving height‐depth ratio k is 0.75, the peak value of the abutment pressure moves 5.57 m to the front of the working face, and the pressure relief effect is the best. The above research results provide an effective active protection method for controlling coal wall spalling in fully mechanised working face with large mining height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of multifunctional bio‐adhesive plays a critical role in achieving a sustainable society, where the intrinsic sensitivity to water and poor dynamics severely bottlenecks its scale‐up application. Inspired by the microstructure of dragonfly wings, a strong and tough adhesive with excellent reprocessability is designed and developed by creating a dynamic network consisting of a lignin polyurea (LPU) framework with soybean protein (SP). The LPU framework act as the rigid nervures to slow crack propagation and transfer stress, while the SP dissipate the strain energy through the interplay from the graded hydrogen and imine bonds generated between LPU and SP. The bio‐adhesive achieves significant enhancements in fracture toughness and water resistance by ≈7 and 23 folds, respectively, compared with SP. Furthermore, the capacity for diffusion and restoration of dynamic network endows the adhesive with superior reprocessability, enabling recycled particleboard to achieve high retention of modules (over 80%). This sustainable bio‐adhesive approach offers a promising eco‐friendly alternative to the conventional petrochemical adhesive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural health monitoring obtains data reflecting the service status of grid structures through sensors. One of the issues to consider in optimal sensor placement is how to obtain as much information as possible with a limited number of sensors. In this paper, a sensor placement method is proposed based on damage sensitivity and correlation analysis, which is based on strain energy calculation and is suitable for grid structures. Specifically, with the sensor locations as optimization variables, a mathematical optimization model is established by considering the damage sensitivity and redundancy of the monitoring scheme, and a genetic algorithm is employed for computation. Two examples, including a lattice shell and a flat grid, are provided to illustrate the method, followed by a discussion of the sensitivity of parameters such as stiffness reduction degree and load form. The results indicate that the redundancy of the optimized schemes for the two examples decreased by approximately 80% and 30%, respectively. The proposed method ensures a certain degree of damage sensitivity while significantly reducing redundancy, demonstrating its applicability and robustness in sensor placement for grid structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internal damping has a significant influence on the dynamic performance of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) drive shaft. In this paper, the traditional damping strain energy model of composite structures was modified using the reverse off-axis transformation. The damping ratio of CFRP hollow tube pieces is then tested using the vibration method, and the accuracy and efficiency of the modified damping numerical model are verified. Meanwhile, the modified model was proposed to study the damping characteristics and contribution rate of the CFRP hollow tube. The results show the influence law of the laminate parameters on the bending and torsion damping of the CFRP hollow tube. How the strain energy dissipation affects the damping of the CFRP hollow tube is discussed, and the mechanism relationship between the laminate parameters and damping is explored. This study provides theoretical guidance for the design of the bending and torsion damping of CFRP hollow tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel approach to the analysis of large deflection and post-buckling behavior of cantilever nanorods under different load conditions. The proposed approach utilizes a variational method, incorporating the Gurtin–Murdoch surface elasticity theory and the consistent couple stress theory to account for size-dependency effects. By accounting for the strain energy contributions of the bulk material, surface layer, and load conditions, this approach expresses the behavior of the nanorods in terms of their intrinsic coordinates. A finite element method was used to solve this numerical problem, generating a system of non-linear equations that were iteratively solved using the Newton–Raphson method. The results obtained from the finite element method were confirmed by those from the shooting method. Also, it highlights the effectiveness of the variational model in predicting the large deflection and post-buckling behavior of cantilever nanorods while considering both surface stress and couple stress effects. Furthermore, the study investigated the influence of surface stress and couple stress on the response of the nanorods to point and uniform loads. The results showed that incorporating both effects enhanced the stiffness of the nanorods compared to scenarios in which these effects were neglected. In addition, the couple stress effect was found to have a greater influence on the stiffening of nanorods for the same value of unitless parameters compared to surface stress effects. These findings offer valuable insights into the large deflection and post-buckling behavior of cantilever nanorods and highlight the importance of surface stress and couple stress effects. The model proposed in this study has potential applications in advanced technological device designs by providing a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical response of nanorods, allowing for more accurate predictions and enhanced device performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shear stress levels on reverse faults are anticipated to be several times higher than on normal faults with the same pore pressure ratio. In addition, ruptures on normal faults release gravitational potential energy, whereas earthquakes on reverse faults expend work in uplifting rocks. In this study, I investigate the significance of these differences for earthquake cycles and I question whether the source of energy driving earthquakes is the same on reverse and normal faults. Based on the assumption that normal and reverse faults have the same background frictional properties and pore pressure states, I use numerical simulations with a two‐dimensional dynamic elastic‐plastic model to show that due to stress differences, earthquakes on reverse faults tend to occur less frequently, produce more coseismic slip and stress drop and involve higher slip rates than ruptures