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In this research, a three-dimensional auxetic configuration based on a known re-entrant cell is proposed. The 3D auxetic cell is configured from a new design parameter that produces an internal rotation angle to its re-entrant elements to study elastic properties in its three orthogonal directions. Through a topological analysis using Timoshenko beam theory, the bending of its re-entrant struts is modeled as a function of the new design parameter to manipulate Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus. Experimental samples were fabricated using a fused filament fabrication system using ABS and subsequently tested under quasi-static compression and bending tests. Additionally, an orthotropy factor is applied that allows for measuring the deviation between the mechanical properties of each structure. The experimental results validate the theoretical design and show that this new unit cell can transmit an orthotropic mechanical behavior to the macrostructure. In addition, the proposed structure can provide a different bending stiffness behavior in up to three working directions, which allows the application under different conditions of external forces, such as a prosthetic ankle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional auxetic structure based on a known planar configuration including a design parameter producing asymmetry is proposed in this study. The auxetic cell is designed by topology analysis using classical Timoshenko beam theory in order to obtain the required orthotropic elastic properties. Samples of the structure are fabricated using the ABSplus fused filament technique and subsequently tested under quasi-static compression to statistically determine the Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus. The experimental results show good agreement with the topological analysis and reveal that the proposed structure can adequately provide different elastic properties in its three orthogonal directions. In addition, three point bending tests were carried out to determine the mechanical behavior of this cellular structure. The results show that this auxetic cell influences the macrostructure to exhibit different stiffness behavior in three working directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manufacturing processes and design of metal and alloy products can be performed over a wide range of strain rates and temperatures. To design and optimize these processes using computational mechanics tools, the selection and calibration of the constitutive models is critical. In the case of hazardous and explosive impact loads, it is not always possible to test material properties. For this purpose, this paper assesses the efficiency and the accuracy of different architectures of ANNs for the identification of the Johnson–Cook material model parameters. The implemented computational tool of an ANN-based parameter identification strategy provides adequate results in a range of strain rates required for general manufacturing and product design applications. Four ANN architectures are studied to find the most suitable configuration for a reduced amount of experimental data, particularly for cases where high-impact testing is constrained. The different ANN structures are evaluated based on the model's predictive capability, revealing that the perceptron-based network of 66 inputs and one hidden layer of 30 neurons provides the highest prediction accuracy of the effective flow stress–strain behavior of Ti64 alloy and three virtual materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A CPB06-based Stewart-Cazacu micromechanical damage model is implemented and validated for Ti6Al4V material. It provides accurate numerical predictions in terms of macromechanical material response and damage accumulation. The Stewart & Cazacu–Tvergaard & Needleman–Thomason (SC11–TNT) based damage model presented here is developed and implemented in the finite element software Lagamine following a semi-implicit cutting plane algorithm and a well-chosen flow rule approach. The damage of the material is characterized by the porosity ratio contained within the material. It is modelled by void nucleation, growth and coalescence mechanisms. The onset of the coalescence is established by a criterion based on Thomason's approach. The macroscopic results obtained by the implemented model demonstrate a strong ability to predict the experimental elastoplastic mechanical behaviour of the material across a full deformation range and different types of loadings. At the microscopic level, the predicted accumulated porosity ratio of the material matrix at fracture exhibits a good correlation with the experimental observations. The element deletion feature, activated when a certain damage threshold is reached, provides a physical description of the loss of load-carrying capacity of the material during fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of computational tools for the development of technologies in fields such as medicine and engineering has facilitated the process of designing new components and devices for these areas. In this work, two proposals focused on a hollow microneedle array (MNA) for the administration of an analgesic drug are shown and evaluated by means of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation distributed in three stages. In the first stage, the behavior of lidocaine through the MNA was evaluated as a workflow. Then, the possible entry of the drug into the organism, which was established as a porous aqueous medium, was modeled. Finally, a joint simulation was performed to understand the general behavior in the interaction between the outflow of an MNA and the body to which lidocaine is administered. The input parameters to the simulation were set at a velocity of 0.05 m∙s−1, at a pressure of 2000 Pa, the dominant behavior was defined as laminar flow, and a resistive pressure at the inlet of 400 Pa. Our results indicate that the vertical flow exhibits a better fluid distribution across the MNAs and favorable infiltration behavior, representing better delivery of the analgesic to the skin capillaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the