Fracture mechanics analysis of the dentine-luting cement interface

The objectives of this study were to determine the fracture toughness of adhesive interfaces between dentine and clinically relevant, thin layers of dental luting cements. Cements tested included a conventional glass-ionomer, F (Fuji 1), a resin-modified glass-ionomer, FP (Fuji Plus) and a compomer cement, D (DyractCem). Ten miniature short-bar chevron notch specimens were manufactured for each cement, each comprising a 40 microm thick chevron of lute, between two 1.5 mm thick blocks of bovine dentine, encased in resin composite. The interfacial K(IC) results (MN/m3/2) were median (range): F; 0.152 (0.14-0.16), FP; 0.306 (0.27-0.37), D; 0.351 (0.31-0.37). Non-parametric statistical analysis showed that the fracture toughness of F was significantly lower (p <0.05) than those of FP or D, and all were significantly lower than values for monolithic cement specimens. Scanning electron microscopy of the specimens suggested crack propagation along the interface. However, energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicated that failure was cohesive within the cement. It is concluded that the fracture toughness of luting cement was lowered by cement-dentine interactions.     

Fracture characteristics of acrylic bone cement-bone composites

In this study, the fracture properties of Perspex, acrylic bone cement prepared using a commercially available reduced pressure mixing system and a bone cement-bone composite were compared under different test conditions. The method used was the double-torsion (DT) test. The observations made from this investigation are as follows. The fracture toughness and critical crack length for Perspex significantly increased (ANOVA, p = 0.001) when tested in water compared to air. An increase in test temperature from 19 to 37 degrees C resulted in a decrease in the fracture properties in water, this reduction being also statistically significant (ANOVA, p = 0.02). The mean fracture toughness and standard deviation of CMW3 bone cement when mixed under reduced pressure was 2.19 +/- 0.11 MN m(-3/2) compared to 3.89 +/- 0.10 MN m(-3/2) for the cement-bone composite (ANOVA, p = 0.004). The crack length determined for CMW3 bone cement and the cement bone composite were 0.323 +/- 0.031 and 1.1434 +/- 0.61 mm respectively. The plateau loads of the composite material were higher than measured for the monolithic acrylic bone cement, 249.66 +/- 67.75 N compared with 140.83 +/- 6.82 N. The high level of variation recorded for the plateau loads of the bone cement bone composite is due to the orientation and volume fraction of the cancellous bone. It can be concluded from this investigation that acrylic bone cement interdigitation into the cancellous bone results in a superior material with respect to crack resistance in comparison with the bone cement as a lone entity. Therefore it is an advantage if there is sufficient cancellous bone stock available within the intermedullary canal to allow bone cement penetration to occur, for the transfer of loads during daily activity. Additionally, it is paramount that the clinician ensures that adequate pressure is applied and maintained for an appropriate time during cement injection and prosthesis insertion in order to ensure optimum cement penetration into the pore openings of the cancellous bone, thus improving the resistance of the cement mantle to fracture and ultimately improving the longevity of the joint replacement.     

Effect of fiber orientation on interfacial fracture toughness for adhesively bonded composite plates

In this study, interfacial fracture toughness was investigated experimentally and numerically in laminated composite plates with different fiber reinforcement angles bonded with adhesive. The composite plates are four-layered and the layer sequence is [0º/θ]_s. DCB test was applied to composite plates reinforced with epoxy resin matrix and unidirectional carbon fiber. The experimental sample model for the DCB test was made using the ANSYS finite element package program. In the numerical study, four layered composites were prepared in three dimensions. Under critical displacement value; mode I fracture toughness at the crack tip was calculated using VCC (virtual crack closure) technique. Numerical values consistent with experimental results have presented in graphical forms. At 60o and 75° the greatest fracture toughness was obtained. In addition, numerical results have shown that fiber orientation prevents the uniform distribution of stress on the interface crack tip and causes stress accumulation, especially at the edge of the plate.

     

Interfacial crack propagation under various mode-mixes

Initiation and propagation of interfacial crack along bimaterial interface are considered in this study. A biaxial loading device for a single specimen is used for obtaining a wide range of mode-mixities. The specimen is an edge-cracked bimaterial strip of glass and epoxy; the biaxial loading device, being capable of controlling displacements in two perpendicular directions, is developed. A series of interfacial crack initiation and propagation experiments are conducted using the biaxial loading device for various mixed modes. Normal crack opening displacement (NCOD) is measured near crack front by a crack opening interferometry and used for extracting fracture parameters. From mixed mode interfacial crack initiation experiments, large increase in toughness with shear components is observed. The behavior of interfacial crack propagation analyzed as a function of mode-mix shows that initial crack propagation is delayed with increase of mode-mixity, and its velocity is increased with positive mode-mixity but decreased with negative case. However, it is found that crack propagation is less accelerated with positive mode-mixity than the negative mode-mixity, which may be caused by contact and/or effects of friction between far field and near-tip field along the interfacial crack.     