on normal faults with equivalent dimensions. The analysis also shows differences in the energy changes associated with earthquake cycles on reverse and normal faults. However, the earthquakes on both fault types result from abrupt release of elastic strain energy, which proceed and essentially drive variations in gravitational potential energy. Thus, ruptures on both normal and reverse faults are consistent with elastic rebound theory. Plain Language Summary: Normal faults found in regions experiencing extension are normally thought to have lower stress levels than reverse faults in zones of convergence. In addition, whereas the action of normal faulting causes mostly subsidence and is therefore assisted by gravity, reverse faulting tends to uplift topography, which requires that work be done against gravity. This study uses numerical modeling to address whether there are significant differences in the earthquakes on reverse and normal faults, assuming that they have identical pore pressures and frictional properties. The results show that ruptures on reverse faults are larger, more energetic and less frequent than earthquakes on normal faults. These differences are due to the higher stress levels on reverse faults than normal faults with the same dimension. The results also show than although earthquakes on normal faults are assisted by gravity, they result from an abrupt drop in elastic energy in the same way as ruptures on reverse faults. Thus, the results do not support claims that earthquakes on normal faults have a different energy source and require an explanation other than elastic rebound. Key Points: Model earthquakes on reverse faults involve higher slip rates, more slip, and larger stress drop and occur less frequently than on normal faultsModel earthquakes on both fault types involve abrupt release of elastic strain energy, much of which is dissipated plasticallyDespite differences in energetics, model earthquakes on both fault types are consistent with elastic rebound theory [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the precursory information and instability fracture of rocks, we conducted a series of uniaxial compression tests on flawed sandstone. An integrated warning modeling is developed to predict the fracture in flawed sandstone. The results show that both the peak strength and elastic modulus of flawed sandstone demonstrate an "inverted" Gaussian distribution relative to the ligament angle, reaching the minimum values at 60°. The elastic strain energy proportion shows a sharp drop‐off, whereas the proportion of dissipative energy increases in steps. The coalescence modes of flawed sandstone change from a mixed tensile‐shear failure approximately aligned with the axis to an oblique shear failure. An integrated warning model is developed by integrating a Multi‐Output Classifier (MOC) and Grid optimization (GO). The integrated warning model has an accuracy of 97.95%. Additionally, the sensitivity of the model is recorded at 99.26%, confirming its effectiveness in predicting the likelihood of fracturing. Highlights: The cracking process of flawed sandstone is classified based on energy characteristics.The elastic energy ratio and dissipative energy ratio of flawed sandstone are revealed.The precursory indicators are identified using b‐value, AE variance, and AE energy.An integrated warning model is developed in combination with RFA and MOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing multiaxial fatigue theories requires experimental verification of a failure criterion, posing a significant challenge. This study aims to investigate the validity of a multiaxial fatigue method based on the Lagoda‐Macha‐Sakane (LMS) theory. The LMS theory links the critical strain energy density to the fatigue crack initiation cycles through a non‐linear equation defined by a set of empirical parameters calibrated by a strain‐controlled uniaxial fatigue test. This work adopts the LMS formulation, numerically calibrating the fatigue curve based on strain energy density from uniaxial fatigue experimental data and considering only the LMS theory for the critical strain energy density computation. This method avoids compatibility condition uncertainties and previous identification of material parameters. The study uses bi‐axial bending tests on AISI 316 L steel plate specimens with 3D finite element analyses to support computational assessment. The predictive capability of the model and the effectiveness of the testing method are presented and discussed. Highlights: New biaxial fatigue crack initiation criterion based on critical strain energy densityCalibration to overcome material parameters dependency and compatibility conditionsComparison of the calculated cycle number and experimental data for equibiaxial testsProposal for a new approach to calculate the LMS' strain energy density amplitude [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Quantum chemical modeling (DFT-PBE0/cc-pVTZ) of the [4 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of 1,3-cyclopentadiene (CPD) to (exo/endo)-dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) was carried out, resulting in 14 products—CPD trimers. According to calculations, exo-addition of CPD to the norbornene (NB) fragment of DCPD and trans-addition of CPD to the cyclopentene (CP) fragment of DCPD are kinetically preferred. Ring strain energies ERS were calculated for all trimers using the homodesmotic reaction approach. The least strained trimers are formed by exo-addition of CPD to the NB fragment of exo-DCPD, while the most strained ones are formed by endo-addition of CPD to the NB fragment of endo-DCPD. ERS values are in good agreement with thermodynamic stability of trimers. Analysis of activation energy using the activation strain model showed steric effects causing deformation of the DCPD molecule upon reaching the transition state to be the leading factor of the magnitude of the cycloaddition reaction activation barrier. Deformation of the DCPD molecule mostly occurs in two dihedral angles—the angle of escape of H atoms from the plane of the double bond involved in cycloaddition and the angle between the NB and CP fragments. The sum of deviations of these angles in the transition states (or products) structures is in good agreement with Gibbs activation energies of cycloaddition reactions of CPD to DCPD. Methods: Quantum chemical calculations were carried out using density functional theory in Gaussian 09 software. Hybrid exchange–correlation PBE0 functional was used with cc-pVTZ basis set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attaching viscoelastic materials (VEMs) to structures has been widely used to improve structural dynamic properties. Nevertheless, the