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Here a comprehensive 3-D wheel-rail rolling contact finite element model was developed to investigate the influence of wheel-rail material properties on the dynamic wheel-rail interaction. The wheel-rail contact responses induced by two typical wheel tread defects (i.e. wheel flat and tread spalling) were discussed and compared to the responses of perfect wheel in this work. The dynamic wheel-rail responses of three typical material models involved (i.e. rigid, elastic, and elastic-plastic models) were investigated in terms of contact force, contact pressure/stress, and wheel/rail degradation. Furthermore, the strain rate levels during wheel-rail rolling contact at various train speeds were estimated with emphasis on the elastic-plastic model, which was helpful for determining strain rate range of wheel/rail material property tests. Finally, the influences of strain rate effect and initial fatigue damage of wheel/rail materials on dynamic wheel-rail responses were discussed. These results illustrated that the rigid model grossly overestimated wheel-rail impact force caused by wheel tread defects, while the elastic model overestimated wheel-rail contact pressure/stress, damage index, and frictional work. The strain rate effect could significantly increase Mises stress and inhibit plastic deformation of wheel-rail system, while the initial fatigue damage would reduce Mises stress and aggravate plastic deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic vibration-assisted machining is a promising technique for improving the removability of materials, especially for difficult-to-machine materials, but the material removal mechanism under ultrasonic vibration status is still far from clear. Scratch testing is generally employed to study the material removal mechanism, but currently, there is a lack of instruments capable of performing scratch testing under ultrasonic vibration. To address this gap, this study developed an ultrasonic vibration scratch tester that can perform quantitative ultrasonic vibration-assisted scratch (UVAS) testing of materials. A prototype was designed and fabricated, followed by characterizing its performance parameters. Comparative experiments of conventional scratch (CS) testing and UVAS testing were performed on AL1050 to investigate the effects of ultrasonic vibration on scratch characteristics, such as the scratch depth and coefficient of friction. It was found that compared to CS testing, UVAS testing, with an amplitude of 1.45 µm and a frequency of 20 kHz, achieved a maximum reduction in the coefficient of friction of approximately 22.5% and a maximum increase in the depth of the residual scratch of approximately 175%. These findings confirm the superiority of ultrasonic vibration-assisted machining and demonstrate the requirement for the development of ultrasonic vibration scratch testers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a microwave sensor is proposed for detection of conductivity of the material. The sensor consists of a planar complementary circular ring structure etched on the top of the single sided copper clad substrate material and a shallow groove machined at the bottom surface coinciding with the ring structure. The conducting material under test (MUT), curved in the form of a split ring is placed in the groove. The proposed microwave sensor is particularly designed to work at 5.2 GHz Wi-Fi frequency. The key concept is the interaction of the EM wave with the material of different conductivity which results in change in reflection coefficient owing to different depth of penetration at a particular frequency. A reference set is generated by recording the variation in reflection coefficient for different materials, which is the main parameter in distinguishing between materials of different conductivities. The sensor dimension is 4 cm X 4 cm (0.083277 λg), λg being the guide wavelength, the MUT is a wire of length 4 cm with thickness ≤ 1 mm placed in form of circular split ring within the groove. The sensor corresponds to sensitivity of 3.6 dB/unit change in electrical conductivity. The proposed sensor facilitates rapid and convenient detection of the conductivity of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material testing, particularly in biological applications, can be an extensive endeavor leading to a significant investment of resources. This article details a simple material and coating testing assay series that provides insights into leaching, antibacterial, antifouling, and foul-release characteristics. The results of these methods can guide future research, applications, and development efforts by providing data from which to make informed decisions. A material or coating can be quickly assessed in industrial and academic settings with minimal resources by employing a set of benign, single-species direct-contact toxicity assays and simple spectroscopic and microscopic analysis methods. Herein, we demonstrate how this series of biological assays may be utilized and the potential interpretations of the results by using two-hybrid organo-silicon-based coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial applications in the concrete industry face significant challenges in