A comparative evaluation of dental luting cements by fracture toughness tests and fractography

In recent years there has been a shift from traditional methods of investigating dental materials to a fracture mechanics approach. Fracture toughness (KIC) is an intrinsic material property which can be considered to be a measure of a material's resistance to crack propagation. Glass-ionomer cements are biocompatible and bioactive dental restorative materials, but they suffer from poor fracture toughness and are extremely susceptible to dehydration. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the fracture toughness of three types of commercially available dental cements (polyacid-modified composite resin, resin-modified and conventional glass ionomer) using a short-rod chevron-notch test and to investigate and interpret the results by means of fractography using scanning electron microscopy. Ten specimens of each cement were fabricated according to manufacturers' instructions, coated in varnish, and stored at ambient laboratory humidity, 100 per cent relative humidity, or in water at 37 degrees C for 7 days prior to preparation for testing. Results indicated that significant differences existed between each group of materials and that the fracture toughness ranged from 0.27 to 0.72 MN/m3/2. It was concluded that the resin-modified glass-ionomer cement demonstrated the highest resistance to crack propagation. Fractographs clearly showed areas of stable and unstable crack growth along the fractured surfaces for the three materials examined.     

Numerical study on thermal stress cutting of silicon wafers using two-line laser beams

We propose a method of cleaving silicon wafers using two-line laser beams. The base principle is separating the silicon wafer using crack propagation caused by laser-induced thermal stress. Specifically, this method uses two-line laser beams parallel to the cutting line such that the movements of the laser beam along the cutting line can be omitted, which is necessary when using a point beam. To demonstrate the proposed method, 3D numerical analysis of a heat transfer and thermo-elasticity model was performed. Crack propagation was evaluated by comparing the stress intensity factor (SIF) at the crack tip with the fracture toughness of silicon, where crack propagation is assumed begin when the SIF exceeds the fracture toughness. The influences of laser power, line beam width, and distance between two laser beams were also investigated. The simulation results showed that the proposed method is appropriate for cleaving silicon wafers without any thermal damage.

     

Novel Design of Copper–Graphite Self-Lubricating Composites for Reliability Improvement Based on 3D Network Structures of Copper Matrix

This paper proposes a new strategy to design the copper–graphite self-lubricating composites (CGSCs) for dynamic sealing applications. The relationships among structural parameters, mechanical and tribological properties of CGSCs were investigated. Results showed that the composites with a 3D network structure presented superior comprehensive mechanical performance; the bending strength, fracture toughness and impact toughness can reach 352 MPa, 9.6 MPa m^1/2 and 9.2 J cm^?2, respectively, which are 1.4, 1.7 and 5.8 higher than conventional Cu663–graphite composite. This new strategy was based on a combination of the large plastic deformation of the copper 3D network, and considerable crack deflection includes by spherical graphite particles in fracture. Meanwhile, this novel design shows the perfect combination of the mechanical reliability and self-lubricated ability. The 3D-CGSCs exhibit more excellent tribological properties when sliding against AISI 52100 bearing steel under dry condition at room temperature. The friction coefficient and wear rate are stable and with low value under a wide range of loads and reciprocating frequencies, and it possesses good anti-friction capability over a long sliding distance (3 km).     

Mode I fracture toughness analysis of a single-layer grapheme sheet

To predict the fracture toughness of a single-layer graphene sheet (SLGS), analytical formulations were devised for the hexagonal honeycomb lattice using a linkage equivalent discrete frame structure. Broken bonds were identified by a sharp increase in the position of the atoms. As crack propagation progressed, the crack tip position and crack path were updated from broken bonds in the molecular dynamics (MD) model. At each step in the simulation, the atomic model was centered on the crack tip to adaptively follow its path. A new formula was derived analytically from the deformation and bending mechanism of solid-state carbon-carbon bonds so as to describe the mode I fracture of SLGS. The fracture toughness of single-layer graphene is governed by a competition between bond breaking and bond rotation at a crack tip. K-field based displacements were applied on the boundary of the micromechanical model, and FEM results were obtained and compared with theoretical findings. The critical stress intensity factor for a graphene sheet was found to be K _IC = 2.63 ~ 3.2MPa \(\sqrt m \) for the case of a zigzag crack.     

