Study of composite patch repair by analytical and numerical methods

A combined analytical and numerical study of an isotropic cracked plate that was repaired by using a bonded composite patch was conducted. The analytical work was based on Rose's equations, whereas for the numerical investigation a three-dimensional finite element analysis was implemented. A number of cracked plates with different crack lengths and overall dimensions of the composite repair were considered. The composite patch was made of unidirectional laminates with different stacking sequences. Both, one- and two-sided patches were analysed. Results are presented for the stress intensity factor in the patched crack and the maximum stress reinforcement stress and adhesive strain. It was found that for the case of a two-sided reinforcement the results obtained by both methods were in good agreement. However, for the case of a single reinforcement the accuracy of the analytical method decreased due to the tendency to out-of-plane bending as a result of bonding a reinforcing patch to only one face of a plate, which is ignored in the analysis.     

Interface Migration between Martensite and Austenite during Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) Process

An Fe-0.2C-1.5Si-1.67Mn steel was subjected to quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process, and the interface migration between martensite and austenite at an elevated partitioning temperature was observed. The interface migration is excluded in constrained paraequilibrium (CPE) model. Based on "endpoint" predicted by CPE model the thermodynamic condition of interface migration is analyzed, that is, the difference in the chemical potential of iron in both ferrite (martenisite) and austenite produces the driving force of the iron atoms to migrate from one phase to the other phase. In addition, the interface migration can change the austenite fraction; as a result, the austenite fraction at partitioning temperature may be higher than that at quenching temperature through the interface migration, but this phenomenon cannot be explained by CPE model.     

Quantifying the reliability of dispersal paths in connectivity networks

Many biological systems, from fragmented landscapes to host populations, can be represented as networks of connected habitat patches. Links between patches in these connectivity networks can represent equally diverse processes, from individuals moving through the landscape to pathogen transmissions or successive colonization events in metapopulations. Any of these processes can be characterized as stochastic, with functional links among patches that exist with various levels of certainty. This stochasticity then needs to be reflected in the algorithms that aim to predict the dispersal routes in these networks. Here we adapt the concept of reliability to characterize the likelihood that a specific path will be used for dispersal in a probabilistic connectivity network. The most reliable of the paths that connect two patches will then identify the most likely sequence of intermediate steps between these patches. Path reliability will be sensitive to targeted disruptions of individual links that form the path, and this can then be used to plan the interventions aimed at either preserving or disrupting the dispersal along that path. The proposed approach is general, and can be used to identify the most likely dispersal routes in various contexts, such as predicting patterns of migrations, colonizations, invasions and epidemics.     

Interface Migration between Martensite and Austenite during Quenching and Partitioning （Q＆P） Process

An Fe-0.2C-1.5Si-1.67Mn steel was subjected to quenching and partitioning （Q＆P） process, and the interface migration between martensite and austenite at an elevated partitioning temperature was observed. The interface migration is excluded in constrained paraequilibrium （CPE） model. Based on ＂endpoint＂ predicted by CPE model the thermodynamic condition of interface migration is analyzed, that is, the difference in the chemical potential of iron in both ferrite （martenisite） and austenite produces the driving force of the iron atoms to migrate from one phase to the other phase. In addition, the interface migration can change the austenite fraction; as a result, the austenite fraction at partitioning temperature may be higher than that at quenching temperature through the interface migration, but this phenomenon cannot be explained by CPE model.     

Collective cell guidance by cooperative intercellular forces

Cells comprising a tissue migrate as part of a collective. How collective processes are coordinated over large multi-cellular assemblies has remained unclear, however, because mechanical stresses exerted at cell-cell junctions have not been accessible experimentally. We report here maps of these stresses within and between cells comprising a monolayer. Within the cell sheet there arise unanticipated fluctuations of mechanical stress that are severe, emerge spontaneously, and ripple across the monolayer. Within that stress landscape, local cellular migrations follow local orientations of maximal principal stress. Migrations of both endothelial and epithelial monolayers conform to this behaviour, as do breast cancer cell lines before but not after the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Collective migration in these diverse systems is seen to be governed by a simple but unifying physiological principle: neighbouring cells join forces to transmit appreciable normal stress across the cell-cell junction, but migrate along orientations of minimal intercellular shear stress.     

