A Procedure for Comprehensive Investigation of the Fretting-Fatigue Damage of Metals

A procedure for comprehensive investigation of the fretting-fatigue damage of metals and structural alloys is described. A specific feature of the procedure is the possibility to measure and monitor the main mechanical parameters of fretting fatigue using a personal computer for primary processing and accumulation of test data in real time. The procedure developed makes it possible to reduce considerably the experimental error and to increase the informativeness and efficiency of experiments. The magnitude of electric microcurrents in fretting pairs during testing is used as the parameter for the estimation of the level of damaging processes of nonmechanical nature.     

非正态参数圆孔间裂纹扩展寿命的可靠性分析

机械设备不可避免地存在许多圆孔结构,孔边是应力集中多发区域,许多裂纹发源于孔边,因此研究孔边裂纹扩展寿命对结构的疲劳寿命评定具有重要的实际意义.工程实际中结构尺寸、材料特性、载荷等因素常常具有不确定性,裂纹扩展过程是一个随机过程,研究随机裂纹扩展更加符合工程实际.以材料属性和载荷为随机变量,采用Paris-Erdogan 公式计算裂纹扩展寿命,裂纹扩展方向采用最大周向应力准则,在随机有限元法的基础上,结合计算可靠度的四阶矩法、Edgeworth级数展开,提出随机参数服从任意分布时的结构疲劳裂纹扩展寿命可靠度的计算方法.研究了参数服从任意分布时平板上两圆孔之间的疲劳裂纹扩展寿命可靠性相关问题,模拟了裂纹扩展路径,得到裂纹扩展寿命可靠度随裂纹扩展的变化趋势,从结果看出裂纹扩展速率不断加快,可靠度随着裂纹扩展逐渐降低,结构的剩余强度逐渐变小.新方法对孔边产生的裂纹扩展寿命可靠性分析具有一定的理论意义.     

Plating on acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) plastic: a review

ABS is an engineering plastic that has butadiene part uniformly distributed over the acrylonitrile-styrene matrix. It possesses excellent toughness, good dimensional stability, easy processing ability, chemical resistance, and cheapness. However, it suffers from inherent shortcomings in terms of mechanical strength and vulnerability to environmental conditions. Furthermore, it is non-conducting and easily fretted. Plating on ABS can serve to enhance the strength and structural integrity as well as to improve durability and thermal resistance resulting in metallic properties on the ABS material. ABS is described as the most suitable candidate for plating because it is possible to deposit an adherent metal coating on it by only the use of chemical pretreatment process and without the use of any mechanical abrasion. This article aims to review the history of ABS plastics, properties of ABS, processes and mechanisms of plating, and studies of plating on ABS involving mainly eco-friendly methods of plating by discussing the literature published in recent years. The details of electroplating of ABS carried out in the authors’ laboratory are also presented.     

Cell wall structure and formation of maturing fibres of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) increase buckling resistance

The mechanical stability of the culms of monocotyledonous bamboos is highly attributed to the proper embedding of the stiff fibre caps of the vascular bundles into the soft parenchymatous matrix. Owing to lack of a vascular cambium, bamboos show no secondary thickening growth that impedes geometrical adaptations to mechanical loads and increases the necessity of structural optimization at the material level. Here, we investigate the fine structure and mechanical properties of fibres within a maturing vascular bundle of moso bamboo, Phyllostachys pubescens, with a high spatial resolution. The fibre cell walls were found to show almost axially oriented cellulose fibrils, and the stiffness and hardness of the central part of the cell wall remained basically consistent for the fibres at different regions across the fibre cap. A stiffness gradient across the fibre cap is developed by differential cell wall thickening which affects tissue density and thereby axial tissue stiffness in the different regions of the cap. The almost axially oriented cellulose fibrils in the fibre walls maximize the longitudinal elastic modulus of the fibres and their lignification increases the transverse rigidity. This is interpreted as a structural and mechanical optimization that contributes to the high buckling resistance of the slender bamboo culms.     

复相导电混凝土应用于损伤诊断的试验研究

为了研究含有纳米炭黑或碳纤维的导电混凝土梁受荷过程中电阻变化规律与混凝土损伤之间的关系, 通过比拟与试验数据回归分析方法, 先建立混凝土梁电阻变化率与梁几何中性轴处应变的曲线关系, 再结合损伤力学理论, 建立损伤度与电阻变化率的函数关系, 为导电混凝土材料或构件自身电阻诊断其内部损伤提供了新途径。研究表明: 开裂前, 混凝土梁的电阻变化率与梁几何中性轴处应变的关系用一次衰减指数函数方程拟合较好, 通过拟合曲线的斜率可以直接反映出导电混凝土用于检测损伤的灵敏度, 从而间接反映出混凝土损伤的程度。      