selecting appropriate metallic materials, as these choices can enhance equipment lifespan and reduce costs. This study examines the corrosion behavior of various metallic materials, offering valuable insights for their selection in corrosive environments. The findings indicate that material testing can provide cost-effective solutions for concrete industry equipment. Notably, replacing cast iron used in concrete mixing blades with specific steels is advantageous for corrective or accidental maintenance, lowering spare parts costs, and short-term use, steels P265GH and AISI 4140 exhibiting corrosion resistance similar to cast iron. Additionally, for mineral aggregate dryers, selecting adequate steel can significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs while increasing equipment durability. The results show that substituting steel S235 with steel P265GH can decrease the corrosion rate by nearly 65%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents experimental results from three-point bending tests for a composite made of quadriaxial glass fiber fabrics and an epoxy resin. Two composites were tested, one with 8 layers and the other with 16 layers; both had the same matrix (the epoxy resin). Tests were carried out, using five different test rates from 10 mm/min to 1000 mm/min. The following parameters were recorded and calculated: Young's modulus, flexural stress, flexural strain, energy, force, and all four for the first peak. The experimental data reveal no sensitivity for these materials based on the test rates, at least for the analyzed range; but, the characteristics for the thicker composite, with 16 layers of fabric, are slightly lower than those for the thinner composite, with 8 layers. The results pointed out that, for the same thickness of composite, certain characteristics, such as stress at the first peak, the flexural modulus, strain at the first peak, and energy at the first peak, are not sensitive to the test rate in the range 10–1000 mm/min. The energy at the first peak is double for the 16-layer composite compared to the 8-layer composite, but the specific energy (as energy on cross-sectional area) has close values: 103.47 kJ/m2 for the 8-layer composite and 106.51 kJ/m2 for the 16-layer composite. The results recommend this composite for applications in components with resistance to bending or for low-velocity impact protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As carbon ion radiotherapy increases in use, there are limited phantom materials for heterogeneous or anthropomorphic phantom measurements. This work characterized the radiological clinical equivalence of several phantom materials in a therapeutic carbon ion beam. Methods: Eight materials were tested for radiological material‐equivalence in a carbon ion beam. The materials were computed tomography (CT)‐scanned to obtain Hounsfield unit (HU) values, then irradiated in a monoenergetic carbon ion beam to determine relative linear stopping power (RLSP). The corresponding HU and RLSP for each phantom material were compared to clinical carbon ion calibration curves. For absorbed dose comparison, ion chamber measurements were made in the center of a carbon ion spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) in water and in the phantom material, evaluating whether the material perturbed the absorbed dose measurement beyond what was predicted by the HU‐RLSP relationship. Results: Polyethylene, solid water (Gammex and Sun Nuclear), Blue Water (Standard Imaging), and Techtron HPV had measured RLSP values that agreed within ±4.2% of RLSP values predicted by the clinical calibration curve. Measured RLSP for acrylic was 7.2% different from predicted. The agreement for balsa wood and cork varied between samples. Ion chamber measurements in the phantom materials were within 0.1% of ion chamber measurements in water for most materials (solid water, Blue Water, polyethylene, and acrylic), and within 1.9% for the rest of the materials (balsa wood, cork, and Techtron HPV). Conclusions: Several phantom materials (Blue Water, polyethylene, solid water [Gammex and Sun Nuclear], and Techtron HPV) are suitable for heterogeneous phantom measurements for carbon ion therapy. Low density materials should be carefully characterized due to inconsistencies between samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences is the property of Editorial Board of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper evaluates the strength performance of hot mix asphalt produced with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)-modified bitumen and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) which is partially replacing virgin aggregates. Asphalt Institute blending chart was used to determine the quantity of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) incorporated into the mixture. Thermo-gravimetric Analysis and Differential Thermal Analysis (TGA/DTA) were used to determine thermal stability of the High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) was used for characterization of the HDPE, bitumen and modified bitumen. Physical test conducted on the RAP and virgin aggregates in accordance with American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards revealed that the aggregates are adequate for use in asphalt production. Marshall method of mix design was adopted for the hot mix asphalt production and testing. With respect to the threshold, the results of Marshall stability showed a 6% increase in the strength of the asphaltic mixture modified with 10% High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Other Marshall properties tested also showed improvements. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS) were used for micro-structural examination and composing elements analysis of the asphaltic mixture, respectively. Fibermetric analysis was used to explore the fiber content and pores within the mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology is the property of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology Periodical Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aeolian sand is a low-quality natural resource widely distributed in Inner Mongolia, China. Aeolian sand concrete has been developed as a primary raw material and tested to determine its frost resistance durability. In this study, the mechanism of concrete durability damage and deterioration was determined through the use of relative dynamic elastic modulus and mass loss ratio macroscopic evaluation indices, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). According to the mathematical statistics method, the marginal statistical distribution of each damage parameter was obtained, and the Copula method of series structural failure mode was proposed to construct the joint probability density function of concrete structural damage parameters. Structural reliability was analyzed via the dual neural network method, and the reliability of aeolian sand concrete was calculated in order to accurately predict the number of freeze–thaw cycles involved in structural failure. The findings of the present study indicate that the relative dynamic elastic modulus decreases progressively while mass loss increases gradually during an increasing number of freeze–thaw cycles. This result effectively illustrates the degradation pattern of the aeolian sand concrete specimens' frost resistance. The reliability analysis model developed in the present study can effectively capture the correlation between structural reliability and freeze–thaw cycles in concrete structures, enabling accurate prediction of the remaining lifespan of aeolian sand concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient utilization of wood is inseparable from high-quality drying, and analysis of its free shrinkage performance is essential to optimize the drying process. This study took Pinus sylvestris L. sawn timber (500 mm ×200 mm×50 mm) as the research object and adopted the image analysis method to analyze the influence rules of different temperatures and axial positions of the test material on the free dry shrinkage coefficient of each layer of specimens in the thickness direction. The free shrinkage coefficients of each layer in the thickness direction of the test material decreased from the maximum value of the first layer near the tangential direction (0.282%, 0.275%, 0.267%, at 60 ℃, 80 ℃, and 100 ℃, respectively) to the minimum value of the ninth layer near the radial direction (0.248%, 0.249%, 0.227%); except for the near-radial layers, when temperature increased from 60 ℃ to 100 ℃ the free shrinkage coefficients of other representative layers decreased with increased temperature. The first layer's free shrinkage coefficient decreased from 0.282% to 0.267%, and the fifth layer decreased from 0.264% to 0.243%. The difference of free shrinkage coefficients between corresponding layers at different axial positions of the test material was less than 0.017%, and the size stability of the corresponding layers at axial positions was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional measurement method for viscoelastic creep strain and mechanical adsorption creep strain has relatively low accuracy, making it difficult to ensure the data accuracy of specimen strain measurements. In this study, 50-mm-thick Pinus sylvestris sawn timber was used as the research object. Along the thickness direction of the test material, the relationship between the free shrinkage coefficient and the moisture content of the test material was studied to optimize the measurement methods of viscoelastic creep strain and mechanical adsorption creep strain during drying process. The results showed that the optimized measurement method for viscoelastic creep strain, which compensates for dimensional change caused by moisture content changes during the creep recovery phase, was applied to different layers in the thickness direction of the test material. The average relative error at the end of the drying stage was reduced 20.1% compared to the traditional method. For the mechanical adsorption creep strain in different layers of the test material's thickness, the optimized measurement method, based on the free shrinkage size calculated from the free shrinkage coefficient and moisture content, reduced the average relative error 59.1% compared to the traditional method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of construction projects is related to the safety of people's lives and property, and also has a greater impact on the stability