Game formulations for structural optimization under uncertainty

We consider structural optimization (SO) under uncertainty formulated as a mathematical game between two players –– a “designer” and “nature”. The first player wants to design a structure that performs optimally, whereas the second player tries to find the worst possible conditions to impose on the structure. Several solution concepts exist for such games, including Stackelberg and Nash equilibria and Pareto optima. Pareto optimality is shown not to be a useful solution concept. Stackelberg and Nash games are, however, both of potential interest, but these concepts are hardly ever discussed in the literature on SO under uncertainty. Based on concrete examples of topology optimization of trusses and finite element-discretized continua under worst-case load uncertainty, we therefore analyze and compare the two solution concepts. In all examples, Stackelberg equilibria exist and can be found numerically, but for some cases we demonstrate nonexistence of Nash equilibria. This motivates a view of the Stackelberg solution concept as the correct one. However, we also demonstrate that existing Nash equilibria can be found using a simple so-called decomposition algorithm, which could be of interest for other instances of SO under uncertainty, where it is difficult to find a numerically efficient Stackelberg formulation.     

Hydrodynamic interaction of two neutrally-buoyant smooth spheres suspended in plane Poiseuille flow: the BEM simulations versus the MoR approximations

The hydrodynamic interaction between two particles suspended in shear flows is fundamental to the macroscopic characterization of suspension flows. Although such interaction in quiescent or linear shear flow is well understood, studies on that in a nonlinear shear field are rare. In this study, the hydrodynamic interaction between two neutrally-buoyant smooth spheres moving at negligible Reynolds numbers in an unbounded plane Poiseuille flow has been calculated by three-dimensional boundary element method (BEM) simulations. The BEM results have been compared with the analytical results obtained with the method-of-reflection (MoR) approximations. The BEM simulations have been found to provide satisfactory predictions if the number of elements on the spheres are more than 200, whereas the MoR approximations provide satisfactory predictions only when the minimum separation between the spheres is relatively large although this MoR method has the advantage to easily calculate the hydrodynamic interaction between two spheres freely moving at negligible Reynolds numbers in unbounded quadratic flow by solving ordinary differential equations. Furthermore, it is found that there is a preferential cross-streamline migration of the center-of-gravity of the sphere-pair in the plane of shear in plane Poiseuille flow which does not arise in simple shear flow. This migration is always directed towards low shear regions when the sphere having larger translational velocity approaches the other sphere, and reverses towards high shear regions when the faster sphere leads the other sphere in the plane of shear. There is also a cross-streamline migration of the center-of-gravity of the sphere-pair in the plane of vorticity, but this migration does not have a preferential direction. These migrations are symmetric about the point where the spheres are at the minimum separation, and are only significant when the hydrodynamic interaction of the spheres is strong. These results show that the migration of the center-of-gravity of the sphere-pair can be attributed to the nonlinearity of the shear field, which agrees with the MoR approximations. The hydrodynamic interaction between the two spheres has been quantified under various conditions by the BEM simulations for both identical and disparate spheres.     

Comparison of the effectiveness of boron/epoxy and graphite/epoxy patches for repaired cracks emanating from a semicircular notch edge

The adhesively bonded composite patch repair technique has been used to restore or extend the service life of the cracked aluminium structural components because of its efficiency. In this study, the finite element method is used to analyse the performance of the different bonded composite patches at a semicircular lateral notch and the repair of cracks emanating from this kind of notch. The knowledge of the stress distribution in the neighbourhood of the cracks is important for the analysis of their repair according to the geometry of the patch. The effects of the mechanical and geometrical properties on the variation of the stress intensity factor in the crack tip were highlighted. The effects of the adhesive properties and of the patch size on the stress intensity factor variation at the crack tip in mode I were also highlighted. The comparison between the double and single patch repairs is also given in this study. The results obtained show that the stress intensity factor of the crack tip repaired by two composite patches, is reduced to a half compared to the one that is repaired only by one patch. The orientation of fibres possessing a higher rigidity perpendicularly to the crack propagation considerably influences the reduction of the stress intensity factor. The adhesive properties must be optimised in order to increase the performance of the patch repair or the reinforcement.     

Predator confusion is sufficient to evolve swarming behaviour

Swarming behaviours in animals have been extensively studied owing to their implications for the evolution of cooperation, social cognition and predator–prey dynamics. An important goal of these studies is discerning which evolutionary pressures favour the formation of swarms. One hypothesis is that swarms arise because the presence of multiple moving prey in swarms causes confusion for attacking predators, but it remains unclear how important this selective force is. Using an evolutionary model of a predator–prey system, we show that predator confusion provides a sufficient selection pressure to evolve swarming behaviour in prey. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the evolutionary effect of predator confusion on prey could in turn exert pressure on the structure of the predator''s visual field, favouring the frontally oriented, high-resolution visual systems commonly observed in predators that feed on swarming animals. Finally, we provide evidence that when prey evolve swarming in response to predator confusion, there is a change in the shape of the functional response curve describing the predator''s consumption rate as prey density increases. Thus, we show that a relatively simple perceptual constraint—predator confusion—could have pervasive evolutionary effects on prey behaviour, predator sensory mechanisms and the ecological interactions between predators and prey.     

