Mechanical Loading Conditions Research Articles

Auxeticity as a Mechanobiological Tool to Create Meta-Biomaterials.

Mechanical and morphological design parameters, such as stiffness or porosity, play important roles in creating orthopedic implants and bone substitutes. However, we have only a limited understanding of how the microarchitecture of porous scaffolds contributes to bone regeneration. Meta-biomaterials are increasingly used to precisely engineer the internal geometry of porous scaffolds and independently tailor their mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness and Poisson's ratio). This is motivated by the rare or unprecedented properties of meta-biomaterials, such as negative Poisson's ratios (i.e., auxeticity). It is, however, not clear how these unusual properties can modulate the interactions of meta-biomaterials with living cells and whether they can facilitate bone tissue engineering under static and dynamic cell culture and mechanical loading conditions. Here, we review the recent studies investigating the effects of the Poisson's ratio on the performance of meta-biomaterials with an emphasis on the relevant mechanobiological aspects. We also highlight the state-of-the-art additive manufacturing techniques employed to create meta-biomaterials, particularly at the micrometer scale. Finally, we provide future perspectives, particularly for the design of the next generation of meta-biomaterials featuring dynamic properties (e.g., those made through 4D printing).

Development of a new dynamic hysteresis model for magnetorheological dampers with annular-radial gaps considering fluid inertia and compressibility

Modeling the inherent non-linear dynamic hysteresis behavior of magnetorheological (MR) fluid dampers is a fundamental necessity for their practical implementation. Quasi-static models, have been developed under very low frequency and small amplitude excitation conditions, are only beneficial in the early stages of MR dampers design and are sufficient for manufacturing requirements. These models, however, have failed to predict the non-linear hysteresis behavior of MR dampers (i.e., force-displacement and force-velocity characteristics) under low to moderate ranges of frequency and displacement amplitudes. The main contribution of the present work is to formulate a novel physic-based dynamic model to predict the non-linear behavior of MR dampers featuring an annular-radial bypass valve under different applied currents, and low to moderate input excitations. The proposed model incorporates unsteady fluid behavior and the fluid compressibility effect on the hysteretic response without relying on experimental data to evaluate the model parameters. To derive the model, the velocity profile and the pressure drop have been derived by solving the fluid momentum equation via the Laplace transform technique and Cauchy residue theory. The continuity equation has been employed for considering the compressibility contribution to hysteretic response based on the variation of bulk moduli. The predicted results for the force-displacement and force-velocity behavior of the MR damper were subsequently compared with the experimental results. Results suggest the effectiveness of the proposed model for predicting the dynamic hysteresis characteristics of the annular-radial MR fluid dampers under the relatively sufficient variation of mechanical and magnetic loading conditions considered.

Mechanical loading of the ventricular wall as a spatial indicator for periventricular white matter degeneration

Progressive white matter degeneration in periventricular and deep white matter regions appears as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI scans. To date, periventricular WMHs are often associated with vascular dysfunction. Here, we demonstrate that ventricular inflation resulting from cerebral atrophy and hemodynamic pulsation with every heartbeat leads to a mechanical loading state of periventricular tissues that significantly affects the ventricular wall. Specifically, we present a physics-based modeling approach that provides a rationale for ependymal cell involvement in periventricular WMH formation. Building on eight previously created 2D finite element brain models, we introduce novel mechanomarkers for ependymal cell loading and geometric measures that characterize lateral ventricular shape. We show that our novel mechanomarkers, such as maximum ependymal cell deformations and maximum curvature of the ventricular wall, spatially overlap with periventricular WMH locations and are sensitive predictors for WMH formation. We also explore the role of the septum pellucidum in mitigating mechanical loading of the ventricular wall by constraining the radial expansion of the lateral ventricles during loading. Our models consistently show that ependymal cells are stretched thin only in the horns of the ventricles irrespective of ventricular shape. We therefore pose that periventricular WMH etiology is strongly linked to the deterioration of the over-stretched ventricular wall resulting in CSF leakage into periventricular white matter. Subsequent secondary damage mechanisms, including vascular degeneration, exacerbate lesion formation and lead to progressive growth into deep white matter regions.