利用导重法进行结构轻量化设计

结构轻量化设计的目的是以最少的设计资源设计出性能合格的产品结构,以降低产品生产成本,提高产品性价比和市场竞争力。结构轻量化的实质是材料重量在结构几何空间内及构件间的合理分配。导重法是可用于产品结构轻量化的结构优化有效方法,它可适用于包括各类单元的各种产品结构构件尺寸优化与结构几何形状优化以及结构拓扑优化;其目标与约束可以涉及各种结构静动力性态。首先给出结构优化导重法用于结构轻量化设计的具有广泛一般性的数学模型及其求解方法。接着给出一种新的包络函数-方根包络函数,使数目庞大的应力与位移约束凝聚为单值强度约束与单值精度约束;还给出适用于多数产品结构轻量化设计的单性态约束优化实用模型与解法;最后给出两个产品结构轻量化的应用实例,验证了导重法用于轻量化设计的有效性与广泛适用性。     

Nonlinear analysis of an imperfect radially graded annular plate with a heated edge

The present work deals with a geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis of an imperfect radially graded annular plate with a heated edge. The geometrical imperfection of the graded annular plate is assumed in aspect of its little intrinsic transverse deflection. The analysis is mainly for investigating the effects of intrinsic geometrical imperfection and temperature in the graded annular plate on its nonlinear flexural behaviour under a transverse mechanical load. The temperature is uniformly distributed across the thickness of the plate and it varies along the radial direction only. The temperature-dependent material properties are radially graded according to a simple power-law that is formed by power-law exponent and material properties of constituent materials (ceramic and metal). Based on the Von Karman nonlinear strain–displacement relations for imperfect annular plates, the nonlinear finite element equations of equilibrium are derived employing the principle of minimum potential energy. A single nodal displacement-control solution strategy is described for numerical solutions of nonlinear finite element equations of equilibrium. The numerical illustrations show a significant role of geometrical imperfection of the annular plate for its unstable equilibrium and alteration of structural behaviour under thermo-mechanical load. The analysis reveals the usefulness of radially graded annular plate in order to mitigate the unstable equilibrium of imperfect monolithic annular plate under thermo-mechanical load. It is found that the radial location for maximum value of a stress component insignificantly depends on the magnitudes of power-law exponent and applied temperature. The effects of material properties and applied temperature on the critical mechanical load corresponding to the unstable equilibrium of the imperfect radially graded annular plate are also presented.     

Atomimetic Mechanical Structures with Nonlinear Topological Domain Evolution Kinetics

A mechanical metamaterial, a simple, periodic mechanical structure, is reported, which reproduces the nonlinear dynamic behavior of materials undergoing phase transitions and domain switching at the structural level. Tunable multistability is exploited to produce switching and transition phenomena whose kinetics are governed by the same Allen–Cahn law commonly used to describe material‐level, structural‐transition processes. The reported purely elastic mechanical system displays several key features commonly found in atomic‐ or mesoscale physics of solids. The rotating‐mass network shows qualitatively analogous features as, e.g., ferroic ceramics or phase‐transforming solids, and the discrete governing equation is shown to approach the phase field equation commonly used to simulate the above processes. This offers untapped opportunities for reproducing material‐level, dissipative and diffusive kinetic phenomena at the structural level, which, in turn, invites experimental realization and paves the road for new active, intelligent, or phase‐transforming mechanical metamaterials bringing small‐scale processes to the macroscopically observable scale.     

Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Modeling of Mechanical Behavior for Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Turfs

Several characterization methods have been developed to investigate the mechanical and structural properties of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs).Establishing analytical models at nanoscale to interpret these properties is complicated due to the nonuniformity and irregularity in quality of as-grown samples.In this paper,we propose a new methodology to investigate the correlation between indentation resistance of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) turfs,Raman spectra and the geometrical properties of the turf structure using adaptive neuro-fuzzy phenomenological modeling.This methodology yields a novel approach for modeling at the nanoscale by evaluating the effect of structural morphologies on nanomaterial properties using Raman spectroscopy.     

Topologically engineered 3D printed architectures with superior mechanical strength

Materials that are lightweight yet exhibit superior mechanical properties are of compelling importance for several technological applications that range from aircrafts to household appliances. Lightweight materials allow energy saving and reduce the amount of resources required for manufacturing. Researchers have expended significant efforts in the quest for such materials, which require new concepts in both tailoring material microstructure as well as structural design. Architectured materials, which take advantage of new engineering paradigms, have recently emerged as an exciting avenue to create bespoke combinations of desired macroscopic material responses. In some instances, rather unique structures have emerged from advanced geometrical concepts (e.g. gyroids, menger cubes, or origami/kirigami-based structures), while in others innovation has emerged from mimicking nature in bio-inspired materials (e.g. honeycomb structures, nacre, fish scales etc.). Beyond design, additive manufacturing has enabled the facile fabrication of complex geometrical and bio-inspired architectures, using computer aided design models. The combination of simulations and experiments on these structures has led to an enhancement of mechanical properties, including strength, stiffness and toughness. In this review, we provide a perspective on topologically engineered architectured materials that exhibit optimal mechanical behaviour and can be readily printed using additive manufacturing.     

