Material Costs Research Articles

Screening the organic materials database for superconducting metal-organic frameworks

The increasing financial and environmental cost of many inorganic materials has motivated study into organic and “green” alternatives. However, most organic compounds contain a large number of atoms in the primitive unit cell, posing a significant barrier to high-throughput screening for functional properties. In this work, we attempt to overcome this challenge and identify superconducting candidates among the metal-organic-frameworks in the organic materials database using a recently proposed proxy for the electron-phonon coupling. We then isolate the most promising candidate for in-depth analysis, C9H8Mn2O11, providing evidence for superconductivity below 100mK.

Customizing a mass appraisal model for residential property tax assessment: a hedonic regression approach in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia

PurposeThe paper aims to estimate the house rental values for the purpose of customizing mass appraisals in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. It seeks to identify the critical factors affecting the rental values of residential properties and customize a mass appraisal model for such properties. The study focuses on identifying attributes that significantly affect house rental values.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopted a survey research design, utilizing a survey questionnaire, expert group discussion and document analysis. The data were analyzed using thematic, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, including correlation and hedonic regression analysis.FindingsAmong the variables included in the model, the number of rooms, availability of schools, land value grading, type of nearest road, housing typology, built-up area, plot area, walling material, traveling cost and fencing materials were the most significant factors for predicting the annual rental value of residential properties in the city.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study will provide valuable insights to tax assessors, property owners and local government authorities, including municipalities, concerning the key determinants of the rental values of residential properties. Besides, these findings will serve as a useful tool for valuers and researchers in the field of property value modeling.Originality/valueThis study represents the first attempt to develop a framework for mass appraisal of residential properties using annual rental values in the Ethiopian context.

Performance enhancement of a magnetoactive elastomer actuator through a coupled magnetoelastic topology optimization scheme

Abstract We have found that considering local magnetic fields, large deformations, and magnetoelastic coupling simultaneously significantly affect the resulting shape in magnetoelastic topology optimization in a uniaxial actuator case. In contrast to the work presented here, other works incorporate magnetoelastic formulations that include simplifying assumptions on the local field, and subsequent effects on the magnetization response of the material, or the absence of large deformation mechanics, or both. These assumptions were shown to produce solutions that differ substantively from cases where local fields and large deformations are addressed concurrently. Magnetoelastic topology optimization schemes are needed to optimize magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) devices. MAE devices are magnetic particle-filled polymer matrices designed for specific actuations and controlled remotely by an external magnetic field. They garner considerable research interest as an emerging technology for actuators in soft robots or in applications requiring untethered actuation. The material properties of MAEs are dependent on the volume fraction of particles in the elastomer matrix, where a high-volume fraction increases relative permeability (for soft magnetic particles) but also increases elastic modulus. For optimal actuation, a tradeoff between low stiffness and high magnetic response must be made by adjusting volume fraction and controlling material placement. Using a topology optimization scheme that considers both the magnetic and mechanical properties of the material, the shape and material composition of the device can be tuned to best achieve the desired actuation displacement. In this work, a density-based magnetoelastic multimaterial topology optimization scheme for soft magnetic material is developed in COMSOL Multiphysics. The optimization scheme uses multiphysics coupling that considers local magnetic fields and large deformations at each iteration through a Maxwell stress tensor formulation. A simulated example is then considered to demonstrate the effectiveness and necessity of a coupled optimization. The effect of considering large deformations during optimization is also investigated. It was found that a coupled topology optimization scheme with large deformations produced shapes with modes of actuation not captured by schemes with simplifying assumptions, leading to better performance at lower material cost. Considering large deformations in the coupled scheme offered significantly better performance, with an increase of 81.3% in a side-by-side performance simulation when compared to uncoupled cases.

Nanostructured Solid Electrolytes for Enhanced Safety and Performance of Battery Materials

Solid-state batteries (SSB) have garnered significant attention by reason of their potential advantages over traditional liquid electrolyte batteries, including higher energy density, enhanced safety, and reduced volume. However, the development and implementation of solid electrolytes confront several challenges, such as lower ionic conductivity, dendrite formation, and interface stability issues. This review explores the current advancements in solid electrolytes (SLs), with a focus on nanostructured materials, including solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), solid inorganic electrolytes (SIEs), and composite solid electrolytes (CSEs). The review highlights the benefits of nanostructuring in improving mechanical intensity, ionic conductivity and thermostability. Key methods for synthesizing nanostructured solid electrolytes (NSLs), such as the sol-gel method and 3D printing, are discussed. Additionally, the review addresses critical challenges, including the high cost of materials and manufacturing processes, and proposes future research directions to overcome these barriers. The purpose is to comprehensively understand the current status and future potential of NSL in promoting SSB technology.