of the entire society; factory structure is one of the most common productive buildings, and some factory buildings have been partially lost its using function due to a long service history; in order to ensure the safety, applicability and durability of these factory buildings and continue to utilize or strengthen these factory structures, it is necessary to perform safety testing and identification for factory buildings at the first time. Structural safety assessment is the process of inspecting, measuring, analyzing and evaluating the structural effects, structural resistance and their interrelationships and finally obtaining structural safety grade of buildings that have been built or in service for many years. On the basis of summarizing and analyzing previous research works, this article expounded the research background, current status and future challenges of building safety grade identification, elaborated material testing methods, specifications, frameworks and processes of security grade identification for factory structure buildings, analyzed the concrete strength and steel corrosion detection, structural seismic identification and bearing capacity calculation of factory building, and proposed corresponding reinforcement measures and discussed its reinforcement effect. The final identification results of an engineering case are in good agreement with its actual construction conditions and on-site inspections and basically satisfactory the results of the factory building structure. The study results of this paper provide a reference for the further researches on the safety grade identification and reinforcement effect of the factory structure building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Southwest China Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Editorial Department of Southwest China Journal of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With increasing demand and environmental concerns, researchers are exploring new materials that can perform as well or better than traditional materials while reducing environmental impact. The BAMline, a real-life sample materials research beamline, provides unique insights into materials' electronic and chemical structure at different time and length scales. The beamline specializes in x-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and tomography experiments. This enables real-time optimization of material properties and performance for various applications, such as energy transfer, energy storage, catalysis, and corrosion resistance. This paper gives an overview of the analytical methods and sample environments of the BAMline, which cover non-destructive testing experiments in materials science, chemistry, biology, medicine, and cultural heritage. We also present our own synthesis methods, processes, and equipment developed specifically for the BAMline, and we give examples of synthesized materials and their potential applications. Finally, this article discusses the future perspectives of the BAMline and its potential for further advances in sustainable materials research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated how implant design features influence osseointegration. Two implant macrogeometries and surface treatments were evaluated: (1) progressive buttress threads with an SLActive surface (SLActive/BL), and (2) inner and outer trapezoidal threads with a nanohydroxyapatite coating over a dual acid-etched surface (Nano/U). Implants were placed in the right ilium of 12 sheep, and histologic and -metric analyses were conducted after 12 weeks. Percentages of bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) within the threads were quantified. Histologically, the SLActive/BL group showed greater and more intimate BIC than the Nano/U group. In contrast, Nano/U group depicted woven bone formation within the healing chambers, between the osteotomy wall and implant threads, and bone remodeling was evident at the outer thread tip. Significantly higher BAFO was seen in the Nano/U group than the SLActive/BL group at 12 weeks (P < .042). Different implant design features influenced the osseointegration pathway, supporting further investigations to describe the differences and clinical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the biologic and biomechanical effects of two implant drilling protocols on the cortical bone around implants subjected to immediate loading. Materials and Methods: A total of 48 implants were inserted into the mandibles of six sheep following one of two drilling protocols: undersized preparation (US; n = 24) and nonundersized preparation (NUS; n = 24). Immediately after implant insertion, an abutment was placed on each implant and 36 implants were subjected to 10 sessions of dynamic vertical loads (1,500 cycles, 1 Hz) of 25 N or 50 N. Insertion torque value (ITV) was recorded at implant installation. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was measured at implant insertion and at each loading session. Fluorochrome was administered at day 17, and the animals were euthanized after 5 weeks. The removal torque values (RTVs) were measured, and samples underwent histomorphometric, μCT (microcomputed tomography), and fluorescence image acquisition analyses. The bone volume density (BV/TV), bone-to-implant contact (BIC), bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO), and fluorochrome stained bone surface (MS) were calculated. A linear mixed model analysis was performed, and Pearson paired correlation was calculated. Results: Five implants from the NUS group failed, with a mean ITV of 8.8 Ncm and an RFA value of 57. The mean ITVs for US group and NUS group were 80.5 (± 14) Ncm and 45.9 (± 25) Ncm, respectively (P < .001). No differences were noted in the RFA values from the time of implant insertion until the end of the study. No differences in RTV, BV/TV, BAFO, or MS were observed between the groups. Intense new bone formation took place in the NUS group implants that were subjected to load. Conclusions: Undersized preparation of cortical bone ensured a greater BIC compared to a nonundersized preparation. Moreover, this study demonstrated that immediate loading did not interfere with the osseointegration process, but loading induced intense new bone formation in the NUS group. It is not recommended to immediately load the implants when the clinically perceived primary stability is lower than an ITV of 10 Ncm and an RFA value of 60. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and PEEK composites are outstanding candidates for biomedical applications, such as orthopedic devices, where biocompatibility and modulus match with surrounding tissue are requisite for long-term success. The mechanical properties can be optimized by incorporating fillers such as continuous and chopped carbon fibers. While much is known about the mechanical and tribological behavior of PEEK composites, there are few articles that summarize the viability of using PEEK reinforced with carbon fibers in orthopedic implants. This paper reviews biocompatibility, tribological, and mechanical studies on PEEK and their composites with carbon fibers, notably PEEK reinforced with polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers and PEEK reinforced with pitch-based carbon fibers, for application in orthopedics and total joint replacements (TJRs). The main objectives of this review are two-fold. Firstly, this paper aims to assist designers in making informed decisions on the suitability of using PEEK and PEEK composites in orthopedic applications; as it is not well understood how these materials perform on the whole in orthopedics and TJRs. Secondly, this paper aims to serve as a centralized paper in which researchers can gain information on the tribological and mechanical advancements of PEEK and PEEK composites.

Background: The effectiveness of newly developed elastomeric polymer hybrid siloxane (PVES), which combines the properties of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) elastomers, has been a subject of interest in recent studies. This study aimed to assess the physical properties of hybrid PVES materials by analyzing existing data from recent studies on this topic. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to retrieve peer-reviewed articles published up to February 5, 2023. The population, intervention, comparison, and pertinent outcomes were specified under the PICO framework. The primary data analysis was performed in Microsoft Excel, while statistical analysis used Meta-Essentials. Results: Of the 1152 articles assessed, 14 met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis of the selected studies indicated that polyether (PE) and polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) were highly correlated (two-tailed p-values of 0.000 and 0.001, respectively) with the improved tensile strength of vinyl polyether siloxane (PVES) with a significantly positive effect size. Similarly, the hydrophilic characteristics of PVES were significantly improved compared to those of PE and PVS. PE was a significant contributor to the hydrophilic characteristics of PVES, with a two-tailed p-value of 0.000. The effect size was highly positive for hydrophilicity but showed high heterogeneity. It was also observed that the dimensional accuracy of PVES was comparable to those of PE and PVS, with no statistically significant differences among the three materials. Conclusions: PVES showed promising features, with improved tensile strength and hydrophilic characteristics compared to those of PE and PVS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the pressure distribution and comfort of transtibial prosthesis wearers using an affordable ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA) roll-on (AERO) liner. Method: Fifteen unilateral transtibial prosthesis users wore patella tendon bearing (PTB) sockets with a polyethylene foam (PE-lite) liner were enrolled this study. AERO liners were provided to all participants. Six force sensors were applied to the residual limb to evaluate pressure distribution during treadmill walking, and the socket comfort score (SCS) was used to evaluate comfortability. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was performed on the EVA and PE-lite liners. Results: Eleven participants used prefabricated AERO liners and four participants used custom-made AERO liners. The pressure distribution was analysed by the coefficient of variation (CV): PE-lite was 75.7±6.0 and AERO liner 83.3±4.1. Residual limb pressure was significantly decreased when using the AERO liner (p=.0007), with a large effect size (r=0.87). Mean SCS was 7.5±1.3 and 8.9±1.1 for PE-lite and AERO liner respectively. Conclusion: Better pressure distribution and comfort were observed when the participants used the AERO liner. AERO had a greater proportion of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). These findings suggest that the AERO liner is a better off-the-shelf option for persons using traditional prosthetic sockets and liners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing an efficient constitutive model for the deformation of amorphous solids has long been a challenging yet important objective in materials science. The difficulty lies in the structure-less characteristics of amorphous materials, in which it is not an easy task to extract physically meaningful knowledge-based descriptors for constitutive equations. In contrast to traditional constitutive modeling, machine learning (ML)-based models do not rely on intricate thermodynamics and kinetics of materials, emerging as an alternative. Here, we propose a graph-based constitutive model employing the cutting-edge graph neural network (GNN) techniques to investigate the deformation behavior of amorphous solids, with Cu50Zr50 metallic glass (MG) as a prototypical amorphous material to test the idea. By integrating atomic strain information with graph topology, the GNN model successfully reproduces stress-strain responses of MGs across all tested temperatures and strain rates and exhibits good transferability, showcasing the potential of GNNs in establishing a universal constitutive law for amorphous solids from a data-driven perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the domain of Horizontal Wind Turbines, the key role of blade material and process selection is discussed. Existing methodologies and manual manufacturing processes, while addressing this issue, suffer from complexity and environmental drawbacks. To mitigate these issues, the study introduces a comprehensive methodology for the selection, implementation, testing and analysis of materials and processes for small blade construction, taking into account various constraints. The research conducts a thorough exploration of manufacturing processes, considering factors such as time, affordability, machine accessibility, repeatability, elements to be manufactured, and adaptability to complex surfaces. A systematic comparison of materials and processes, along with proposed filtering methods, reveals that rotomolding/polyurethane casting exhibits superior performance due to improved energy capture and inertia. The study underscores the importance of careful material and process selection to optimize blade efficiency and highlights the need for further research to address mechanical, economic, environmental, scalability, and material advancement challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have recently been several initiatives to develop eco-sustainable materials because of the growing concern over ecological contamination caused by the overuse of synthetic materials. Previous studies in literature have explored the development of rice straw waste-based epoxy composites. Another waste hazard of concern in the current times is that of waste tire rubber. The present study investigates the physico-mechanical properties of a unique hybrid composite consisting of recycled waste tire rubber and rice straw reinforced composite, which has not been investigated in the literature. Their density, water absorption, hardness, tensile and flexural strengths were examined with variations in the proportion of rubber particles and rice husk. Increase in the rubber content resulted in proportional rise in the water uptake, hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength. The composite with 25 wt.% of rubber and 5 wt.% of rubber showed the highest tensile strength and strain of 12.5 MPa and 0.015, respectively. The composite with 15% RS and WTR showed a 14.26% increase in flexural strength, with the neat composite exhibiting the highest strength. The composite material can be used as structural panels for instruments or devices in low load bearing applications. The developed sustainable material with waste generated from used tires and rice husk can aid in decreasing the harmful effects caused on the environment and human health during their disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Full‐field optical experimental techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC) enable measurement of information‐rich heterogeneous strain states. The aim of Material Testing 2.0 is to capitalise on this and design experimental setups for efficient material characterisation using inverse identification techniques such as the Virtual Fields Method (VFM). In that case, however, a priori knowledge of the constitutive model is required, which sometimes is not a trivial task. This limitation can be overcome by identifying multiple constitutive models using the same DIC strain fields and comparing their performance. In this work, we present a methodology to evaluate model performance and compare different constitutive models based on quantitative metrics. DIC experiments were performed on an S‐shaped high density