Thermal-mechanical coupling topology optimization of multi-phase infill structures with a non-gradient porosity optimization method

Mechanical structures in the real world are often subject to different types of physics which affect their performance and reliability. Recent studies have revealed that porous structures can be an ideal solution for multiphysics problems due to their multifunctionality. In this paper, a full-scale topology optimization method of multi-phase infill structures, i.e. non-gradient porosity optimization method, is proposed to exploit the advantages of different phase materials and solve multiphysics problems efficiently. The method builds upon a unified multi-material density-based topology optimization framework to interpolate the thermal stress coefficient in order to characterize the dependence of the thermal stress load upon the design variables. To generate sparse but stable structures distributed in the interior of a given shape, the upper bound of the solid material volume fraction in the neighborhood of each element in the design domain is constrained. In particular, the influence radius of each element is considered as a separate variable to be optimized, which is calculated directly from field functions in finite element analysis (FEA) without additional sensitivity analysis. In the proposed method, the element pseudo-density and porosity are optimized simultaneously, which further expands the design space and improves the performance of infill structures. Subsequently, the improved weighting method is used to aggregate multiple objective functions. The whole analysis and optimization process are based on a full-scale FEA, thus avoiding scale separation and naturally ensuring the optimized spatial gradient infills to be connected smoothly. Numerical examples with different thermal and mechanical load conditions are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Mechanostat parameters estimated from time-lapsed in vivo micro-computed tomography data of mechanically driven bone adaptation are logarithmically dependent on loading frequency.

Mechanical loading is a key factor governing bone adaptation. Both preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated its effects on bone tissue, which were also notably predicted in the mechanostat theory. Indeed, existing methods to quantify bone mechanoregulation have successfully associated the frequency of (re)modeling events with local mechanical signals, combining time-lapsed in vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging and micro-finite element (micro-FE) analysis. However, a correlation between the local surface velocity of (re)modeling events and mechanical signals has not been shown. As many degenerative bone diseases have also been linked to impaired bone (re)modeling, this relationship could provide an advantage in detecting the effects of such conditions and advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, in this study, we introduce a novel method to estimate (re)modeling velocity curves from time-lapsed in vivo mouse caudal vertebrae data under static and cyclic mechanical loading. These curves can be fitted with piecewise linear functions as proposed in the mechanostat theory. Accordingly, new (re)modeling parameters can be derived from such data, including formation saturation levels, resorption velocity moduli, and (re)modeling thresholds. Our results revealed that the norm of the gradient of strain energy density yielded the highest accuracy in quantifying mechanoregulation data using micro-finite element analysis with homogeneous material properties, while effective strain was the best predictor for micro-finite element analysis with heterogeneous material properties. Furthermore, (re)modeling velocity curves could be accurately described with piecewise linear and hyperbola functions (root mean square error below 0.2µm/day for weekly analysis), and several (re)modeling parameters determined from these curves followed a logarithmic relationship with loading frequency. Crucially, (re)modeling velocity curves and derived parameters could detect differences in mechanically driven bone adaptation, which complemented previous results showing a logarithmic relationship between loading frequency and net change in bone volume fraction over 4weeks. Together, we expect this data to support the calibration of in silico models of bone adaptation and the characterization of the effects of mechanical loading and pharmaceutical treatment interventions in vivo.

Development and mechanical characterization of decellularized scaffolds for an active aortic graft.