out-of-plane mechanical behavior of composite materials is necessary to optimally design thick structures. In unidirectional laminates, the out-of-plane mechanical behavior is generally characterized by the in-plane data assuming transverse isotropy; nevertheless unidirectional woven contain a fraction of fill yarns that might change this property. To evaluate the fill yarns effect over the transverse isotropy, this work compares the in-plane mechanical performance to the out-of-plane behavior under a cyclic load for an epoxy glass fiber reinforced by a unidirectional weave. First, the quasi-static tensile and compression strengths were determined for both planes. Fatigue tests were then performed at 95%, 90%, 80% and 70% of the compressive strength using stress ratios of R = 2, R = 10 (in compression–compression fatigue) and the critical stress ratio defined by the quotient between the compressive and tensile strengths. The results show that the quasi-static tensile strength depends on the plane, mainly due to the influence of the weave fill fibers. These fibers also influence the observed differences in compressive strength; however, the specimen geometry and boundary conditions also have an effect. Despite these differences, the fatigue strength detriment responds to the same causes and their magnitude in terms of the number of cycles is similar. An in-plane S – N curve of the compression–compression fatigue can be transformed into an out-of-plane curve using the compressive strength in both planes and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work addresses the development of compressed earth blocks with high quality using stabilizers and reinforcements of industrial and agroindustrial by-products. A critique of the production of compressed earth blocks using new mixtures, compositions, and characteristics required for adequate performance according to different construction standards is included. Furthermore, the effect of adding stabilizers and reinforcements from industrial and agro-industrial by-products on strength, durability and thermal insulation is evaluated. Fibers improve tensile and crack resistance while stabilizers enhance cohesion of mixtures, originating new compounds with higher compressive strength and lower permeability. Finally, the main prediction tools for engineering design and application of compressed earth blocks in building are discussed. The main findings and research gaps identified provide a baseline for future research projects focused on the transition to a low-carbon future through the production of compressed earth block. [Display omitted] • Latest developments in compressed earth blocks (CEBs). • CEB reinforcements and stabilizers for economical and sustainable construction. • Soil characterization, thermal, mechanical and durability response for quality CEBs. • Applications and prediction models for CEBs and CEB walls under out-of-plane loads. • Need for new waste-based stabilizers and reinforcements to mitigate carbon footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we investigate how multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) affect the in-plane shear mechanical behavior of glass fiber/epoxy composite. These multi-scale composites are fabricated using vacuum infusion: pristine MWCNT and amino-functionalized MWCNT are incorporated into epoxy resins at concentrations of both 0.1 and 0.3wt.% and are subsequently evaluated. The MWCNT are mixed into the resins by mechanical stirring and sonication prior to resin infusion, and the MWCNT distribution in the cured laminate is then evaluated by performing a heat conduction assessment. Monotonic and cyclic quasi-static room temperature in-plane shear tests are performed following the ASTM D 4255 standard. The initial shear modulus, the deterioration of the shear modulus during plastic deformation and material hardening are evaluated. Incorporating MWCNT into the resins did not affect the parameters investigated under the imposed conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper is focused on mode I delimitation of a unidirectional glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite. The aim is to propose an accurate and simple characterisation of three cohesive zone models (CZM)—bilinear, trilinear, and potential—from the measurement of the load-displacement curve during a double cantilever beam experimental test. For that, a framework based on the equivalent linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) R-curve is here proposed, which has never before been developed for a bilinear and a potential CZM. Besides, in order to validate this strategy, an optimisation algorithm for solving an inverse problem is also implemented. It is shown that the parameters' identification using the equivalent LEFM R-curve enables the same accuracy but reduces 72% the numerical efforts respect to a "blind fitting" (i.e., the optimisation algorithm). Therefore, even if optimisation techniques become popular at present due to their easy numerical implementation, strategies founded on physical models are still better solutions especially when evaluating the objective function is expensive as in mechanical problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of micro and nanoplastics in the food chain constitutes an emergent multifactorial food safety and physiological stress problem, which must be approached with a strategic perspective since it affects public health when consuming products that have this pollutant, such as fish and crustaceans, fruits, and vegetables. In this review, the authors present the results by scientists from different disciplines who are dedicated to discovering their chemical constitution and origin, the contents of these microparticles in edible plants, the contamination of water-irrigated soils, the mechanisms that concentrate microplastics in these soils, methods to determine them, contamination of freshwater sources of cities, and the negative effect of nano and microplastics on various food products and their detrimental impact on the environment. Recent findings of plant uptake mechanisms complement this, but more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]