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The clinical utility of measuring pressure at the prosthetic socket-residual limb interface is currently unknown.This study aimed to identify whether measuring interface pressure during prosthetic design and fabrication results in closer agreement in pressure measurements between sockets made by different clinicians, and a reduction in pressure over areas of concern. It also investigated whether clinicians value knowing the interface pressure during the fabrication process.Mixed methods.Three prosthetists designed a complete prosthetic system for a transtibial residual limb surrogate. Standardised mechanical testing was performed on each prosthetic system to gain pressure measurements at four key anatomical locations. These measurements were provided to the clinicians, who subsequently modified their sockets as each saw fit. The pressure at each location was re-measured. Each prosthetist completed a survey that evaluated the usefulness of knowing interface pressures during the fabrication process.Feedback and subsequent socket modifications saw a reduction in the pressure measurements at three of the four anatomical locations. Furthermore, the pressure measurements between prosthetists converged. All three prosthetists found value in the pressure measurement system and felt they would use it clinically.Results suggest that sensors measuring pressure at the socket-limb interface has clinical utility in the context of informing prosthetic socket design and fabrication. If the technology is used at the check socket stage, iterative designs with repeated measurements can result in increased consistency between clinicians for the same residual limb, and reductions in the magnitudes of pressures over specific anatomical landmarks.This study provides new information on the value of pressure feedback to the prosthetic socket design process. It shows that with feedback, socket modifications can result in reduced limb pressures, and more consistent pressure distributions between prosthetists. It also justifies the use of pressure feedback in informing clinical decisions.

Interest in natural fiber–reinforced composites (NFRCs) is increasing rapidly thanks to their numerous advantages such as low cost, biodegradability, eco-friendly nature, relatively good mechanical properties, and a growing emphasis on the environmental and sustainability aspects of engineering materials. However, large-scale use of NFRCs is still considered as challenging due to the difficulties in manufacturing, limited knowledge of its machinability and appropriate parameter settings, and being prone to machining-induced defects. This article presents a comprehensive review on various aspects of NFRCs, with a focus on the manufacturing and machinability. It covers some recent works related to NFRCs, including the manufacturing processes and parameters, characterization of mechanical properties, applications, and machinability and machining process monitoring, many for the first time. The main challenges associated with machining of NFRCs and the induced damages are outlined, with special attention paid to the effect of physical properties of the fibers and manufacturing process on the machinability, along with the essential machining parameters that affect the quality of the machined surface. The research perspectives and the current application status are also discussed. The article is intended to help readers attain a fundamental understanding of key technologies and the state of the arts in this research area.

We report the piezoresistive and mechanical characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) graphene foam (GF)–polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposites processed by a facile two-step approach. A polyurethane (PU) foam with graphene embedded (and aligned) in the pore walls is pyrolyzed and then impregnated with PDMS to form a GF–PDMS nanocomposite, resulting in a slitlike network of graphene embedded in the viscoelastic PDMS matrix. The interconnected graphene network not only imparts excellent electrical conductivity (up to 2.85 S m–1, the conductivity of PDMS is 0.25 × 10–13 S m–1) to the composite but also enables ultrasensitive piezoresistive behavior. For an applied compressive strain of 10% we report a 99.94% reduction in resistance, with an initial gauge factor of 178, and note that this value is significantly higher than those reported in the literature. Cyclic compression–release tests conducted at different strain amplitudes demonstrate that both the mechanical and piezoresistive responses of the GF–...