Decellularized porcine aortas are proposed as scaffolds for revolutionary active aortic grafts. A change in the static and dynamic mechanical properties, associated with the microstructure of elastin and collagen fibers, corresponds to alteration in the cyclic expansion and perfusion, in addition to possible graft damage. Therefore, the present study thoroughly investigates the mechanical response of the decellularized scaffolds of human and porcine origin to static and dynamic mechanical loads. The responses of the native human and porcine aortas are also compared; this is unavailable in the literature. Because the aorta is subjected to pulsatile blood pressure, dynamical responses to cyclic loads and their associated viscoelastic properties are particularly relevant for advanced graft design. In parallel, this study examines the microstructure of the decellularized aorta. The resulting data are compared to the analogous data obtained for the native human and porcine tissues. The results indicate that by using an optimized decellularization protocol - based on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and DNase - that minimizes mechanical and structural changes of the tissue, layered scaffolds with static and dynamic properties very similar to natural human aortas are obtained. In particular, a decellularized porcine aorta is non-inferior to a decellularized human aorta. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: About 55,000 patients undergo abdominal aortic aneurysm repair annually in the USA. The currently implanted grafts present a large mechanical mismatch with the native tissue. This increases the pulsatile nature of the blood flow with negative consequences to the organ perfusion. For this reason, biomimetic and mechanically compatible grafts for aortic repair are urgently needed and they can be obtained through tissue engineering. In this study, scaffolds from porcine and human aortas are obtained from an optimized decellularization protocol. They are accurately compared to the native tissue and present the ideal static and dynamic mechanical properties for developing innovative aortic grafts.

Dynamic modelling and analysis of a biological circular membrane

This paper presents the nonlinear dynamics of a biological circular membrane subjected to an electrically-induced mechanical loading condition. A continuum mechanics-based analytical model is developed to predict the dynamic response of the membrane for an applied electro-mechanical load. A crucial bi-stability feature is studied using the snap-through instability. The effect of bi-stability on the dynamics of a particular membrane system is characterised. The free and forced vibrations, including chaos for the critical conditions, are illustrated using the Poincaré map and Lyapunov stability criteria. Parametric studies are subsequently performed for varying sinusoidal voltages to determine the membrane multi-frequency resonance activity and stability parameters. As a result, the perturbation of the membrane exhibits two natural frequencies. Also, the system response transits from a soft duffing oscillator to a hard duffing oscillator with increased perturbation energy. The parametric study is also extended to varying sinusoidal pressure.

Two‐scale FE‐FFT‐based thermo‐mechanically coupled modeling of elasto‐viscoplastic polycrystalline materials at finite strains

AbstractDue to the general pursuit of technological advancement, structural components need to meet increasingly higher standards. In order to optimize the performance behavior of the used materials, detailed knowledge of the overall as well as microscopic material behavior under certain mechanical and thermal loading conditions is required. Hence, we present a two‐scale finite element (FE) and fast Fourier transformation (FFT)‐based method incorporating finite strains and a thermo‐mechanically coupled constitutive model for elasto‐viscoplastic polycrystalline materials. Assuming that the length scale of the microscale is sufficiently smaller compared to the length scale of the macroscale, we consider the macroscopic and microscopic boundary value problem as two coupled subproblems. The macroscopic boundary value problem is solved utilizing the finite element method. In each macroscopic integration point, the microscopic boundary value problem is embedded as a periodic unit cell whose solution fields are computed utilizing fast Fourier transforms and a Newton‐Krylov solver. The scale transition is performed by defining the macroscopic quantities via the volume averages of their microscopic counterparts. In order to demonstrate the use of the proposed framework, we predict the macroscopic and microscopic fields of a polycrystalline material within a numerical example using an efficient and accurate FE‐FFT‐based two‐scale method.