On strain energy release rates for interfacial cracks

The bimaterial constant ε is necessarily used in the interfacial crack problems. Some authors tried to neglect the effects of the bimaterial constant ε. To investigate the effects of the bimaterial constant ε, the individual strain energy release rates,G _I ^* andG _II ^*, which are obtained by neglecting the bimaterial constant ε, are examined. Three examples were investigated to see the importance of the effects of the bimaterial constant ε. Firstly, the analytical results of a center interfacial crack between two dissimilar materials in an infinite plate are illustrated for various loading conditions. The phase angles of a center interfacial crack are also examined to check the importance of the bimaterial constant ε. Secondly, the individual energy release rates of a center crack paralleling an interface are examined. Thirdly, the finite element results of a four-point bending beam with two symmetrical cracks paralleling an interface are illustrated. Considering the analytical and numerical results, we can see that the bimaterial constant ε is an important factor in the interfacial crack problem, which can not be neglected.     

Characteristics Evaluation of Plasma Sprayed Ceramic Coatings by Nano/Micro-Indentation Test

The most controversial topics in plasma sprayed ceramic coating systems recently are mechanical properties such as bond strength, cohesive strength and toughness. In our research, critical fracture load (P _c) and interface toughness (K _c) of four-coating materials were computed from the applied load, crack length and Young's modulus data that were measured by micro-Vickers and a nano-indentation test. It is reasonable to consider the P _c value as comparison data of bond strength, and the K _c value, considering a trace of indent in the interface, was computed by a modified (E/H)_I ^1/2ratio. Also, we knew that P _c decreased as the hardness of the coating increased. In the case of the high load (9.8 and 19.6N) in the Al₂O₃+13%TiO₂ coating, the critical point (P _co) was found at which the coating was broken. Used by a XRD phase analysis, we checked changes of the coating's properties and predicted a possible change of the phases in plasma-sprayed coating.     

预测钛合金超塑成形－扩散连接(SPF/DB)界面层的断裂韧度

提出根据超塑成形－扩散连接(SPF/DB)的工艺技术参数预测扩散连接界面层断裂韧度的计算方法,并对TC4/TA2连接件,开发了相应的界面层断裂韧度的分析和预测软件系统。该计算方法首先在理论分析和试验的基础上,建立扩散连接界面层成长模型,获得扩散连接件界面层厚度的计算公式,确定材料过渡参数m的计算方法;其次对已有的混合型外载的界面断裂准则进行修正,使其适用于扩散连接件界面层断裂时能量释放率曲线的函数模型。计算结果与试验结果吻合良好。分析结果表明：在允许工艺参数范围内,扩散连接件界面断裂韧度随成形温度、成形压力和保压时间的提高而提高。其中,成形压力影响最大,然后依次为保压时间和成形温度。为了提高扩散连接界面层的断裂韧度,必须通过界面层设计来提高其界面裂尖断裂混合度,而上述各工艺技术参数,正与其裂尖断裂混合度的大小密切相关。     

Mechanical behavior and numerical estimation of fracture resistance of a SCS6 fiber reinforced reaction bonded S13N4 continuous fiber ceramic composite

Continuous fiber ceramic composites (CFCCs) have advantages over monolithic ceramics: Silicon Nitride composites are not well used for application because of their low fracture toughness and fracture strength, but CFCCs exhibit increased toughness for damage tolerance, and relatively high stiffness in spite of low specific weight. Thus it is important to characterize the fracture resistance and properties of new CFCCs materials. Tensile and flexural tests were carried out for mechanical properties and the fracture resistance behavior of a SCS6 fiber reinforced Si₃N₄ matrix CFCC was evaluated. The results indicated that CFCC composite exhibit a rising R curve behavior in flexural test. The fracture toughness was about 4.8 MPa m^1/2 , which resulted in a higher value of the fracture toughness because of fiber bridging. Mechanical properties as like the elastic modulus, proportional limit and the ultimate strength in a flexural test are greater than those in a tensile test. Also a numerical modeling of failure process was accomplished for a flexural test. This numerical results provided a good simulation of the cumulative fracture process of the fiber and matrix in CFCCs.     

