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Protection under external loads often requires the use of energy absorbers. They are designed to absorb impact energy in a controlled way protecting the structures, as well as their possible occupants. This study examines the crushing performances of thin structures, made in sheet metal, as their shape and thickness vary. Three crash-box-structures were considered for their geometries (i.e. rectangular, rectangular with two inclined walls, and truncated pyramidal structures) with two variations in thicknesses (i.e. s = 1 and 2 mm). Their elastic-plastic behaviour under low-speed compression was analysed by experiments and simulations. The collision force reduction and energy absorption were compared. Based on outcomes a new absorber was developed and used for improving safety in the case of an innovative ultra-light solar racing vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cold climate regions, ships navigate through diverse ice conditions, making the varied interaction scenarios between hulls and ice critically important. It is crucial to consider the safety and integrity of the hull during an ice–hull interaction, especially in the presence of lightweight structures. Proper design and material selection can help improve the structure's ability to withstand ice forces. Within the scope, understanding the behavior of ice and its interaction with the structure can inform the development of appropriate measures to minimize possible damage or failure. The current study focuses on the interactions occurring during the impact loading phases, which are characteristic of thin first-year ice. A sandwich structure made with carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy prepreg and PVC core was investigated. Low-velocity ice impact was modelled using the Ansys Workbench 2023 R2 and LS-DYNA R11 explicit solver. As the material model, the *MAT055 was chosen based on the literature, while ice was represented with its equation of state. The Tsai Wu criterion was adopted to identify tensile and compressive failure in the matrix and fibers. This simulation allowed us to evaluate how the composite material responds to ice impacts, considering factors such as the speed of the impact, the shape and thickness of the ice, and the properties of the composite material itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the utilization of ceramic coatings and insulation elements in the context of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (CAPP) surgery tools, highlighting how precise engineering modifications can influence surgical precision. The adoption of cold plasma in surgery can be reinforced by material advancements withstanding several specific challenges, including electrical and thermal protection. We explore the potential of alumina (Al2O3), renowned for its high dielectric strength and resistance, as a promising material solution for insulating electrodes. We evaluated the thermal performance of surgical tools concerning different insulation thicknesses. Our findings suggest that Al2O3–based coatings, with their superior characteristics, significantly enhance the usability of cold plasma technology, thus fostering its application in minimally invasive surgery. We examine the implications of these findings for the design of next-generation surgical instruments and propose avenues for future research. This work contributes to the field of biomedical engineering by showcasing the pivotal role of material science in advancing surgical technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, represents a groundbreaking technology driving the advancement of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). The production of models, rapid prototypes, components, and final-use parts using 3D printing is significantly more cost-effective compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The primary objective of this paper is to highlight the role of sustainable development in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology for effectively implementing Industry 4.0 amidst the green and digital transition. With the capability to realize virtually any desired object, 3D printing finds applications across various industries including construction, architecture, automotive, aviation, household goods, and medical fields. The analysis of Additive Manufacturing 3D printing technologies involves categorization based on process type, purpose, production equipment, energy consumption, materials, and other factors that influence sustainable development. The implementation of green initiatives and digital transformation is fully integrated into these innovative 3D technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A linear vibratory feeder is an instrument that uses vibration to "feed" material to a process or machine. It consists of a vibrating frame, an electromagnetic coil, a spring, and a tray or trough for conveying materials. The vibration causes the material to move along the tray or trough, ultimately moving the material to its desired destination. The motion analysis of different linear vibratory feeders was here performed and compared. Numerical modeling and experimental verification were combined in the way to investigate the dynamic response of vibratory feeders and their effect on feed particle accelerations on conveying. A close correspondence between the measured and predicted resonance frequencies was found. This information was conveniently used to improve machine designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volumetric self-priming pumps with deformable impeller blades are very common devices in the food industry, especially in the presence of viscous liquids that tend to foam or contain suspended solids, but also when working under vacuum with good suction capacity is needed. These pumps are characterized by a circular chamber with an eccentric, in which the impeller rotates: due to the continuous deformation of flexible blades, the liquid is moved up to the discharge. The exact evaluation, moment by moment, of the hyperelastic behaviour of the impeller represents a quite complex task, involving several miscellaneous phenomena. In this study a simplified quasistatic analysis by finite element discretization is proposed, able to evaluate with reasonable approximation the stress/strain state of the impeller blades during their rotation. Aspects such as material hyperelasticity, large displacements, large deformations, non-linearity in contacts, frictional and inertial forces were considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]