A review on recent developments in vibration-based damage identification methods for laminated composite structures: 2010–2022

Laminated composites received great attention in the structural applications due to innumerable advantages over conventional materials. These structures are subjected to environmental and mechanical loading conditions which leads to structural damage. The damage identification at early stage is crucial to overcome catastrophic failures, economic loss, human loss, and its disastrous consequences. Therefore, various structural damage identification techniques have been developed to identify the structural damages stages. These techniques provide the damage information about the systems, including structural health, serviceability, integrity, and safety. Over the past few decades, several review articles have been published on damage detection methods employing vibration characteristics for conventional and composite structures together. There has not been a study where complete concentration is focused on the laminated composite structures alone. This article concentrates on damage identification of laminated composite structures using vibration-based methods integrated with finite element methods, optimization techniques, signal processing methods, and machine learning algorithms over the past thirteen years. In addition, the limitations and applications of various methods have been discussed. This review article will provide the researchers and engineers an insight into the damage detection methods for laminated composite structures.

Constitutive modeling of oriented and non-oriented magnetostrictive particulate composites

This study presents a mathematical framework for two-phase magnetostrictive composites composed of oriented or non-oriented magnetostrictive Terfenol-D particles embedded in passive polymer matrices. The phase constitutive behavior of the monolithic Terfenol-D with arbitrary crystal orientations is represented by a recently developed discrete energy averaged model. This unique Terfenol-D constitutive model results in close-form and linear algebraic equations accurately describing the nonlinear magnetostriction and magnetization in magnetostrictive composites subjected to a given loading or magnetic field increment. The effectiveness of this new mathematical framework in capturing magnetostrictive particle size orientation, phase volume fractions, mechanical loading conditions, and magnetic field excitations are validated using a series of experimental data available in literature. Compared to existing models that prevalently addressed particle orientation in composite constitutive level, the model framework in this study directly handles particle orientation in the phase constitutive level, and therefore achieves enhanced efficiency while maintaining comparable accuracy.

Design and experimental characterization of a bypass magnetorheological damper featuring variable stiffness and damping

Magnetorheological (MR) fluid dampers (MRFDs) with variable stiffness and variable damping capability (VSVD-MRFDs) have demonstrated excellent vibration mitigation performance. However, there are limited studies on the development of bypass VSVD-MRFDs which offer both higher dynamic range and output force, apart from simple maintenance and straightforward assembly. In this study, a novel large-capacity VSVD-MRFD with an annular-radial bypass MR valve, as opposed to the typical practice of implementing the valve within the traveling piston in the hydraulic cylinder of the MRFD, is proposed. The main contribution of the present work includes: (a) providing the conceptional design and experimental dynamic characterization of the proposed VSVD-MRFD; (b) investigating the feasibility of the proposed damper for realizing the VSVD characteristics under wide ranges of loading conditions. A test rig was, thus, designed to perform experimental characterization of the proposed VSVD-MRFD under wide ranges of mechanical loading and magnetic field conditions. A qualitative analysis including force-displacement, and force-velocity characteristics, together with a quantitative analysis including dynamic range, equivalent viscous and stiffness coefficients, were conducted as a function of loading frequency, displacement amplitude, and applied current. Results showed a maximum dynamic range and maximum output force of 4.5 and 7.8 kN, respectively. Also, the maximum relative increase in the equivalent viscous and stiffness coefficients were obtained, respectively, as 425% and 488%, when the applied current is increased from zero to 2 A. The results confirm the potential of the proposed VSVD-MRFD for applications in off-road suspension systems. The externally designed bypass MR valve permits a straightforward design modification for realizing wide scalability of damping force in different applications (e.g., off-road vehicle suspension systems).

The effect of hydro-mechanical coupling on the onset and orientation of localisation bands in partially saturated soils

Constant suction triaxial tests on partially saturated soils demonstrate the dependence of the onset and orientation of localisation bands upon different mechanical loading and saturation conditions, in addition to the material properties of soils. This effect of hydro-mechanical coupling, via the combination of effective stress and suction, on the onset and inclination of the shear bands is investigated in this paper using a model with a single yield surface dependent on both stress and suction. The cross-coupling terms in the asymmetric tangent stiffness allow the model to capture the coupled effects of suction and effective stress on the behaviour upon yielding and hence facilitate the bifurcation analysis for the onset and orientation of localisation bands in various loading and hydraulic states. The model parameters are determined with its experimental bifurcation characteristics, showing the sensitiveness of conditions that favour bifurcation under the effect of hydro-mechanical coupling and dilation.