Study on Strength Prediction and Material Scheme Optimization for Modified Red Mud Based on Artificial Neural Networks

Focusing on the complex nonlinear problems of strength prediction and the material scheme design of modified red mud for use as a road material in engineering applications, a strength prediction neural network is established and utilized to optimize the material scheme, including the compound-solidifying agent ratio, water content, and curing age, based on experimental data accumulated during years of engineering practice and an artificial neural network. In this study, a backpropagation (BP) neural network is adopted, and 114 sets of experimental data are used to train the parameters of the unconfined compressive strength prediction model. Then, using the BP strength prediction model, the material scheme optimization process is carried out, with the strength and material costs as the objectives. The results show that the BP neural network model has a high prediction accuracy, the relative prediction error is basically within 10%, the root-mean-squared error is less than 0.04, and the correlation coefficient is more than 0.99. According to the strength requirements of modified red mud in different road projects and the constraints of each property, an optimal material scheme with a lower cost and higher 7 d target strength is obtained using a mix of polymer agent–fly-ash–cement–speed-cement in a ratio of 0.02%:1.96%:4.78%:0%, with a 33.93% water content of raw red mud, so that the target strength and material cost are 2.987 MPa and 17.099 CNY/T. This study creates an optimal material scheme, incorporating the compound-solidifying agent ratio, curing age, and water content of the modified red mud road material according to the strength requirements of different projects, thereby promoting the popularization of the utilization of red mud with better engineering practicability and economy.

Overcoming Challenges in Scented Geranium Cultivation, Processing, and Marketing: Study from Northern Karnataka, India

Medicinal and aromatic crops play a pivotal role in the socio-cultural, economic, spiritual and health dimensions of India's rural population and have become an integral part of our culture and rituals. Karnataka is a major repository of aromatic and medicinal treasures of the country. The demand for aromatic plants in India surpasses the available supply, prompting the widespread commercial cultivation of major aromatic crops in various regions. Among these, scented geranium emerges as a vital perennial aromatic, cultivated for its leaves imbued with a captivating rose fragrance. The aromatic oil of scented geranium is increasingly replacing traditional rose oil and identified as one of the top 20 essential oils traded globally. The present study aims to identify challenges in cultivation, processing and marketing aspects of scented geranium in Northern Karnataka. Considering the area and concentration of scented geranium in the state, Belagavi district is purposively selected for the study. Primary data was collected through personnel interview of randomly selected geranium growers. The major challenges faced by the farmers in the production, processing and marketing aspects of scented geranium were analysed and prioritized through Garett ranking technique. Analysis of the data revealed that in production, high cost of planting material, lack of high yielding varieties and high wage rates, high cost of inputs and sensitivity of crop to heavy rains were identified as top five constraints. Whereas, in processing, significant hurdles were high working capital requirement, high capital investment in installation distillation unit and insufficient knowledge on operation of distillation units, low oil recovery and lack of efficient processing equipment. In marketing aspects, high price fluctuation, lack of marketing information and lack of competition in the market, non-existence of local market and lack of adequate demand in nearby area were identified as major challenges in the study area. Educating farmers in nursery management and implementing mechanization techniques, particularly for harvesting, are crucial for enhancing productivity and profitability. Additionally, training on proper storage and transportation practices is essential to maintain the quality of volatile essential oils. This comprehensive strategy promotes sustainable and economically viable cultivation of scented geraniums in the region.