Distributed fibre optic sensors (DFOS) are popular for structural health monitoring applications in large engineering infrastructure because of their ability to provide spatial strain measurements continuously along their lengths. Curved paths, particularly semicircular paths, are quite common for optical fibre placement in large structures in addition to straight paths. Optical fibre sensors embedded in a curved path configuration typically measure a component of strain, which often cannot be validated using traditional approaches. Thus, for most applications, strain measured along curved paths is ignored as there is no proper validation tool to ensure the accuracy of the measured strains. To overcome this, an analytical strain transformation equation has been developed and is presented here. This equation transforms the horizontal and vertical strain components obtained along a curved semicircular path into a strain component, which acts tangentially as it travels along the curved fibre path. This approach is validated numerically and experimentally for a DFOS installed on a steel specimen with straight and curved paths. Under tensile and flexural loading scenarios, the horizontal and vertical strain components were obtained numerically using finite element analysis and experimentally using strain rosettes and then, substituted into the proposed strain transformation equation for deriving the transformed strain values. Subsequently, the derived strain values obtained from the proposed transformation equation were validated by comparing them with the experimentally measured DFOS strains in the curved region. Additionally, this study has also shown that a localised damage to the DFOS coating will not impact the functionality of the sensor at the remaining locations along its length. In summary, this paper presents a valid strain transformation equation, which can be used for transforming the numerical simulation results into the DFOS measurements along a semicircular path. This would allow for a larger scope of spatial strains measurements, which would otherwise be ignored in practice.

A strain profile measurement technique using a chirped fibre Bragg grating (CFBG) sensor by implementing an integration of differences (IOD) method is reported in this paper. Using the IOD method the spatial distribution of strain along the length of the CFBG is extracted from its power reflectance spectra. As a proof of concept demonstration, the developed technique is applied to measure the polymerisation shrinkage strain profile of a photo-cured polymer dental composite which exhibits a non-uniform strain distribution attributed to the curing lamp characteristics. The result from the CFBG technique is compared with that of an FBG array embedded in the dental composite and is correlated with the degree of conversion of the material which also depends on the curing lamp intensity distribution. This technology will have significant impact and applications in a range of medical, materials and engineering areas where strain or temperature gradient profile measurement is required in smaller scales.

Objectives To test the hypothesis that restoration of class II mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavities can be strengthened through judicious choice of restoration geometry and material properties. Methods An intact extracted human maxillary molar tooth was digitized, segmented, reconstructed, and four 3D restored tooth models were developed with four different restoration geometries: one straight, one single-curved, and two double-curved. Stress analysis was conducted for representative loading using finite element analysis, and maximum principal stresses were determined at the dentine-enamel and restoration-enamel junctions. A range of restorative material elastic moduli (5–80 GPa) and Poisson's ratios (0.25–0.35) were studied. Vertical loads of 400 N were applied on occlusal points, while the roots of the molar teeth, below the crevices, were supported in all directions. All the materials were modelled as homogeneous, isotropic, and elastic. Results The maximum principal stresses at the restoration-enamel junctions were strongly dependent on the MOD restoration geometries. Peak stresses occurred along the palatal surface of the restoration rather than the opposite buccal surface. Double-curved restorations showed the lowest peak stress at restoration-enamel junctions. Choice of the mechanical properties of restorative material in the range of 5–35 GPa further reduced stress concentrations on the enamel. Significance Class II MOD restorations may be stronger if designed with double-curved marginal geometries that can reduce stress concentrations. Designs with convex and concave geometries were particularly effective because they reduced stress concentrations dramatically. Results suggest that relatively minor changes to the geometry of a restoration can have a substantial effect on stress at the restoration-enamel junction and motivate future experimental analysis.

Fibre reinforced composites materials offer a pathway to produce passive shape adaptive smart marine propellers, which have improved performance characteristics over traditional metallic alloys. Automated fibre placement (AFP) technology can provide a leap forward in cyber-physical automated manufacturing, which is essential for the implementation and operation of smart factories in the marine propeller industry towards Industry 4.0 readiness. In this paper, a comprehensive structural health monitoring routine was performed on an AFP full-scale composite hydrofoil to gain confidence in its dynamic and structural performances through a number of active and passive sensors. The hydrofoil was subjected to constant amplitude flexural fatigue loading in a purpose-built test rig for 105 cycles. The hydrofoil was embedded with distributed optical fibre sensors, traditional electrical strain gauges and linear variable displacement transducers. Both microelectromechanical system and piezoelectric accelerometers were used to conduct experimental modal analyses to observe changes in the modal response of the hydrofoil at regular intervals throughout the fatigue program. The hydrofoils modal response, as well as the stiffness measured using both displacements and strains, remained unchanged over the fatigue loading regime demonstrating the structural integrity of the hydrofoil. The optical fibre sensors endured the fatigue test cycles showing their robustness under fatigue loads. Furthermore, the sensing systems demonstrated the potential of being utilised as a useful maintenance tool combining their adaptability with automated manufacturing during manufacturing through integration within the hydrofoil, a structural test framework for performance measurement, data acquisition and analytics for visualisation, and the prospect of decision making for maintenance requirement during any onset in structural performance.