Some failure modes of four clinical bone cements

The fracture or failure behaviours of four commercial acrylic-based bone cements have been examined in tensile, bending and compression modes, and their mechanical properties are reviewed. It was found that Palacos R-40 bone cement had high radiopaque agent concentration, with high surface hardness. It exhibited a much lower bending strength and bending modulus compared with the other three bone cements (CMW1, CMW2000 and Simplex P). The textures of tensile fracture surfaces produced were similar for the four bone cements studied. The fracture surface was fragmented by crevices, which developed through the matrix and around large undissolved polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads. Three bands with different features existed on the bending fracture surfaces, with an abrupt transition between them. It appears that the agglomerates of zirconium dioxide particles are implicated in Palacos R-40 bone cement fracture surface. The examination of compressive failed specimens revealed that a 'yielded crack band' existed across the transverse section. Plastic deformation resulted in the PMMA beads being squashed in the longitudinal direction and dilated in the transverse direction.     

Residual stresses in TiN, DLC and MoS2 coated surfaces with regard to their tribological fracture behaviour

Thin hard coatings on components and tools are used increasingly due to the rapid development in deposition techniques, tribological performance and application skills. The residual stresses in a coated surface are crucial for its tribological performance. Compressive residual stresses in PVD deposited TiN and DLC coatings were measured to be in the range of 0.03-4 GPa on steel substrate and 0.1-1.3 GPa on silicon. MoS₂ coatings had tensional stresses in the range of 0.8-1.3 on steel and 0.16 GPa compressive stresses on silicon. The fracture pattern of coatings deposited on steel substrate were analysed both in bend testing and scratch testing. A micro-scale finite element method (FEM) modelling and stress simulation of a 2 μm TiN-coated steel surface was carried out and showed a reduction of the generated tensile buckling stresses in front of the sliding tip when compressive residual stresses of 1 GPa were included in the model. However, this reduction is not similarly observed in the scratch groove behind the tip, possibly due to sliding contact-induced stress relaxation. Scratch and bending tests allowed calculation of the fracture toughness of the three coated surfaces, based on both empirical crack pattern observations and FEM stress calculation, which resulted in highest values for TiN coating followed by MoS₂ and DLC coatings, being K_C = 4-11, about 2, and 1-2 MPa m^1/2, respectively. Higher compressive residual stresses in the coating and higher elastic modulus of the coating correlated to increased fracture toughness of the coated surface.     

Manufacturing and mechanical characterization of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/β-TCP/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> biocomposite as a potential bone substitute

This paper focuses on the mechanical characterization of a bioceramic based on commercial alumina (Al₂O₃) mixed with synthesized tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and commercial titania powder (TiO₂). The effect of β-TCP and TiO₂ addition on the mechanical performance was investigated. After a sintering process at 1600 °C for 1 h, various mechanical properties of the samples have been studied, such as compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness. The measurements of the elastic modulus (E) and the tensile strength (σ _t ) were conducted using the modified Brazilian test while the compressive strength (σ _c ) was determined through a compression test. Also, semi-circular bending (SCB) specimens were used to evaluate the flexural strength (σ _f ) and the opening mode fracture toughness (K _IC). From the main results, it was found that the best mechanical performance is obtained with the addition of 10 wt.% TCP and 5 wt.% TiO₂. Alumina/10 wt.% tricalcium phosphate/5 wt.% titania composites displayed the highest values of mechanical properties and a good combination of compressive strength (σ _c ?≈?352 MPa), flexural strength (σ _f ?≈?98 MPa), tensile strength (σ _t ?≈?86.65 MPa), and fracture toughness (K _IC?≈?13 MPa m^1/2).     

平纹编织C/SiC复合材料层间断裂行为试验研究

通过双悬臂梁和端部切口弯曲试验分别对平纹编织C/SiC复合材料的Ⅰ型(张开型)和Ⅱ型(滑开型)层间断裂行为进行试验研究,得到该材料以临界能量释放率GⅠC和GⅡC表征的层间断裂韧度值.试验后利用光学显微镜对两组试验的试样断口进行显微观察,以分析其破坏机理.结果表明:Ⅰ型层间断裂韧度值GⅠC和Ⅱ型层间断裂韧度值GⅡC分别为(737.2±57) J/m2和(1082.7±90) J/m2;Ⅰ型开裂为层间SiC基体沿初始裂纹方向的断裂破坏;Ⅱ型开裂与Ⅰ型开裂相似,但裂纹上下表面包裹碳纤维束的SiC基体发生脱落,并且出现碳纤维束中部分碳纤维剪切破坏.     