Optimizing the corrosion resistance of additive manufacturing TC4 titanium alloy in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis anodic environment

Titanium alloys are commonly used as the bipolar plate material in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). However, traditional machining methods are difficult to process titanium alloy parts, which further increases the cost of bipolar plates. The wire-arc directed energy deposition (WA-DED) additive manufacturing (AM) technology is low cost and high utilization of material. However, the undesirable microstructure always restricts the performance improvement. In this work, the electrochemical corrosion and passive characteristics of wrought TC4 and WA-DED AM TC4 alloys in the simulated PEMWE anode environment were investigated. The microstructure of AM TC4 alloy was optimized and the corrosion resistance was enhanced by heat treatment. The results indicate that the corrosion resistance of AM TC4 alloy is better than wrought TC4 alloy, and appropriate heat treatment can further improve the stability of passive film. Compared to wrought TC4, Ti −β phase fraction of AM TC4 decreased from 9.6 % to 1.3 %, and the heat treatment further reduced Ti −β phase fraction of AM TC4-850 and AM TC4-1050 alloys to 0.8 % and 0.1 %. The passive film thickness of wrought TC4, AM TC4, AM TC4-850, and AM TC4-1050 alloys calculated with the Power-Law model were 0.5 nm, 1.76 nm, 1.94 nm, and 2.02 nm, respectively. After heat treatment of 1050 °C, AM TC4-1050 alloy exhibited the best corrosion resistance, showing the lowest corrosion current density of 54 μA/cm2 and the lowest passive current density of 19.5 μA/cm2. Moreover, Ti oxide contributed most to the composition of passive film. In AM TC4-1050 alloy, the percentage of Ti oxides was 80.9 %, showing the best corrosion resistance.

Intelligent design of steel–concrete composite beams based on deep reinforcement learning

In this work, an automated member design method is proposed based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL). Using steel–concrete composite beam design as a case study, the design procedure is conceptualized as a sequential optimization process and modeled as a Markov Decision Process (MDP). A design agent equipped with two deep neural networks, is trained using the proximal policy optimization (PPO) method to complete the complex design task of steel–concrete composite beams, adhering to the Chinese standard for design of steel structures GB50017-2017 provisions. The structural provisions are integrated into a simulated design environment, which can respond to the agent’s actions. A universal reward shaping function is introduced to guide the agent towards success and minimize material cost. The design quality and generation performance of trained PPO agent are compared with those of the Differential Evolution (DE) in 100 random training cases, 100 random testing cases, and 95 real-world engineering cases, demonstrating significant promise and reduced time consumption for automated steel–concrete composite beam design. An approach combining PPO with DE is proposed to enhance the robustness and reliability of the original agent. Finally, a brief discussion is conducted on the essence and prospects of the proposed method.

Hybrid diagnosis-related groups-The challenge

The introduction of hybrid diagnosis-related groups (DRG) presents new challenges for healthcare providers and health insurances. The same applied in 2023 to the institute designated by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) to extract medical procedures and calculate remuneration levels for the first hybrid DRGs. Aresponsible calculation methodology and arealistic data basis are required as the result of the calculation can lead to controversy, even to a splitting among specialist groups and constructs. There is also the threat of mismanagement with subsequent supply problems. In this context, aloss of quality can occur due to the use of simple surgical procedures that are less complex and not expensive with respect to material costs and are economical but not state of the art and thus directly worsen the medical care of patients in the statutory health insurance (GKV). Furthermore, it is already becoming apparent that procedures that are uneconomical due to the miscalculation are partially no longer being comprehensively rendered by healthcare providers due to adjustment of the service portfolio. An appropriate compensation of procedures is only possible based on a remuneration that adequately covers the costs. In this respect, this article is not intended to be understood as a"solution to the problem of the internal distribution of the remuneration in hybrid DRGs" but more to offer suggestions for solutions for the required further development of the hybrid DRG compensation level calculation to prevent a threat to the treatment of GKV patients due to mismanagement. As required in §115fof the SozialgesetzbuchV (SGBV), the recalculation of an economic remuneration must be carried out urgently and promptly using an empirical calculation basis and methodology and this must be regularly adapted.

Techno-Economic analysis of ceramic matrix composites integration in remaining useful Life Aircraft Engine Hot Section Components