adhesion of VEMs inevitably leads to the increase in overall structural mass. Topology optimization is one of the most effective methods to tackle this contradiction. In the traditional topology optimization, VEMs damping cores in constrain layer damping (CLD) sandwich structures are often simplified into linear elastic materials with constant parameters, usually ignoring their frequency-dependent and temperature-dependent dynamic characteristics, which will cause the distortion of the optimization results. Therefore, we propose a topology optimization method for CLD sandwich panels with a frequency-dependent VEM damping core considering steady-state free vibration in this study, where the anelastic displacement fields (ADF) model is adopted to combine the derived frequency-dependent complex constitutive relationship with the layerwise finite element (LFE) model, and the iterative modal strain energy (IMSE) method is used to determine the modal parameters of the CLD sandwich panels. The results of numerical examples show that the proposed method in this study not only has the advantages of simple and intuitive model, high calculation efficiency, and accuracy but also can achieve relatively good dynamic properties of the CLD sandwich structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the biomechanical properties of pedicle screw reinsertion along the same trajectory in a previously validated synthetic bone model. Twenty identical acrylonitrile butadiene styrene models of lumbar vertebrae were three-dimensional-printed. Screws were placed in the standard fashion into each pedicle. Models were separated into 2 equal groups, control and experimental. Experimental group screws were completely removed from their testing block and reinserted once. All screws in both groups were then forcibly removed. Continuous torque monitoring was collected on screw insertion torque (IT), removal torque, and reinsertion torque. Pullout strength (PO), screw stiffness (STI), and strain energy (STR) were calculated. There was no significant difference between control and experimental groups for PO (P = 0.26), STI (P = 0.55), STR (P = 0.50), or IT (P = 0.24). There was a significant decrease in reinsertion torque (54.5 N-cm ± 8.2 N-cm) from control IT (62.9 N-cm ± 8.4 N-cm, P = 0.045) and experimental IT (67.5 N-cm ± 7.6 N-cm, P = 0.0026). Strong correlations (Pearson's r > 0.80) were seen between control IT against STR and PO, between each of the experimental torque measurements, and between experimental PO and STI. Despite a significant decrease in insertion torque, there is no significant loss of pedicle screw performance when a screw is removed and reinserted along the same trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquefaction-induced flow failures, excessive settlements, lateral spreading, and loss of shear strength in granular soils can become massive hazards during earthquakes. Among the various mitigation techniques available, soil reinforcement using dense granular columns can be considered as a very effective technique, and its effectiveness gets further improved by encasing the columns in a geotextile to maintain the integrity of the columns during earthquakes. This paper presents findings from a first-of-its-kind study of simple shear tests on sand reinforced with geotextile-encased granular columns (EGC) to understand the fundamental mechanisms leading to its improved liquefaction resistance and shearing response. The effects of area replacement ratio and grouping action of columns on the overall response are established by performing a series of multi-stage constant volume simple shear tests on unreinforced and EGC-reinforced sands. The area replacement ratio was varied between 4 and 16% in different tests, and the tests with 16% area replacement ratio were conducted on sand with a single column and a group of columns. The particle sizes, encasement tensile strength, and column configurations are carefully chosen to avoid scaling and boundary effects on the test results. The performance of EGCs against liquefaction was evaluated considering all fundamental mechanisms, including the progression of pore pressures, nonlinear hysteretic behaviour, strain energy accumulation, and shear modulus degradation. The potential of EGCs for mitigating the liquefaction and improving the post-liquefaction shear strength of sand was found to improve with the increase in the area replacement ratio. For a specific area replacement ratio, the beneficial effects were more significant when the EGCs were spread into a group of symmetrically placed columns instead of a single column at the centre. The stress concentration on the EGCs due to modulus contrast and additional confinement offered by the EGCs to intervening soil have collectively benefited the shearing response of sand before, during, and after liquefaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcopyrite selenide single crystals and epitaxial layers (CuIn1−xGaxSe2, x = 0.00, 0.08, 0.19, 1.00) were characterized by temperature‐dependent photoreflectance (PR), photoluminescence (PL), photoluminescence–excitation (PLE), and variable excitation‐energy photoluminescence (VEPL) spectroscopy. The transition energies Ea, Eb, and Ec of both CuInSe2 (CIS) and CuGaSe2 (CGS) layers sensed by PR were higher than the energies of single crystals. CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 grown on GaAs(001) underlie compressive and tensile stresses, respectively, which lead to band‐gap broadening in CIS and band‐gap narrowing in CGS. The increase of the Ea, Eb, Ec energies of tensely stressed CuGaSe2 layers to energies higher than those of the bulk originates from the stress dependence of the non‐cubic crystal field. Band‐gap scanning of the CuGaSe2 layer with continuous‐wave Ti:sapphire‐laser confirmed the absence of correlation between band‐gap readjustment and intrinsic defects. The energy of the band‐edge exciton EFE, in the PL‐spectra, was lower than the Ea transition energy, in the PR‐spectra, which is assigned to partial quenching of ΔCF with the increase of external tensile stress by gallium‐segregation at the chalcopyrite/GaAs‐interface. The stress dependence of ΔCF is negligible in CuInSe2 and linear, with a rate of 9 meV/100 MPa, in CuGaSe2. It is revealed that the energy band‐gap of photovoltaic chalcopyrite absorbers can be tuned by simultaneous built‐in and external lattice‐tuning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of the cooling rates, from 18 to 1.5 °C/s, on the as-cast microstructure of the CMSX-4 Ni-based superalloy, especially on morphological changes in primary γ′ precipitates in the dendrite core and border. Microstructural characterization