Volumetric quantification of fluid flow reveals fish's use of hydrodynamic stealth to capture evasive prey

In aquatic ecosystems, predation on zooplankton by fish provides a major pathway for the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels. Copepods are an abundant zooplankton group that sense hydromechanical disturbances produced by approaching predators and respond with rapid escapes. Despite this capability, fish capture copepods with high success. Previous studies have focused on the predatory strike to elucidate details of this interaction. However, these raptorial strikes and resulting suction are only effective at short range. Thus, small fish must closely approach highly sensitive prey without triggering an escape in order for a strike to be successful. We use a new method, high-speed, infrared, tomographic particle image velocimetry, to investigate three-dimensional fluid patterns around predator and prey during approaches. Our results show that at least one planktivorous fish (Danio rerio) can control the bow wave in front of the head during the approach and consumption of prey (copepod). This alters hydrodynamic profiles at the location of the copepod such that it is below the threshold required to elicit an escape response. We find this behaviour to be mediated by the generation of suction within the buccopharyngeal cavity, where the velocity into the mouth roughly matches the forward speed of the fish. These results provide insight into how animals modulate aspects of fluid motion around their bodies to overcome escape responses and enhance prey capture.     

Do ‘Functional Barriers’ Function?

The direct recycling of plastics (food grade plastic to food grade plastic) obviously gives rise to possible health hazards. Contaminants, picked up by the material during first usage, may migrate into food during second use. ‘Functional barrier’ layers have been used for a long time (e.g. aluminium, silica and silicates), but there is now considerable research and development on ‘barrier’ layers of plastics for the purpose. For technological and regulatory reasons, use of the same plastic in virgin form as the recyclate is favoured. A theoretical study shows that such a layer, in general, must function more as a sponge than a barrier. Moreover, in general, migration into and through the barrier must start at manufacture of the package, and not at containment of the food (as assumed in all legislation). Although in some instances there may be adequate delay and reduction of migration to ensure safety, this is not so in general and certainly cannot be guaranteed. Hence the concept needs reconsideration in the interest of public safety.     

Holographic interferometers with photorefractive recording media

We discuss two types of holographic interferometer that contain photorefractive recording media. The first type contains two beams interacting in a photorefractive medium. The second type utilizes a single beam and relies on self-pumped phase conjugation from a photorefractive crystal to make phase changes appear as intensity changes. We show both theoretically and experimentally that the first type can be analyzed in a straightforward manner; however, the second type cannot be approximated as simply a special case of the first type, as one may n?ively suspect.     

Neutral axis offset effects due to crack patching

In recent years, a new and highly cost-effective scheme for field or in-situ repairs of cracked aircraft components has been developed. This scheme is based on the application of boron fibre reinforced plastic patches. However, if a patch is only placed on one side of the structure, as is often the case in repairs to wing skins, then the neutral axis is displaced and the efficiency of the patch is reduced. This paper begins by examining a simple formula which is sometimes used to predict this loss in efficiency. A new procedure to counter this effect is then proposed. This involves the use of an unbalanced laminate designed so as to resist the induced bending field.     

Vibration and damping characteristics of beams with active constrained layer treatments under parametric variations

Hybrid damping designs with active piezoelectric materials and passive viscoelastic materials (VEMs) combine the advantages of both active and passive constrained layer damping (ACLD/PCLD) treatments.Researchers have established the standards for the extent and placement of the PCLD treatment for common structures. However for ACLD treatment, such detailed studies are not available. This study is aimed to examine, the effect of parametric variation of active constrained layer on the vibration control of the beams treated with optimally placed active or passive constrained layer damping patches. Finite element model is developed to model the open-loop and close-loop dynamics of active/passive constrained layer damping treated beam. The placement strategies of ACLD patches are devised using the modal strain energy (MSE) approach. Extensive experimentation studies are conducted by making twenty one separate samples of ACLD/PCLD treated beams with variations in viscoelastic material layer thickness, ACLD/PCLD patch coverage and location of the patch. Effects of key parameters, such as control gain, viscoelastic material thickness, coverage and location variation of ACLD patch on the system loss factor have been investigated. The careful analysis of results from partially covered ACLD treated beam suggests that the maximum damping of the first mode can be achieved by attaching the ACLD patch only up to 50% coverage. It also reveals that with proper choice of the control voltage and thickness, the effective loss factor can be almost doubled. The present study suggests the potential use of parametric studies that establish some guide lines for the extent and placement of the ACLD patches on the cantilevered beam.     