AbstractCeramic Matrix Composites (CMCs), specifically SiC/SiC composites, represent a significant innovation in aerospace material technology, offering superior performance over traditional nickel-based superalloys in high-temperature turbine blade applications. This study presents a novel techno-economic assessment, filling a critical gap in the literature by directly comparing the economic and technical viability of CMCs versus superalloys. Unlike previous studies, which primarily focus on technical performance or cost analysis independently, this work integrates both aspects, providing a holistic comparison across key economic metrics, including acquisition, machining, maintenance, and recycling costs. The results demonstrate that SiC/SiC blades offer a 15–20% higher Net Present Value (NPV) and a 17% greater Internal Rate of Return (IRR) over a 20-year lifecycle than superalloys. Despite higher initial costs, CMCs achieve an estimated 2 to 3 years reduction in payback period, mainly due to their superior thermal and creep resistance, leading to fewer maintenance interventions and longer operational lifetimes. Although machining costs for CMCs are higher, these are more than offset by the long-term savings achieved through improved fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis, incorporating fluctuations in discount rates and material costs, further validates the economic robustness of CMCs in various operational scenarios. This study is the first to compare CMCs and superalloys, offering new insights into the financial implications of material selection in aerospace manufacturing. The findings present critical engineering recommendations that empower aerospace manufacturers and decision-makers to optimise material selection for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness in high-performance turbine applications.

Research on the Connection Technology of Assembled Monolithic Residential Wallboard

In this paper, a novel technique for connecting residential shear walls to floor slabs is investigated. Shear wall structures with two different connection methods were established and numerically analyzed using ABAQUS (2024) finite element software. The two structures were connected by sleeve grouted connections (hereinafter referred to as the original structure) and profile + bolted connections (hereinafter referred to as the new structure). Numerical analyses yielded a positive maximum load for the new structure 1.41 times that of the original structure and a negative maximum load 1.12 times that of the original structure. The ratio of the ultimate tensile strength (load value corresponding to the peak point) to the yield strength (load value corresponding to the yield point) of the two structures (strength-to-yield ratio) was in the range of 1.15–1.27. The original structure was 2.62 times more ductile in the negative direction and 2.24 times more ductile in the positive direction than the new structure. The stiffness degradation of the new structure was greater in the later stages of loading, and that of the original structure was greater in the early stages of loading. The original structure had 1.08 times the energy-consuming capacity of the new structure. The cost of labor and materials for the original structure was approximately 1.50 times the cost of the new structure. The results of the data analysis showed that, compared to the original structure, the new structure had comparable performance in terms of strength-to-flexure ratio, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity. However, the new structure was more advantageous in terms of load-bearing capacity and required lower construction costs than the original structure. Therefore, the connection nodes designed in this paper are of great significance for engineering practice.

Improvement of the functional layouts of multifunctional soil-cultivating sowing units

BACKGROUND: With the technology evolution, the use of combined machines and units has become more in demand. From the numerous studies that were carried out during the operation of machines of this type, it can be seen that the cost of raw materials and financial costs have been significantly reduced, and the number of other advantages has been identified as well. AIM: Improvement of the functional layouts of multifunctional tillage sowing units for a more optimal combination of structural layouts and parameters of its use. METHODS: Engineers use the method of changing working bodies designed as layouts aiming to turn the machines into the modules capable of performing various types of operations based on working conditions. Thanks to this method, sets of individual working bodies and combinations are prepared for any kind of conditions (soil, climate, etc.). In addition to the advantages, this system has a number of disadvantages. One of these is that at the factory-built modules that are part of the original basis of the unit cannot be fully adapted to environmental conditions and economic factors of production. In this regard, combination of structural layouts and selection of the necessary parameters become problem causing. It is difficult to choose necessary parameters that are capable of ensuring minimal losses and adjusting the unit to the necessary operating mode. The objects of study are the devices and production processes, the main task of which is performing tillage and sowing operations. The practical value of this study presented in the form of: building the algorithm capable of structuring the analysis and synthesis of the structural layout of the tillage-sowing unit to find the working links for various types of unit functions; finding the methods and improved combinations of working bodies, comparison of similar mechanical analogues with the original properties of systems. RESULTS: When studying the studies of Wilde, who gave a description of the combined units, as well as the studies of Runchev, who determined the generalization of the combined machines, the relevant typology of agricultural machinery was developed. In this typology, one of the most important characteristics is multifunctionality, which has developed from the need for the versatility of units and the compilation of combinations of several units. The developed technology contains a number of characteristics that are fundamental for the choice of agricultural machinery. CONCLUSION: As a result of the study, it was determined at which velocity of the unit the system is balanced.