along the height of directionally solidified samples included the measurement of grain density, secondary dendrite arm spacing, γ–γ′ eutectic morphology and volume fraction, solute segregation, and primary γ′ precipitate morphology & size in both dendrite core and border. A simple thermodynamic model was employed to investigate the morphological transitions observed during coarsening of primary γ′ precipitates, from sphere to cube, concave cube, octocube and solid-state dendrite. The γ–γ′ lattice misfit, the γ/γ′ elastic strain energy values within the γ matrix, and the critical precipitation sizes for morphological changes were extrapolated for the dendrite core and border. The thermodynamic model, which considers the balance between elastic and interfacial energies, does not completely explain the differences in size and shape of the primary γ′ particles between the dendrite border and core. The more varied γ′ particle morphologies in the dendrite border are due to faster precipitate coarsening, driven by lower Re and W contents, higher atomic diffusivity, increased solvus temperature, and reduced supercooling for the precipitation reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this research is to evaluate the strain energy in a brittle material during the interaction of the semi-infinite crack with a neighboring micro-crack. The problem is formulated by considering a cracked thin plate having a micro-crack that rotates around itself and around the semi-infinite crack whose the cracked plate is subjected to a uniform load under mode I. During the interaction between the semi-infinite crack and micro-crack, the strain energy and stress field can be generated at the crack tip of semi-infinite crack. The theoretical analysis of this interaction is treated mathematically by the complex potentials functions. It is shown that the positioning of the micro-crack relative to the semi-infinite crack leads to amplification, reduction and absorption of the strain energy at the crack-tip. The theoretical results agree with those found numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chaudonneret model cannot fully and effectively characterize the linear correlation between the strain energy density release rate and the number of cycles in the damage evolution stage of low carbon alloy steels under multiaxial non-proportional loading. In order to solve this problem, the fatigue failure process of Q355B is captured by digital image correlation technology, and the factors affecting fatigue failure under multiaxial loading are analyzed in combination with fracture morphology characteristics. Based on the concept of critical plane, a new stress combination form is introduced to reflect the failure factors, and the corresponding damage evolution model is proposed. The model considers the interaction between different stresses and can describe the damage evolution law under non-proportional loading. Compared with different types of life prediction models, the distribution range of life prediction results of the improved model under multiaxial non-proportional loading has a good correlation with the experimental values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of acid corrosion on mechanical properties and fractal characteristics of red sandstone. The mineral composition of red sandstone was analyzed using X-ray diffraction. The mechanical properties and acoustic emission (AE) signals of red sandstone specimens corroded by sulfuric acid solution with pH values of 1, 3, and 5 for 30 days were determined by uniaxial compression test and AE technique. The energy dissipation law and the fractal damage characteristics of red sandstone specimens after acid corrosion were analyzed based on the energy and fractal theories. The results indicated that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of red sandstone specimens corroded by acid solution decreased. In addition, the peak strain increased, the cumulative AE ringing count decreased, and the duration of high-level AE ringing shortened. These phenomena became more pronounced as the acidity of the solution increased. The peak values of the total energy and the elastic strain energy of the acid-solution-corroded red sandstone specimens decreased. The energy absorption capacity and energy storage limit of rock specimens also decreased. The fractal dimension and the degree of fragmentation decreased with the dissipated energy used for fragmentation. This research provides valuable insights into the prevention and control of sub-surface geotechnical hazards in acid rain-prone areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing guidance mechanisms using bistable mechanisms with two stable positions is a common low-power solution for maintaining the guidance position without continuous external energy input. However, the coupling between kinematics and statics in compliant bistable mechanisms poses a challenge for their application in mechanism synthesis. To address this issue, this paper introduces the pole similarity transformation theory into the synthesis of compliant mechanisms and proposes a general synthesis method for planar serial-based compliant bistable mechanisms. This method models the compliant mechanism using the strain energy method and analyzes the bistable characteristics of the mechanism within its motion plane using the saddle point searching method. By doing so, the proposed method can identify stable positions without predetermined motion trajectories, making it more suitable for designing compliant bistable mechanisms with general planar motion. Additionally, this method utilizes the pole map to describe the stable positions of the rigid components in the compliant mechanism and establishes an information database for compliant bistable mechanisms. Through leveraging the pole similarity transformation, the pole maps of the mechanisms in the information database are matched with the pole map of the motion task, thus achieving the synthesis of planar serial-based compliant bistable mechanisms for the rigid-body guidance problem. The paper provides a detailed explanation of the mechanism synthesis process and demonstrates its application through a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnitude (Mw) 8.3 Tokachi-oki earthquake occurred in September 2003, causing extensive damage in Hokkaido, Japan, and triggering extensive soil liquefaction in the region. The Port of Kushiro was one of the locations where surficial evidence of liquefaction was observed but was also a well-instrumented location with four pore-water pressure transducers installed in the backfill of the quay wall. However, all of the sensors malfunctioned during the earthquake. As a