The effect of fiber orientation and stacking sequence on carbon/Kevlar/epoxy intraply hybrid composites under dynamic loading conditions

AbstractThis work investigated the thermo‐mechanical behavior of (carbon/Kevlar) intraply hybrid composites. The carbon/Kevlar plies' orientation and sequential arrangement were varied. Carbon and Kevlar composites, as well as five different intraply hybrids (HFRPs) composite such as carbon‐0°/Kevlar‐90°, carbon‐45°/Kevlar‐135°, carbon‐90°/Kevlar‐0°, carbon/Kevlar (inter‐changing layer), and carbon/Kevlar‐45° (inter‐changing layer) composites, and a plain epoxy panel, have been developed. The thermo‐mechanical characteristics of the fabricated composites were estimated using a dynamic automated analyzer under changing mechanical and thermal load conditions. The DMA technique measured the HFRPs composite visco‐elastic parameters by increasing the temperature from 30°C to 150°C at frequencies ranging from 1 to 20 Hz. Flexural test characteristics for neat epoxy, carbon fiber‐reinforced composites, Kevlar fiber‐reinforced composites, and carbon/Kevlar fiber‐reinforced composites were estimated to aid the study. The experimentally measured versus analytically calculated viscoelastic parameters were related. The results revealed that carbon‐90° oriented in warp direction/Kevlar‐0° oriented in weft direction exhibited higher modulus and lower loss tangent followed by carbon/Kevlar plies oriented in alternate layers and carbon/Kevlar plies oriented in inter‐changing layers at 45°. Carbon‐0° introduced in the weft direction/ Kevlar‐90° introduced in the warp direction, and carbon‐45°/Kevlar‐135° exhibited intermediate storage and loss modulus and a moderate loss tangent at the various frequency levels considered in the study.

Bisphenol-A-Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite: Interfacial DFT Prediction and Experimental Strength Testing.

Epoxies, their derivatives, and composites, due to superior specific strength, are preferred for many potential applications in the field of automobiles, aircraft, bonding of structures, protective coatings, water filtration, etc. As structural members in automobiles and aircraft, the epoxy-based components are exposed to various static/dynamic mechanical loading conditions during their service life. The interfacial interactions, between the matrix and reinforcement, greatly affect the final properties of the composites. The present study demonstrates that the solvent used for the preparation of the composite can also contribute toward interfacial interactions. Present research systematically finds out a suitable solvent (acetone) and reinforcement type [multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT)] for epoxy [bisphenol-A (BPA)] nanocomposites. Dynamic and static strengths of the as-prepared epoxy-CNT nanocomposites were carefully investigated. Well dispersed CNTs in acetone were mixed with an ester of BPA under constant magnetic stirring conditions. Samples of tablet shape were prepared for testing static and dynamic performance of the composite using a nano-indentation technique. Considerable enhancement by 55 and 22% in the static elastic modulus and hardness of BPA-CNT composites, respectively, was observed (compared with that of pristine BPA). The storage modulus and tan-delta of the nanocomposites were also improved by 14 and 46%, respectively. Improved static and dynamic performance, reported in this work, significantly enhances the scope of utilization of BPA-CNT-based nanocomposites under severe static and dynamic loading conditions simultaneously. Static and dynamical analysis of CNT-reinforced epoxy provides more realistic understanding of the mechanical performance of the nanocomposite. Density functional theory (using QuantumATK software) simulations were performed to investigate and identify the alterations in the atomic morphology of CNTs during interfacial interaction with the acetone molecule and epoxy matrix. The calculations predicted that CNTs with mild defects as compared to pristine CNTs were better suited for synthesis of the nanocomposite and also assisted in a homogeneous distribution of CNTs in BPA without aggregation (with acetone as the solvent). Furthermore, structural changes in CNTs after treatment with BPA and the curing agent and the role of defects are studied in detail.