The Influences of Selected Factors on Bending Moment Capacity of Case Furniture Joints

This study experimentally investigated the effects of selected factors on the bending moment capacity (BMC) of case furniture joints. The main aim was to explore mixed applications of wood-based materials and fasteners in manufacturing case furniture to reduce material costs. The study examined the effects of the face member material—particle board (PB), plywood (PL), and block board (BB)—edge member material (PB, PL, and BB), and joint shape (T-shape and L-shape) on BMC. Additionally, the study evaluated the effects of joint type (two eccentrics (TE), two dowels (TD), and one eccentric and one dowel (ED)), and material type (PB, PL, and BB) on BMC for L-shaped joints. The results showed that joint shape and face member material significantly affected the BMC of case furniture joint. The BMCs of T-shaped joints were significantly greater than those of L-shaped joints, regardless of the material of the face and edge members, except when the face member was made of PL. For L-shaped joints with PL face members, the BMCs were significantly higher compared to others. Joints constructed with TE exhibited significantly higher BMC compared to ED and TD for the same material type. For PB, TE joints exhibited an increase of approximately 3.0 Nm and 2.0 Nm compared to TD and ED, respectively. For PL, TE showed an increase of 9.1 Nm and 4.1 Nm compared to ED and TD, respectively. For BB, the increases were 7.0 Nm and 6.6 Nm compared to ED and TD. The BMC of joints made with PL and constructed with TE and ED was significantly greater than those of BB, followed by PB. However, for joints assembled with TD, there was no significant difference among the three materials. The ratios of BMC for joints constructed with ED compared to the half-sum of TE and TD were 0.73, 1.04, and 0.79 for PB, PL, and BB, respectively. These results suggest that the face member material predominantly influences the BMC of case furniture joints, indicating the potential to reduce costs by combining different materials and joint types.

Development of a material selection decision support system for an automotive application

This study presents the development of a material selection decision support system for an automotive rooftop tent. The system uses five parameters of material cost, formability, corrosion resistance, tensile strength and hardness to optimize material choice from a list of aluminium alloy options. This was done before production via the deep drawing process can commence. The parameters were quantified using the average market prices for each alloy, product requirements obtained from the case study and the performance data that was obtained from the uniaxial tensile and hardness tests. These inputs were combined with the developed material selection framework and then programmed into a web-based decision support system for automated, data-driven material selection. The output presents the recommendation for the optimum material that balances cost-effectiveness and performance. The decision support system was successfully used to select the optimum alloy for the rooftop tent. Results show that AA1050 is the optimum material, providing weight reduction at the minimum achievable cost without compromising the product requirements for the rooftop tent. The decision support system is also scalable, and this allows it to be used with larger datasets for different products and processes in the future.

Pengendalian Biaya Kedelai Home Industry Tahu-Tempe Mbak Sri

This study aims to analyze the material cost control in Mbak Sri's home industry of tofu and tempeh production. Material costs constitute a significant portion of the total production costs, and effective control measures are crucial for ensuring profitability. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing observation and in-depth interviews to gather data. The findings reveal that Mbak Sri implements several cost control strategies, including careful material selection, efficient utilization, and waste minimization. However, challenges arise due to fluctuating raw material prices and limited bargaining power. The study recommends implementing a comprehensive material management system, establishing strategic supplier relationships, and exploring alternative sourcing options to enhance cost control measures. By addressing these recommendations, Mbak Sri's home industry can improve its overall operational efficiency and profitability.

Cost-Effective Strategy and Feasibility for Amylase Production from Okara by Bacillus subtilis J12

Low-cost enzyme production is considered a feasibility factor in enzyme commercialization. Okara, a high-nutritional agro-industrial residue from soybean processing, was performed as a medium for bacterial amylase production to save costs and increase productivity. This study aimed to produce, characterize, activate amylase, and evaluate the material cost for media from okara. Under solid-state fermentation (SSF) of okara without pretreatment, Bacillus subtilis J12 could produce 983 U/g of amylase within 24 h. Bacillus subtilis J12 amylase had optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 50 °C and was stable at a moderate temperature for up to 120 min. Identified as a metalloenzyme, the activity was improved by ferric ions. The purification of amylase resulted in two fractions which contained at least two types of amylases. Compared with other producers, the production was evaluated using low-cost media without additional supplementations. Based on the productivity, characteristics, and evaluation, Bacillus subtilis J12 amylase was potentially commercialized, had economic value, possessed energy-saving features, and could be applied for industrial use.