polyethylene test sample under uniaxial load. The heterogeneous DIC strain fields were used in combination with the VFM to identify parameters of hyperelastic constitutive models with increasing complexity. Two deterministic metrics, the equilibrium gap indicator (EGI) and the reconstructed axial force ratio (RAFR), were defined and used to compare the performance of these constitutive models. The impact of spatial smoothing on DIC strain fields was studied by calculating the EGI and RAFR using a digital twin of the DIC experiments. EGI and RAFR metrics provide complementary information regarding the material behaviour, and both are necessary to make an informed choice. In this case study, hyperelastic constitutive models were found not to capture the material stiffness well in the small strain regime. A linear‐elastic contribution exponentially decaying with the equivalent shear stress was added to the hyperelastic models and the corresponding model parameters identified using the VFM. The elastic‐hyperelastic constitutive models were found to perform better than their purely hyperelastic counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal rectification is an asymmetric heat transfer process where directionally dependent transport occurs along a given axis. In this work, geometric parameters that govern thermal rectification in solids composed of various semiconducting materials were investigated utilizing metalattice data for seven materials with pore sizes ranging between 2 and 30 nm. Using numerical simulation, thermal rectification was calculated at different thermal biases in single material systems, including silicon, cubic boron nitride, and diamond, among others. The largest thermal rectification for each material was exhibited in bilayer sample stacks that were thermally matched (i.e., the thermal resistance of each layer in the stack is equal in either forward or reverse direction). Of the materials tested, diamond provided the highest thermal rectification for all cases, with its best case achieving a thermal rectification of 57.2%. This novel thermal functionality will find application in advanced applications for temperature regulation, including resonator systems where thermal effects may significantly alter and/or degrade performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of chewing simulation and thermocyclic aging on the fracture resistance of CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia crowns supported by titanium and Ti-base abutments. Materials and Methods: Two implant abutment groups--titanium (Ti) and titanium base (Ti-base; Medentika)--were used. A total of 40 mandibular first molar CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia crowns (Vita YZ T) were fabricated, then cemented onto the abutments with Panavia V5. Each abutment group was divided into two subgroups (n = 10). The Ti and Ti-base groups were subjected to a single load until fracture, and the Ti/CT and Ti-base/CT groups (CT: chewing simulation and thermocyclic aging) underwent chewing simulation (1.2 × 106 cycles × 50 N load, 1.4 Hz) and thermocylic aging (3,911 cycles/5°C to 55°C). The fracture resistances of the crowns were tested with a universal testing machine (1 mm/minute). Shapiro-Wilk and one-way ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis (P = .05). Results: The survival rates after chewing simulation and thermocyclic aging were 100% for both CT groups. The fracture resistance values (mean ± SD) of the groups were as follows: Ti = 1,718.18 ± 331.06 N, Ti-base = 1,713.53 ± 233.24 N, Ti/CT = 1,664.82 ± 188.62 N, and Ti-base/CT = 1,551.28 ± 344.79 N. According to one-way ANOVA test results, there was no statistically significant difference between the four groups (P = .526). Conclusion: CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia crowns supported by Ti-base or titanium abutments were found to have sufficient fracture resistance in the treatment of an absent single posterior tooth. However, more in vitro and clinical studies are required to evaluate the long-term performance of Ti-base abutments and CAD/CAM zirconia crowns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop, analyze, and optimize a dental implant by considering square threads and varying the thread dimensions to obtain an optimal shape. Materials and Methods: For this study, finite element analysis (FEA) and numerical optimization method were integrated to develop a mathematical model. The critical parameters of dental implants were studied, and an optimized shape was obtained using response surface method (RSM) and design of experiment (DOE). The simulated results were then compared to the predicted values under optimal conditions. Results: Using the one-factor RSM design model for the dental implant and a vertical compressive load of 450 N for testing, the optimal depth to width ratio for the thread was 0.7 in order to achieve the minimum von Mises and shear stress. Conclusion: The buttress thread was found to be the optimal shape for achieving the lowest von Mises and shear stress compared to square threads, and the thread parameters were calculated accordingly, with a thread depth 0.45 times the pitch, a width 0.3 times the pitch, and a thread angle of 17 degrees. Also, due to the