Micromechanical BEoL robustness evaluation methods enabling loading condition customization and acoustic emission damage monitoring

For micromechanical robustness evaluation methods, it is advantageous if the mechanical loading conditions applied can be controlled as precisely as possible. For microchips, this is required to determine the robustness under specific conditions, e.g. during assembly or characteristic application/usage scenarios. In this work, three different micromechanical BEoL (Back End of Line) robustness evaluation methods are presented which should enable a more precise and flexible mechanical load induction and damage identification. They have been subsequently developed. Three main aspects characterize the customization of the developed approaches:•The design and testing of customized micro-tools to precisely apply mechanical load to individual Cu-pillars.•The implementation of an AE (Acoustic Emission) monitoring approach to detect minor damages during mechanical loading. This strategy also enabled the development of sub-critical loading experiments for which AE signals served as a damage indicator and mechanical loading was aborted upon the detection of AE events.•The development of a new measurement setup and approach to enable the solder attach of individual Cu-pillars to a mechanical testing system.The applications of these approaches should enable the induction of customized mechanical loading conditions and the identification of failure modes and damage initiation locations.

Residual strains in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms: The effect of valve type, layer, and circumferential quadrant

The stress distribution in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms is determined by the mechanical properties, geometry, loading conditions, and zero-stress state of the aneurysmal aorta. Our objective was to fully characterize the zero-stress state of the aneurysmal aorta in twelve tricuspid aortic valve patients and eight (age/aortic diameter-matched) bicuspid aortic valve patients, for which little data are available. Opening angles and residual stretches were measured for the intact wall and individual layers according to quadrant and were similar in the two patient groups. The intact-wall and medial opening angles were comparable; their circumferential but not their axial ones peaked in the left lateral quadrant, with non-significant regional differences in the other layers. The intima’s circumferential opening angles were the highest of all layers (∼300 deg) and the adventitia’s the lowest (∼165 deg), with lesser layer differences in the axial opening angles. Upon radially cutting aortic rings, the released circumferential residual stretches were tensile (of large magnitude) externally and compressive (of small magnitude) internally, unlike the axial residual stretches released when cutting intact-wall strips, whose magnitude was small externally and large internally. Nevertheless, large circumferential compressive residual stretches were released in the adventitia upon layer dissection, counteracting the large circumferential tensile stretches of the intact wall externally. Moreover, the large axial tensile residual stretches of the intima counteracted the large axial compressive stretches of the intact wall internally. These layer-specific residual stretches may moderate the in-vivo stress gradients across wall thickness, serving as a protective mechanism against aortic dissection or rupture.

Crystal orientations of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene-based polymer bonded explosives during the pressing process by neutron diffraction

Hot-pressed 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB)-based polymer bonded explosives (PBX) will show significant anisotropic and irreversible expansion properties, resulting in both the deterioration of their performance and weapon reliability issues. The anisotropic mechanical and irreversible expansion characteristics of TATB-based PBX have shown to be closely related to the crystal orientation. In this work, the orientations of TATB crystals in PBX under different thermal–mechanical coupling loading conditions were studied by neutron diffraction measurement technology. The microstructures were observed by computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the effects of hot pressing parameters (temperature and pressure) on the TATB crystal orientation were systematically analyzed. Combining the density and compression strength of the formed samples, the optimal hot pressing parameters were determined. The results showed that during the in-situ compression process, the TATB crystals would be reoriented. The rotation angle of the (002) plane was mainly concentrated within a 35° angle from the perpendicular pressing direction. After hot compaction, the rotation angle moved from 35° to 52°, and the orientation of the TATB crystals had obvious rebound phenomenon. The (002) plane orientation degree was related to the deformation, fragmentation, and reorientation of the TATB crystals, as well as the phase transition, thermal softening, and gap filling of the binder, and the interfacial interactions. In order to obtain higher detonation energy, better mechanical properties and better shape stability of the formed samples, (120 °C, 140 MPa) was selected as the optimal hot pressing parameters for TATB-based PBX. • Neutron diffraction was developed for the TATB crystal orientation measurement. • The TATB crystal reorientation during pressing process was obtained. • The effect of the temperature and pressure on the reorientation was quantified. • The mechanism of the crystal reorientation during pressing process was analyzed.