Recycled graphite enabled superior performance for lithium ion batteries

Recycling graphite attracts growing attention since cumulative amount of spent Li-ion batteries and the shortage of graphite supply chain. Although various recycling methods have been reported, the recycled graphite cannot reach the strict commercial standards of purity, scalability, efficiency, and capacity, preventing it from battery manufacturing. Herein, the important roles of defects and functional groups on the graphite surface are deeply studied, and a closed-loop graphite recycling process with the surface recovery and modification for the graphite from the end-of-life batteries is demonstrated. The recovered graphite delivers a purity of over 99.9 % and an average initial coulombic efficiency of 91.5 %. Compared with commercial graphite in industrial standard battery testing parameters, full cells with recovered graphite possess enhanced rate reversibility, doubled cycle life, over 10 % higher capacity along with half anode material cost. These impressive results not only underscore the transformative potential of surface reconstruction and modification in graphite recycling, but also present economic feasibility and sustainable pathway for significantly improving battery performance and addressing global resource challenges via integration with the hydrometallurgical recycling process.

Nano ZnO modified amorphous carbon materials enabling long-cycle performance and high-capacity for lithium/sodium-ion batteries

Zinc-modified carbon materials exhibit high specific capacity, good safety, and low self-discharge, making them promising anode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. However, the high cost of raw materials, complex fabrication processes, and limited cycle life remain significant challenges to their further development. In this study, we elucidated a two-step process, simple in technique and suitable for large-scale production, for in-situ zinc modification of amorphous carbon. The synthesized carbon material exhibited superior reversible specific capacity (maintaining 780.27 mAh·g−1 capacity after 80 cycles at 50 mA·g−1 current density), high cycling stability (maintaining Coulombic efficiency at 100.06 % after 15,000 cycles at 10 A·g−1 current density), and good application value (achieving a capacity of 89.67 mAh·g−1 after 1000 cycles at 200 mA·g−1 current density for the assembled MFAC-Zn||NVP full cell). Through our investigation, we discovered that Nano ZnO not only directly participate in electrochemical reactions but also effectively improve the microstructure of amorphous carbon, increasing its three-dimensional axial stacking and providing more reaction sites. The enrichment of open pores significantly enhances the diffusion efficiency of ions within the carbon-based matrix. The superior diffusion ability of alkali metal-ion in the electrode is the reason for the excellent electrochemical performance of Zinc-modified amorphous carbon. Moreover, the incorporation of Nano ZnO aids in the formation of a robust and thin SEI layer. This significantly enhances the stability of the electrode materials during cycling and improves charge transfer efficiency during the charge-discharge process. Our study provides a new strategy for adjusting the internal microstructure of amorphous carbon materials to achieve high-performance lithium/sodium storage.

Exceptional tensile ductility and strength of a BCC structure CLAM steel with lamellar grains at 77 kelvin

The low-temperature tensile brittleness of body-centered cubic (BCC) metals and alloys can seriously compromise their service applications. In this study, we prepared a BCC structured China low activation martensitic steel (CLAM) steel with lamellar grains by regulating the rolling and heat-treatment processes, successfully reversing the decreasing trend of ductility in the steel with decrease in temperature. Compared with current face-centered cubic (FCC) structural steels and high-entropy alloys, the lamellar grained CLAM steel exhibits an excellent synergy of strength and ductility at 77K, but with lower raw material costs. The superior low temperature ductility of the lamellar grained steel can be attributed to an increase in grain strength at low temperatures which promotes the propagation of layered tearing cracks; this in turn leads to a significant increase in the necking area of the steel, thereby compensating for the decrease in ductility. We conclude that our lamellar grain structures can be utilized to significantly enhance the low-temperature tensile ductility of BCC metals and alloys, thereby expanding their service range to cryogenic temperatures.

Considering the Costs: Resin 3D Printing for a Temporal Bone Dissection Course.

Significant costs associated with obtaining cadaveric temporal bones (TBs) have led many to seek more cost-effective alternatives for TB surgical simulation. Multiple studies support the face validity of resin 3-dimensional (3D)-printed TBs as high-fidelity, useful alternatives for simulating TB dissection. However, a paucity of literature describes the cost or time associated with in-house manufacturing of resin TBs at scale. This paper reviews the hardware and manufacturing costs, and time required for in-house development of resin TB models for an annual dissection course. An open-source library of TB models was queried for a candidate model which was edited for optimal printing on a recently developed resin 3D printer. In the described workflow, we were able to 3D-print 60 TB models at $6.40 each, for a total material cost of $384.10, less than the price of a single cadaveric TB specimen (∼$400-$700).