result, the pore-water pressure response recorded by those sensors were inaccurate and unusable with regard to evaluating liquefaction triggering and extent. This study introduced the energy-based soil liquefaction evaluation to estimate the excess pore water pressure responses at the Port of Kushiro based on the cumulative strain energy of the soil during the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake. In order to apply the energy-based method to this case history, this study explored the empirical equation describing a relationship between normalized cumulative energy and excess pore water pressure ratio while incorporating the bidirectional shaking effect on strain energy development. Although the energy-based method allowed for the estimation of the time needed to trigger liquefaction at a target site, it was derived using the empirical coefficients that were developed for a different soil from those at the site of interest. This indicated that an adjustment to the estimated timing of liquefaction was needed, which was accomplished by additional evaluation through a Stockwell transform and Arias intensity-based liquefaction assessment. Both procedures indicated a similar timing of liquefaction at the site. Based on the updated time of liquefaction triggering, the empirical coefficient was recalibrated to estimate the excess pore water pressure ratio, and the result provided reasonable excess pore water pressure responses at the backfill of the Port of Kushiro during the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of the liquefaction susceptibility of soils is one of the most important subjects in geotechnical earthquake engineering. The energy-based liquefaction evaluation procedure, with a focus on seismic energy propagation and dissipation in soils, has attracted increasing attention in recent years. This paper presents a systematic analysis of cyclic triaxial test data of three series of silty sands through the energy-based approach. The stress-normalized accumulative dissipated strain energy per unit volume required for triggering liquefaction is used to evaluate the liquefaction potential of sands. It is a function of void ratio, fines content, and sand type. The pore pressure generation with the stress-normalized accumulative dissipated energy per unit volume can be simulated by a one-parameter pore pressure model, and the model parameter is affected by void ratio, fines content, and sand type. Unified characterizations of the stress-normalized accumulative dissipated energy per unit volume required for liquefaction and the fitting parameter of the pore pressure model are proposed in the framework of critical state soil mechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the application of free-form surface spatial grid structures in large public buildings has become increasingly common. The layouts of grids are important factors that affect both the mechanical performance and aesthetic appeal of such structures. To achieve a triangular grid with good mechanical performance and uniformity on free-form surfaces, this study proposes a new method called the "strain energy gradient optimization method". The grid topology is optimized to maximize the overall stiffness, by analyzing the sensitivity of nodal coordinates to the overall strain energy. The results indicate that the overall strain energy of the optimized grid has decreased, indicating an improvement in the structural stiffness. Specifically, compared to the initial grid, the optimized grid has a 30% decrease in strain energy and a 43.3% decrease in maximum nodal displacement. To optimize the smoothness of the grid, the study further applies the Laplacian grid smoothing method. Compared to the mechanically adjusted grid, the structural mechanical performance does not significantly change after smoothing, while the geometric indicators are noticeably improved, with smoother lines and regular shapes. On the other hand, compared to the initial grid, the smoothed grid has a 21.4% decrease in strain energy and a 28.3% decrease in maximum nodal displacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the micro-mechanical behavior of mortar under uniaxial compression using a three-phase model in PFC3D. By simulating mortar as a composite of cement, sand, and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), the research examines the impact of particle size on stress–strain behavior, crack propagation, porosity distribution, contact forces, and energy transformation. The simulations reveal that reducing sand particle size from 1–2 mm to 0.25–0.5 mm leads to a significant increase in uniaxial compressive strength, with peak strength values rising from 65.3 MPa to 89.6 MPa. The elastic modulus similarly improves by approximately 20% as particle size decreases. The study also finds that tensile cracks dominate failure, accounting for over 95% of total cracks, with their onset occurring at lower strains as the particle size is reduced. Porosity analysis shows that smaller particles result in a more uniform distribution, with the final porosity at peak strength ranging between 0.26 and 0.29, compared to 0.22 to 0.31 for larger particles. Additionally, energy dissipation patterns reveal that as particle size decreases, the boundary energy transformation into strain energy becomes more efficient, with a 15% increase in strain energy storage observed. These findings provide critical insights into optimizing mortar microstructure for enhanced mechanical performance in construction applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of recycled asphalt mixtures in regions with seasonal freeze-thaw cycles is becoming more popular. However, strict requirements for low-temperature cracking resistance limit their widespread application. This study designed thirteen types of recycled asphalt mixtures to explore factors affecting low-temperature performance in seasonal freeze-thaw regions and potential optimization methods. The three-point bending test assessed the low-temperature cracking performance of mixtures with varying recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) content, asphalt-aggregate ratios, asphalt types, and gradations under both conventional and freeze-thaw conditions. Results show that destructive strain and fracture energy decrease with higher RAP content, but increase with higher asphalt-aggregate ratios and 4.75 mm sieve passing rates. Adding rubber powder significantly enhances both destructive strain and fracture energy. Furthermore, the destructive strain remains insensitive to factors under both and freeze-thaw conditions, while fracture energy effectively distinguishes differences in low-temperature crack resistance. Analysis