Comparison between composite and metallic patches for repairing aircraft structures of aluminum alloy 7075 T6

In this study, experimental and numerical investigations were carried out in order to compare the performances of composite and metallic patches for repairing aircraft structures. In the experimental part, an accelerating aging of the composite was realized by the immersion of the composite patch in distilled water. The fatigue lives of notched plates repaired with aged composite patch, non-aged composite patch and aluminum patch were measured. The obtained results show that the composite patch is more beneficial than the aluminum patch if there is no significant water absorption by the composite. In the numerical part, the stress intensity factor at the crack tip was computed for aged and non-aged composite patches and for aluminum patches. The numerical results confirm the experimental ones, the reduction of the stress intensity factor by the composite patch is more significant than the aluminum patch but the water absorption reduces significantly the repair efficiency.     

Analytical estimation of stress intensity factors in patched cracked plates

The fatigue and fracture performance of a cracked plate can be substantially improved by providing patches as reinforcements. The effectiveness of the patches is related to the reduction they cause in the stress intensity factor (SIF) of the crack. So, for reliable design, one needs an accurate evaluation of the SIF in terms of the crack, patch and adhesive parameters. In this investigation, a centrally cracked large plate with a pair of symmetric bonded narrow patches, oriented normally to the crack line, is analysed by a continuum approach. The narrow patches are treated as transversely flexible line members. The formulation leads to an integral equation which is solved numerically using point collocation. The convergence is rapid. It is found that substantial reductions in SIF are possible with practicable patch dimensions and locations. The patch is more effective when placed on the crack than ahead of the crack. The present analysis indicates that a little distance inwards of the crack tip, not the crack tip itself, is the ideal location, for the patch.     

PP/PS共混体系在挤出成型中的迁移行为

用傅立叶变换红外光谱(FT-IR)作为定量表征方法，研究了聚丙烯(PP)与聚苯乙烯(PS)共混物在挤出成型中的迁移行为。结果表明，不相容聚合物共混体系PP与PS熔体在挤出口模中流动时会由于剪切产生迁移，形成了粘度较高组分PP的浓度从中心到表层逐渐减小的梯度结构，并且PP的分布近似服从二次分布。     

Experimental fatigue crack growth and crack-front shape analysis of asymmetric repaired aluminium panels with glass/epoxy composite patches

In this study, we investigate the experimental fatigue crack-growth behaviour of centrally cracked aluminium panels in mode-I condition which have been repaired with single-side composite patches. It shows that the crack growths non-uniformly from its initial location through the thickness of the single-side repaired panels. The propagated crack-front shapes are preformed for various repaired panels with different patch thicknesses. It is shown that there are considerable differences between the crack-front shapes obtained for thin repaired panels with various patch thicknesses. However, the crack-front shapes of thick repaired panels are not significantly changed with various patch thicknesses. Furthermore, effects of patch thickness on the crack growth life of the repaired panels are investigated for two typical thin and thick panel thicknesses. It shows that the crack growth life of thin panels may increase up to 236% using a 16 layers patch. However, for thick panels, the life may extended about 21–35% using a 4 layers patch, and implementing 8 and 16 layers patches has not a significant effect on the life extension with respect to the 4 layers patch life.     

A Study on the Charpy Impact Response of the Cracked Aluminum Plates Repaired with FML Composite Patches

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are widely used in aerospace industries nowadays. Reparation of the cracks in these advanced materials was first done by some aeronautical laboratories in the early 1970s. In this study, experimental investigations were done on the effects of repairing the edge-cracked aluminum plates using the FML patches. The repairing processes were conducted to characterize the response of the repaired structures to the Charpy impact tests. The composite patches were made of one aluminum layer and two woven glass–epoxy composite layers. Three different crack lengths, crack angles, and patch lay-ups were examined. It was indicated that for the lengthen cracks, the effect of increasing the crack angle on energy absorption in the structure was more. When the ratio of crack length to the specimen width, i.e., a/w, is 0.5, the energy absorption per unit area of the specimens having different crack angles but the same patch lay-ups was so different. It was also observed that the percentage of the absorbed energy of 45° cracked angle specimens was about 25% higher than the 0° ones. Also it was observed that the lay-up of the patches and the place where the metal layer was embedded in the FML patches had an important effect on the impact response of the tested specimens. The more the metal layer of the patches is far from the interfacial surface of the aluminum plate and the FML patches, the less the energy absorbs in the structure.