风电齿轮齿根弯曲应力及裂纹特性分析

以风电齿轮为例,利用有限元分析软件ABAQUS,建立了太阳轮简化力学模型,并进行了齿根弯曲应力的分析计算。分析结果与传统计算方法得出的结果基本一致,从而验证了简化模型的正确性。在此基础上,研究了齿轮齿根裂纹特性,分析了初始裂纹长度和外加载荷对应力强度因子(SIF)的影响。结果表明,随着初始裂纹长度的增加,应力强度因子也随之增加,并且应力强度因子与载荷等比例增加。在初始裂纹长度和载荷相同的情况下,应力强度因子KⅠ远大于KⅡ和KⅢ,即在弯曲应力作用下张开型裂纹为风电齿轮轮齿折断失效的主要原因。     

Fatigue Crack Growth Rate of Ti-6Al-4V Considering the Effects of Fracture Toughness and Crack Closure

Fatigue fracture is one of the main failure modes of Ti-6A1-4V alloy,fracture toughness and crack closure have strong effects on the fatigue crack growth(FCG)rate of Ti-6A1-4V alloy.The FCG rate of Ti-6A1-4V is investigated by using experimental and analytical methods.The effects of stress ratio,crack closure and fracture toughness on the FCG rate are studied and discussed.A modified prediction model of the FCG rate is proposed,and the relationship between the fracture toughness and the stress intensity factor(SIF)range is redefined by introducing a correcting coefficient.Notched plate fatigue tests(including the fracture toughness test and the FCG rate test)are conducted to investigate the influence of affecting factors on the FCG rate.Comparisons between the predicted results of the proposed model,the Paris model,the Walker model,the Sadananda model,and the experimental data show that the proposed model gives the best agreement with the test data particularly in the near-threshold region and the Paris region,and the corresponding calculated fatigue life is also accurate in the same regions.By considering the effects of fracture toughness and crack closure,the novel FCG rate prediction model not only improves the estimating accuracy,but also extends the adaptability of the FCG rate prediction model in engineering.     

Comparative study of toughness between the AH 40 fatigue crack arrester steel and its weld metal in the case of robotic metal-cored arc welding

The current investigation aims to scrutinize the impact and fracture toughness of the AH 40 fatigue crack arrester (FCA) steel and its weld metal, when welded with the metal-cored arc welding technique (MCAW). Initially, macroscopic observation and microstructural characterization were carried out in the areas of interest. Subsequently, the impact toughness was determined with the use of the Charpy V-notch test (CVN) at various temperatures, while the values of the absorbed energy (KV), the percentage of shear fracture (PSF), and the lateral expansion (LE) were recorded. Moreover, the ruptured surfaces were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, the crack tip opening displacement (δ) parameter was estimated at room temperature by fracture toughness testing. The obtained data led to the quantification of the toughness parameters, when dynamic or quasistatic load is applied, while the combined effect of several factors to the degradation of the weld metal toughness was elucidated. The ductile to brittle transition curve and the crack tip opening displacement in the weld metal appeared to be lower than inside the unaffected material. Nevertheless, fracture toughness properties were evaluated within acceptable limits in all cases.     

Moving finite element analyses for fast crack propagation in sheet metal

The conventional fracture mechanics parameters K_IC and/or J_IC are used as fracture toughness criteria necessary for the start of crack propagation under plane strain conditions. These criteria are defined only for small-scale yielding or infinitesimal deformation, though actual fractures involve large plastic deformation. Hence, measurement of fracture resistance during crack propagation is difficult with the conventional parameters.Estimating the mechanical conditions around the propagating crack tip is very useful for reducing damage during accidental fracture. Therefore, establishing a criterion for crack propagation with large-scale yielding is very important for not only science fields but also some industrial fields. For fractures with large-scale yielding, micro- or mesoscale damage processes in the crack tip vicinity have to be considered.In this study, Gurson's constitutive model for void occurrence and growth was introduced into the finite element method to discuss failure behavior in the crack tip vicinity. Fast crack propagation behavior under high-speed deformation was simulated using the moving finite element method based on the Delaunay automatic triangulation. The excellent far-field integral path independence of the T* integral was verified for pure mode I fast crack propagation and non-straight crack propagation under mixed mode conditions. The void growth conditions near the crack propagation path were evaluated.