of variance reveals that RAP content, asphalt-aggregate ratio, asphalt type, and gradation significantly affect fracture energy after freeze-thaw cycles. Optimizing gradation is recommended to improve low-temperature performance of recycled asphalt mixtures in freeze-thaw regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In scale-down tests of ship structures subjected to a blast load, the accuracy of the predicted response of a prototype is affected by the material substitution and geometric distortion between a scaled model and a full-size structure; this is known as incomplete similarity. To obtain a more accurate response from a prototype during small-size tests, a corrected method for scaling the response of thin plates and stiffened plates under a blast load was derived. In addition, based on numerical simulations of explosion responses by employing the elastic–plastic model and the Johnson–Cook constitutive model, it was found that using the average yield stress derived from the equivalent plastic strain energy in the ideal elastic–plastic model can obtain consistent structural responses. Moreover, a method for calculating the distortion factor caused by the yield stress of different materials was proposed. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the average effective plastic strain between the prototype and the corrected model is equal, and based on this, a similarity prediction method was established to correct the distortions caused by yield stress and the thickness of blast loaded plates. The results indicate that the proposed correction method can compensate for the differences caused by distorted factors of yield stress and thickness, with the maximum error in the structure's peak displacement being less than 3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the energy dynamics of sandstone subjected to failure in conditions typical of deep underground construction. Research was conducted using both standard triaxial compression and cyclic loading–unloading techniques at six distinct confining pressures, with the objective of elucidating the deformation and failure processes of rock materials. The tests demonstrated that, regardless of the stress path, sandstone primarily fails through shear under different confining pressures, which also reduces the formation of secondary cracks. The energy transformation observed during cyclic loading and unloading processes exhibits a distinctive peak-like distribution, marked by an inflection point that indicates changes in energy distribution. In the initial stages of the loading cycle, the energy profile of the rock increases, characterized by a condition in which the energy stored elastically exceeds the energy dissipated. Nevertheless, subsequent to reaching peak stress, there is a rapid transmutation of elastic strain energy into other forms, culminating in a pronounced elevation in the ratio of dissipated energy, which ultimately achieves a state of equilibrium influenced by the confining pressures. The study introduces the energy consumption ratio (Ke) as a metric for assessing rock damage accumulation and stability, noting a critical pattern where Ke decreases and then spikes at the rock's failure point, with K = 1 identified as the critical threshold for failure. This comprehensive analysis illuminates the intricate relationship between energy distribution patterns and the stability of rock structures, thereby enhancing our understanding of failure mechanisms from an energetic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular structure of dielectric elastomers dictates their mechanical, electrical, and properties to react under external stimuli, influencing their suitability for applications such as actuators, sensors, and energy harvesting devices. The molecular structure of polymers can be tailored by incorporating plasticizers and particulate fillers to achieve multifunctional properties. However, achieving a balance between flexibility and maintaining mechanical strength due to incorporation of fillers induced phase separation and compromised intermolecular interactions remains challenging. In the present work, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites are synthesized using plasticizer and particulate fillers, polyethylene glycol (H‐(OCH2CH2)nOH) and titanium diboride (TiB2) respectively in various concentrations using shear mixing and doctor blade casting technique. Molecular structure of synthesized PDMS composite is confirmed by observing peaks of Raman spectra sift, which exhibits robust CO bonds dominating for both fillers. Chain entanglement due to filler incorporation significantly affects the crosslink density of PDMS composite, it increases with the concentration of plasticizer and possesses inverse relation for particulate. Furthermore, interdependence of the filler types and concentration are found on the mechanical as well as electrical properties. The specific deformation energy exhibits a significant increase of 118.9% when comparing particulate to the plasticizer at concentration of 8 wt.%. Although plasticizer increases the actuation strain and energy conversion efficiency but decreases the electrical breakdown voltage in comparison to particulate. By systematically varying fillers concentration, subtle changes in multifunctional properties are achieved. Overall, this investigation provides a framework for tailoring dielectric elastomer composites with desired electromechanical characteristics through the amalgamation of filler types and crosslinking densities, all intricately tied to the molecular architecture for electromechanical sensors. Highlights: Filler incorporation changes DE molecular structure and materials properties.Formation of additional bonds and micro‐capacitors in DE enhances capacitance.Actuation strain in DE depends on filler type and concentration.Energy conversion efficiency varies with the concentration of filler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This theoretical work deals with delamination in U-shaped load-carrying structural members. The latter represent multilayered functionally graded systems of non-linear viscoelastic behaviour. The right-hand vertical part of the structure under consideration is delaminated. The structure is clamped in the lower end of the left-hand vertical part. Besides, the structure is supported by a rotational spring which has non-linear elastic behaviour. The strain energy release rate is derived by using an approach that is based on analysis of equilibrium of the various components of the U-shaped structure. The solution derived is checked-up by applying the method of the integral J. The dependence of the strain energy release rate on different parameters is studied and presented in form of various graphs. Analysis of a U-shaped structural member with two rotational spring supports also is carried-out and the strain energy release rate obtained is compared with that in the U-shaped structure with one rotational spring support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Face‐centered cubic (fcc) metals deposited onto crystalline substrates grow heteroepitaxially with specific orientation relationships (ORs). The ORs depend on a number of factors including lattice mismatch, bonding and the relative symmetry between the surface and the film. Less explored factors include defects like growth and annealing twins. In this study, a high density of nanotwins in as‐deposited films delay grain growth of OR1 ({111}fcc∥(0001)Al2O3$\left(\left{\right. 