Quasi-static failure analysis of lithium-ion battery (LIB) used in electric vehicle

Safety and reliability are two essential factors for extensive electrification of the road transport sector. Lithium Ion Battery (LIB) packs are vulnerable to failure due to mechanical vibrations, impact forces, and thermal runaway. The present work explores quasi-static failure mechanisms of the multi-layered structure of LIB cells subjected to mechanical loading conditions like tensile loading and three-point bending, mainly predicting the beginning of the fracture of the cell. Also, an in-depth computational model for quasi-static loading was subsequently established in Abaqus, which effectively indicated the mechanical deformation of the cell. The ultimate tensile strength for the cell casing was 400 MPa and 480 MPa for experimental and simulation, respectively. Similarly, the peak deflection of the cell was: experimental 13.8 mm and numerical 13.65 mm for the three-point bending test. During the axial compression test, buckles were observed for 450Mpa stress, and the strain was around 0.0918. The mechanical behavior of the cell casing becomes one of the important parameters for characterizing the LIB cells.

Optimization of the Polarization Profile of Conical-Shaped Shells Piezoelectric Sensors.

Conical shell structures are frequently submitted to severe static and dynamic mechanical loads that can result in situations that affect the service of the systems that are part of, or even cause catastrophic failures. For this reason, a common solution is to design an active deformation control system, usually using piezoelectric patches strategically distributed along the surface of the shell structure. Moreover, these elements may be part of an energy recovery system. This paper details the methodology to topologically optimize the placement of piezoelectric elements through a characteristic function, analysing static and free vibration loading cases by means of the finite element method. Then, the optimal arrangement of the electrode with different polarization profiles is distributed throughout the entire structure. The nature of the loading cases studied corresponds to a general situation where static loads and dynamics vibration are considered. The objective function of the problem only depends linearly on the displacement fields, and therefore, the optimal electrode profile can be obtained for any combination of loads. As a consequence, this technique allows for maximising the electric charge obtained, which results in a greater capacity for monitoring, actuation and/or energy harvesting.

An Experimental and Numerical Study on Charged 21700 Lithium-Ion Battery Cells under Dynamic and High Mechanical Loads

The need for higher capacity battery cells has increased significantly during the past years. Therefore, the subject of this study is to investigate the behavior of high performance 21700 Lithium-Ion cylindric battery cells under several abuse conditions, represented by high mechanical loads with different velocities and states of charge (SoC), and to develop a finite element analysis (FEA) model, using the OpenRadioss’ explicit solver capabilities. The present study is focused on the investigation of the behavior of these cells under high mechanical loads with different loading velocities and different states of charge. The aim of the study is to provide a tool to predict the point of an internal short circuit in FEA, with a very good approximation. Experiments were completed using a hydraulic flat-compression test, set up at four different states of charge, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%, and three different loading velocities of 10 mms−1, 100 mms−1 and 1000 mms−1. A homogenized FEA model is developed to predict the internal damage of the separator, which can lead to a short circuit with a possible thermal runaway under abusive load conditions. The present model, in combination with well identified material and fracture parameters, succeeded in the prediction of the mechanical behavior at various states of charge and mechanical loading conditions; it can also be used for further crashworthiness analysis within a full-car FEA model. This accurate cell model will be the first building block to optimize the protective structures of batteries in electric vehicles, and reduce their weight through a deeper understanding of their overall behavior during the different crash cases.