The primary objective of this paper is to present cavitation tunnel tests performed on an optimised shape-adaptive composite hydrofoil and compare the results to other composite hydrofoils. The optimised composite hydrofoil was designed based on prior literature and was manufactured using an optimised ply orientation schedule and a pre-twist. In the same experiment schedule a composite hydrofoil that has a ply orientation that is opposite to the optimised hydrofoil was also tested. In addition to the cavitation tunnel experiments, the paper also presents results predicted from FEA and CFD simulations for the optimised hydrofoil and compares the results from numerical methods to experiments. The results show that the optimised hydrofoil has an improved L/D ratio and a delayed stall phenomenon compared to other hydrofoils. Furthermore, due to the pre-twisted optimised geometry, the hydrofoil does not suffer from loss of lift at low angles of attack. The experimental results demonstrated the importance of characterising the performance of flexible shape-adaptive hydrofoils based on the actual velocity of the flow in addition to the conventional characterisation based on Reynold's number. Additional numerical simulations were performed to investigate the hydrofoils observed load dependant deformation behaviour. These results clearly show that for the same Reynold's number, the hydrofoil can have an appreciably different response if the flow velocity is different.

There is an abundance of intelligent tutors and expert systems across all domains. Some are driven by “cognitive technologies” and conversational agents, which have become common in providing an accessible interface to a range of devices. They are often used to provision initial support for businesses to guide users of their websites through frequently asked questions and help material. However, there are only few examples applied to the educational context, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in particular. This paper presents work in progress aiming to bring cognitive technologies to use in the running of MOOCs and supporting both instructors and students to answer content-related questions. The overall architecture of the system is presented, together with the modeling of the knowledge base in three different MOOCs from different disciplines. The approach is promising in offering a tool capable of providing teacher support, as well as direct student support, in dealing with the large amount of questions posted in discussion forums and in answering common questions regarding both the running of the course as well as content.

Objectives The characterization of the physical properties of dental resin composites is fraught with difficulties relating to significant intra and inter test parameter variabilities and is relatively time consuming and expensive. The main aim of this study was to evaluate whether optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing system may become a viable tool to study dental material characteristics. Of particular focus was the potential for the system to demonstrate a multi parameter all-in-one feature. Methods A miniature FBG was embedded in six different dental resin composites and employed as a sensor to evaluate linear polymerization shrinkage, thermal expansion and water sorption. Six commercially available dental composites with different filler types and volume are evaluated. The tests are repeated with three sets of samples. The curing characteristics and residual strain gradient exhibited by the cured dental composites were also observed and commented. Results Among the studied samples, SDR shows lowest polymerization shrinkage, while Beautifil FO3 shows the highest. The results also show clear distinction between particle filler type and fiber reinforcement based composites in their polymerization shrinkage properties. The agreement of the results with existing literatures show that FBG based system provides accurate results. Polymerization shrinkage rate of the samples are also obtained. Thermal expansion of the composites are measured using the FBG sensing method for the first time and is correlated with resin type, volume, filler type and glass transition temperature. The water sorption characteristics of the dental composite are also successfully measured using the FBG sensing method. The high level of repeatability and the low standard deviations shown in the results indicate good reliability with the use of FBG sensors. Significance This study demonstrates how optical fiber technology can provide simple and reliable methods of measuring the critical physical properties of dental composites. In addition due to the embedding and preservation of the sensor within the samples multiple parameters can be tested for with the same sample. These features are expected to greatly assist material science researchers in dentistry as well as other biomedical fields. Of some interest the phenomenon of stress relaxation of dental composite at higher temperature was observed.