111 \left.\right}\right)_{f c c} \parallel \left(\left(\right. 0001 \left.\right)\right)_{A l_{2} O_{3}}$, ⟨110⟩fcc∥⟨101¯0⟩Al2O3$\left(\langle 110 \rangle\right)_{f c c} \parallel \left(\langle 10 \bar{1} 0 \rangle\right)_{A l_{2} O_{3}}$) grains up to 0.56 Tm. A new OR with respect to the c‐sapphire substrate is found, compared to the well‐known OR1 and OR2 which grow with the {111}fcc$\left(\left{\right. 111 \left.\right}\right)_{f c c}$∥(0001)Al2O3$$ \parallel {(0001)}_{A{l}_{2}{O}_{3}}$$. This is named OR3, grows above 0.56 Tm with {001}fcc∥(0001)Al2O3,⟨100⟩fcc∥⟨101¯0⟩Al2O3$\left(\left{\right. 001 \left.\right}\right)_{f c c} \parallel \left(\left(\right. 0001 \left.\right)\right)_{A l_{2} O_{3}} , \left(\langle 100 \rangle\right)_{f c c} \parallel \left(\langle 10 \bar{1} 0 \rangle\right)_{A l_{2} O_{3}}$. The OR3 growth is related to strain and defect energy advantage. An unusual OR {345}fcc∥(0001)Al2O3$\left(\left{\right. 345 \left.\right}\right)_{f c c} \parallel \left(\left(\right. 0001 \left.\right)\right)_{A l_{2} O_{3}}$accompanies OR3 in most films, occupying an area fraction of >0.3. A minute (<0.05) but consistent fractions of {447}fcc$$ \{447{\}}_{fcc},$$, {115}fcc$$ \{115{\}}_{fcc}$$, {221}fcc$$ \{221{\}}_{fcc}$$, {236}fcc$$ \{236{\}}_{fcc}$$ and 146fcc$$ {\left\{146\right\}}_{fcc} $$ all parallel to 0001Al2O3$$ {\left(0001\right)}_{A{l}_{2}{O}_{3}}$$ and related to annealing twins in exact and near {001}fcc$\left(\left{\right. 001 \left.\right}\right)_{f c c}$ and {111}fcc$\left(\left{\right. 111 \left.\right}\right)_{f c c}$ grains are observed. The study opens new directions in the crystallography of ORs, considering the role of twins in addition to the surface and strain energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residual stress in low‐carbon high‐strength steel is not effectively relaxed during alloy carbide precipitation but is fully relaxed during manganese partitioning. The specific microscopic mechanisms responsible for this observed phenomenon have yet to be fully elucidated. This study employs first‐principles calculations in conjunction with experiments to demonstrate that alloy carbide precipitation leads to the formation of dense dislocation tangles that hinder carbon diffusion and carbide precipitation. Conversely, manganese partitioning aids carbon diffusion by altering dislocation morphology while also causing plastic deformation. The simultaneous occurrence of partitioning plasticity and precipitation plasticity during manganese partitioning results in a more significant relaxation of residual stress compared to alloy carbides precipitation: The plasticity coefficient for alloy carbide precipitation is 1.303 × 10−5, while the plasticity coefficient for manganese partition is 2.691 × 10−5. During alloy carbide precipitation, the elastic strain energy decreases to 43.48% of its initial value, whereas it can be further reduced to 25.29% after manganese partitioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The given document is supplementary material for a research article on the optimal cross-sectional chamber shape for soft pneumatic actuators. It includes figures, graphs, and experimental validation results comparing different chamber shapes. The material also provides a Python script for modeling the actuators in ABAQUS software. The purpose of this code is not clear from the information provided. [Extracted from the article]

Electrodeposited Invar alloy film is highly desirable for manufacturing fine metal masks (FMMs) used in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs). However, its development is limited by the high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). In this study, we successfully obtained a coarse-grained electrodeposited Invar alloy film with near-zero thermal expansion and inclusions smaller than 300 nm, achieved through abnormal grain growth (AGG) induced by second-phase particles. Our experiments confirmed that these second-phase particles are composed of (Fe, Ni)1-xS. During AGG, the aggregation and coarsening of these second-phase particles lead to changes in local strain energy, and the combined effects of surface and strain energies results in the rapid preferential growth of (110)-oriented grains. The matrix grains are engulfed by large-sized grains and transformed into sub-grains, which merge with the abnormally growing grains through grain rotation. An inverse relationship was found between CTE and grain size. Following vacuum annealing at 800 °C for 2 h and hydrogen annealing for 1 h, the average grain size increased to approximately 400 µm, while the CTE was reduced to 0.3 × 10–6/ °C. This study provides a new method for obtaining electrodeposited Invar alloy films that meet commercial applications criteria for and are suitable for FMM fabrication for high-definition OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shear fatigue performance and fracture behavior of microscale ball grid array (BGA) structure Cu/Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu/Cu solder joints with different heights (500 μm, 300 μm, and 100 μm) with increasing current density (from 6.0 × 10³ to 1.1 × 104 A/cm²) were investigated systematically. The results reveal that the fatigue life of solder joints decreases with increasing current density, while increasing with decreasing the height of solder joints. The location of fatigue fracture shifts from solder matrix to the interface between solder and intermetallic compound (IMC) layer for those with heights of 500 μm and 300 μm with increasing current density, in which the interfacial fracture is triggered by current crowding at the groove of the IMC layer and driven by mismatch strain at the solder/IMC layer interface; while, the fatigue fracture all occurs in the solder matrix for solder joints with a height of 100 μm. Moreover, the fracture in solder matrix of solder joints with heights of 