机械弹性车轮径向刚度特性及影响因素研究

为解决充气轮胎爆胎的问题,提高车辆防刺破及越野路面的行驶性能,对非充气结构机械弹性车轮径向刚度特性及影响因素进行研究。建立了机械弹性车轮非线性有限元模型,并通过负荷特性试验验证了模型的有效性;分析了使用条件和车轮结构等因素对机械弹性车轮径向刚度的影响,揭示了地面约束、材料、垂直载荷及力矩对车轮固有频率和振型的影响规律,为机械弹性车轮结构及整车动力学特性优化提供了参考。     

Technological aspects of particle-reinforced composites production

Technological aspects of particle-reinforced composite production together with their geometrical and thermal analysis have been presented in this article. An estimation of metallurgical properties of aluminium alloy matrix composite has been revealed. This study concerns the influence of technological manufacturing parameters on the crystallization, solidification and exploitation features of MMC (metal matrix composite) with aluminium alloy matrix, reinforced with C-graphite, SiC and Al₂O₃ particles, in the amount up to 5% by weight. The composites here investigated are designed as a material for mechanical parts, which should be characterized by considerable wear resistance, low or high friction coefficient, as well as erosion and corrosive wear resistance.     

Effects of deproteinization and ashing on site-specific properties of cortical bone

Buffered sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution was used to remove selectively the collagen phase from bovine cortical bone. Changes in the mechanical behaviour and material properties were studied over a wide range of resolution (from 5 m to 3 mm) using an integrated combination of experimental techniques. Optical microscopy indicated that timed immersion in NaOCl results in cortical bone specimens that consist of a mineralized tissue core surrounded by a layer of deproteinized or anorganic bone. With increased NaOCl treatment, the mechanical behaviour in three-point flexure of the intact specimens became increasingly characteristic of a brittle ceramic material. Localized material properties were evaluated using histology, scanning electron microscopy and microhardness testing. The site-specific properties and the mineralization of the cores were not significantly affected by the treatment; however, the interactions and structural framework of the hydroxyapatite crystallites within the anorganic material were compromised. This destruction of crystallite interlocking was not observed in samples in which the organic phase was removed by ashing at 800°C. The ashed samples maintained microhardness values three times those of the bleached samples. Because of its damaging effects on cortical bone structural integrity, the NaOCl treatment did not provide a reasonable means of studying, as a function of the phasic mass fraction, incremental changes in bone mechanical behaviour or the relative roles of collagen and mineral within the structural hierarchy.     

Nanoscale characterization of human hair and hair conditioners

Human hair is a nanocomposite biological fiber. Hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners, along with damaging processes such as chemical dyeing and permanent wave treatments, affect the maintenance and grooming process and are important to study because they alter many hair properties. Nanoscale characterization of the cellular structure, mechanical properties, and morphological, frictional, and adhesive properties (tribological properties) of hair are essential to evaluate and develop better cosmetic products, and to advance the understanding of biological and cosmetic science. The atomic/friction force microscope (AFM/FFM) and nanoindenter have become important tools for studying the micro/nanoscale properties of human hair. In this review article, we present a comprehensive review of structural, mechanical, and tribological properties of various hair and skin as a function of ethnicity, damage, conditioning treatment, and various environments.     

Analysis of damaged material containing periodically distributed elliptical microcracks by using the homogenization method based on the superposition method

The presence of multiple microcracks in a structural component causes material degradation such as reduction in the stiffness or reduction in the fracture toughness of the component. In this paper, the homogenization method is used to evaluate mechanical properties of the damaged material. The adaptation of the superposition method to the homogenization method is also presented. The proposed method makes use of the finite element solution of uncracked solid and the analytical solution. The effective elastic moduli of damaged materials containing lattice-distribution microcracks are estimated by the proposed method. Furthermore, the stress fields and the stress intensity factors of the elliptical microcracks in the damaged material at a micro-mechanics scale are evaluated to illustrate microscopic behavior such as crack interaction.     

颗粒增强金属基复合材料的结构建模与力学模拟研究进展

颗粒增强金属基复合材料具有高模量、高强度及高耐磨等优异性能,其材料体系庞杂、复合结构繁复,力学性能指标众多。通过结构建模与力学模拟的系统研究,能够有效揭示复合材料的构效关系与组织演变规律,进而指导其设计、制备、加工与应用全流程研究。开展多尺度建模计算,并与宏、微观实验相融合,以及利用以数据库技术、高通量计算与大数据挖掘为主要特征的材料信息学研究,可实现金属基复合材料的“组分-工艺-结构-性能”内禀关系的科学内涵描述。首先回顾了颗粒增强金属基复合材料建模计算的主要研究方法,然后对其结构建模研究现状进行了介绍,进而围绕界面特性与力学模拟进行了综合述评,最后对建模拟实结合材料基因工程技术的未来发展进行了展望。