The increasing use of sandwich composites for structural applications brings with it a need to establish a reliable inspection and monitoring method to ensure structural integrity and safe operation throughout the service life. Since optical fibre-based photonic sensing technologies are increasingly common for structural health monitoring of composite structures, selection of optical fibre Bragg grating sensors could be one possible choice for this purpose. In this paper, performance characterisation of sandwich composite with embedded silica fibre Bragg grating sensor is reported. Experimental tests were performed on a carbon fibre foam core sandwich composite embedded with a silica fibre Bragg grating sensor to extract the structural health monitoring parameters such as strain and temperature. The current study found that sandwich composite exhibits foam relaxation; however, its impact on strain measurement is negligible. Another important finding from the theoretical and the experimental thermal modelling was that although the constituent components of the sandwich composite have entirely different thermal expansion coefficients, its effect on the embedded fibre sensor can be minimal if the sensors are embedded between the face sheets. These results can initiate further research in this area and can lead to the development of state-of-the art structural health monitoring techniques for sandwich composite structures.

Imperfection sensitive CFRP cylindrical shells are used in a variety of civil and aerospace applications and feature a large scatter in buckling load levels induced from imperfections introduced from their manufacture. Currently, there are no complete methods that can realistically simulate cylinders with a full spectrum of imperfection types for a complete diagnosis of possible buckling loads. This forces shell designers to utilise an outdated, inefficient and conservative design philosophy that is unsuitable for modern manufacturing methods and materials. Stochastic analyses can optimise and improve the robust design and reliability of such cylinders through accurate prediction of the range of conceivable buckling loads by realistic simulation of structural imperfections. Such imperfections include initial shell-wall geometric, thickness and material imperfections and non-uniform applied end-loads. A procedure which aims to improve the stochastic modelling of thickness and material imperfections in imperfection sensitive composite cylindrical shells is proposed. Monte-Carlo simulations of axially compressed cylinders are performed to show that the stochastic methods described here are able to capture the scatter introduced from the imperfections. The results show that the axial buckling load of the specific cylinder analysed here can be reduced to 29.5 kN and increased to over 40 kN from a perfect load of 38.2 kN from material and thickness imperfections alone.

This paper presents the progressive crushing performance of composite tubes with varied fibre architecture. The effect of lay-up configuration and influence of percentage of unidirectional (UD) and woven fabric (WF) fibre architectures on the specific energy absorption (SEA) is investigated using experiments. Composite tubes with internal diameter 42 mm and wall thickness to diameter of 0.05 were manufactured for a range of specimens with different ratios of axial and hoop fibres. The samples were chamfered at an angle of 70°. Progressive crushing of specimens under quasi-static (20 mm/min) and dynamic (4.48–6.7 m/s) loading were performed. A new factor Axial Fibre Mass Fraction (AFMF) was introduced to describe the mass fraction of axial fibres to reflect upon the SEA response. To investigate the influence of AFMF and loading rate on the crushing mechanism of composite tubes, computer tomography (CT) was additionally. The calculated SEA for different loading conditions indicate a drop of 10%–20% for dynamic cases depending on the fibre architecture of the samples. The CT-scans present a relationship between debris length and AFMF. The average length of debris decreases with the increase of AFMF which indicates more intense fibre breaking, reduced integrity of the ‘petals’ and hence increased SEA.

Automated fibre placement (AFP) offers high throughput, efficient and accurate manufacturing methods for making multi-stiffened laminated composites. However, processing conditions, machine tolerances and steering of tape can induce small random defects within the laminate, which may compromise the structural integrity. Thus, this paper presents a comprehensive review on the processing/steering-induced defects in AFP and their influence on the quality of the final product. Three key processing parameters in AFP, specifically consolidation force, lay-up speed and curing/melting temperature are attempted elaborately. Additionally, the paper attempted to present the discussions on in-situ process monitoring as well as the Machine Learning (ML) based predictive models for AFP based composites.