500 μm and 300 μm exhibits an arc-shape fracture path, while a linear path for those with a height of 100 μm. These fracture paths are consistent with the concentration distribution region of plastic strain energy in solder joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of austempering temperature on the microstructure evolution and tensile deformation behaviour of 24CrNiMo samples prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) were studied in this study. The results showed that the content of lower bainite increases by 25.2% as the austempering temperature increases from 200 to 250 °C. The samples at 250 °C (below MS) have obtained the best mechanical properties, with the microhardness (536.89 HV0.2), ultimate tensile strength (1714.29 MPa), and elongation (14.3%). The microscopic movement mechanism of the crystal showed that during the plastic deformation process of the sample, a large amount of dislocation slip occurred in the {110}<111> slip system inside the grains, resulting in higher strain energy in the grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effectiveness of fatigue life prediction using Interfacial Plastic Strain Energy (IPSE) was investigated for off-axis unidirectional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic (CFRTP) specimens composed of PA6, a thermoplastic resin. Given the high hydrostatic pressure experienced by PA6 within the CFRTP, we employed the Drucker-Prager yield criterion. The internal friction angle of PA6, a key Drucker-Prager parameter, was determined to be 23.8° through uniaxial tensile and compressive tests, and was found to be suitable for analysis under high hydrostatic pressure conditions. Utilizing this friction angle, the IPSE of PA6 within the CFRTP was calculated via two-scale analysis. Our findings indicate that the use of IPSE enables accurate prediction of the fatigue life of CFRTP, based on the fatigue test results of pure PA6. This research provides valuable insights for the future design and utilization of CFRTP materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractVarious intriguing morphological patterns emerge on the surfaces of growing, developing, or aging tissues, organs, and colonies of microorganisms. Our research draws inspiration from biological growth processes and applies differential growth to film-substrate systems. The strain mismatch induced by this approach leads to distinctive buckling patterns. Through a combination of finite element analysis (FEA) and theoretical analysis, we derive a comprehensive expression for the strain energy in a buckled film-substrate system subjected to differential growth. By solving the energy equations, our study investigates the intricate interplay of material properties, growth functions, and geometric characteristics. This exploration provides valuable insights into the deformations induced by growth in membrane structures and soft materials. Additionally, we establish a phase diagram that characterizes the buckling patterns. It opens avenues for innovative geometric design and 3D self-assembly techniques. Furthermore, our findings have the potential to inspire applications in fields such as soft robotics and flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to integrate design methods and additive manufacturing with the use of a thermoplastic elastomer certified for medical use and reverse engineering towards a new concept of a customized buttress model with optimized features for the reconstruction of the osteo-dural opening after endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum-transplanum approach. Design/methodology/approach: Additive manufacturing allows making of cost-effective and useable devices with tailored properties for biomedical applications. The endoscopic endonasal approach to the suprasellar area enables the management of different intradural tumours, and the craniectomy at the skull base is generally wide and irregular. Defining an optimal strategy for osteodural defect closure at the preoperative stage represents a significant challenge. Findings: Using the results obtained from a computed tomography analysis, skull base defects were designed to plan the surgical approach. Several concepts of customized buttress models were first built up, initially focusing on thin, flexible edges characterized by different thicknesses. Finite element analyses and design optimization allowed us to achieve the optimal design solution with improved compliance/flexibility for easy intranasal manoeuvrability, maintaining an adequate mechanical stability. As the thickness of the edges decreased, an increase of strain energy values was found (i.e. 1.2 mJ – Model A, 1.7 mJ – Model B, 2.3 mJ – Model C, 4.3 mJ – Model D). However, a further optimization (Model E) led to a significant increase of the compliance (strain energy of 14.1 mJ). Originality/value: The results obtained from clinical evaluations demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed technical solutions, improving surgery effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new anisotropic visco-hyperelastic constitutive model has been developed to predict the time-dependent deformation response of flexible, knitted fabric-reinforced elastomer composites. These composites exhibit a time-dependent response due to the viscoelastic behavior of the elastomer, while the anisotropic reinforcement effect is attributed to the knitted fabrics. The proposed modeling approach features an invariant-based strain energy density function that incorporates the architecture of knitted fabrics and the hyper-viscoelastic behavior of elastomers. In this study, the elastomer is considered as a viscous neo-Hookean material, and the knitted fabrics are modeled as cords with negligible stiffness in bending. The proposed material model is implemented in commercial Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, Abaqus (version 2017), through a user-defined material subroutine, UMAT. This approach enables the determination of the constitutive behavior of the composite based on the constituent elastomer, fiber properties, and fabric architectures. The proposed model is verified through a discrete 3D FEA model, in which the elastomer and fabric reinforcement are modeled explicitly. The approach is further validated through physical testing including uniaxial tension, torsion, and three-point bending. Since the proposed strain energy-based constitutive model can predict the deformation response of knitted fabric-reinforced elastomer composites based on the fabric architecture, it can be employed as an efficient modeling tool to aid the design of knitting pattern for target mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]