constant diameter of the implant, common 4-mm diameter abutments can be used interchangeably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of insertion depth, bone type, and implant diameter on the primary stability of short implants. Materials and Methods: Commercial dental implants with different lengths (6 and 8 mm; BLX, Straumann) were inserted into artificial bone specimens of good and poor quality at three different depth positions: equicrestal, 1-mm subcrestal, and 2-mm subcrestal. Insertion torque values were recorded spontaneously during the implant procedure. Both maximum insertion torque values (MITVs) and final insertion torque values (FITVs) were recorded. Subsequently, Periotest values (PTVs) and implant stability quotients (ISQs) were measured for all specimens. Results: The mean MITVs of all groups ranged from 31.8 to 46.2 Ncm. However, the mean FITVs of all groups ranged from 8.8 to 29 Ncm. Torque values decreased significantly when the implants were inserted into their final positions. When insertion depth was increased, the PTV and ISQ decreased. Long implants and implants inserted into good-quality bone yielded greater primary stability, and bone quality appeared to have a greater effect on primary stability. Conclusion: When 6-mm short implants are inserted in a subcrestal position, low primary stability may be yielded, particularly in poor-quality bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate hard and soft tissue response and mechanical integrity for screw-retained layered zirconia crowns bonded to titanium nitride-coated titanium (TiN) CAD/CAM abutments supported by implants at 1- and 2-year followups. Materials and Methods: A total of 46 patients were restored with a total of 102 free-standing implant-supported layered zirconia crowns, which were bonded to their respective abutments in the dental laboratory and delivered as a one-piece screw-retained crown. Baseline, 1-year, and 2-year data were collated on pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing, marginal bone levels, and mechanical complications. Results: Of the 46 patients, 4 patients with one implant each were not followed-up. These patients were not included in the analysis. Of the remaining 98 implants, due to failed appointments during the global pandemic, soft tissue measurements were recorded for 94 implants at year 1 and 86 implants at year 2, with a mean buccal/lingual pocket probing depth of 1.80/1.95 mm and 2.09/2.17 mm, respectively. Mean bleeding on probing was 0.50 and 0.53 at 1 and 2 years, which represents somewhere between no bleeding and a spot bleed according to the study protocol. Radiographic data were available for 74 implants at year 1 and 86 implants at year 2. The mean marginal bone change from baseline was +0.11 mm mesially and +0.19 mm distally at 1 year and +0.24 mm mesially and +0.16 mm distally at 2 years. The final bone level with respect to the reference point was +0.49 mm mesially and +0.19 mm distally at the end of the study period. Mechanical complications involving a slight misfit of the crown margin were recorded for one unit (1%), porcelain fracture for 16 units (16%), and a loss of preload for 12 units (12%) of < 5 Ncm (< 20% of initial preload). Conclusion: The biologic and mechanical stability of ceramic crowns bonded to CAD/CAM screw-retained abutments using angulated screw access was considered to be high, with overall bone gain, excellent soft tissue health, and only limited mechanical complications related to generally small fractures of the porcelain and a clinically insignificant loss of preload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we argue that the reverse martensitic transformation (MT) of the stress-induced martensite (SIM) of Fe–Mn–Si-based alloys for moderate prestrains occurs in essentially thermoelastic-like way, in contrast to non-thermoelastic MT of temperature-induced martensite (TIM). We compare, using a number of complementary experimental techniques, the temperatures and the kinetics of the reverse ε→γ martensitic transformation of SIM and TIM for commercial and model Fe–Mn–Si alloys after various thermomechanical treatments. We claim that two studied phenomena are generic in Fe–Mn–Si-based alloys of different compositions and microstructure: first, opposite to the conventional effect of stabilization of martensite by prestrain, the reverse MT during heating of alloys prestrained in bending and tension starts well below (up to 100 K) the start temperature of the reverse MT for the TIM of the same alloy. The difference between engineering temperatures of the start of the reverse transformation, As, for SIM and TIM reaches ca. 50 K, pointing to a need to consider different As for TIM and SIM, AsTIM and AsSIM. Second, the reverse transformations of TIM and SIM show very different kinetics. The reverse MT of SIM is diffuse over the temperature range exceeding 100 K. The reverse MT of TIM, on the contrary, is well localized within the temperature range of ca. 20 K. The experimental observations can be interpreted assuming that, due to the differences in the formation mechanisms of SIM and TIM, the latter shows non-thermoelastic behaviour, whereas the SIM shows similarities with the thermoelastic martensites stabilized by prestrain.