Deformation Of Materials Research Articles

Investigation of mechanical properties in FFF- produced PLA samples using the Erichsen test: application of definitive screening and RSM

Purpose This study aims to investigate how printing parameters affect the mechanical properties of specimens produced through fused filament fabrication, using the Erichsen test to assess deformation characteristics and material durability under stress. Design/methodology/approach Polylactic acid (PLA) specimens were printed and tested in accordance with the ISO 20482 standard. Definitive screening was conducted to identify the most influential process parameters. This study examined the effects of four key process parameters – number of layers, layer height, crossing angle and nozzle diameter – on force, distension, peak energy and energy to break. Each parameter was assessed at three levels and a large number of required experiments was managed by using response surface methodology (RSM). Findings This study revealed that the number of layers, layer height and crossing angle are the most significant factors that influence the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials. The number of layers had the greatest impact on the peak force, contributing 44.25%, with thicker layers typically enhancing material strength. The layer height has a significant effect on energy absorption and deformation, with greater layer heights generally improving these properties. Nozzle diameter contributed only 1.10%, making it the least influential factor; however, its impact became more pronounced in interactions with other parameters. Originality/value This paper presents a comprehensive experimental investigation into the effects of process parameters on the crack strength and behavior of 3D-printed PLA specimens using the RSM method. The documented results can be used to develop optimization models aimed at achieving desired mechanical properties with reduced variation and uncertainty in the final product.

Soft robots and soft bodies: biological insights into the structure and function of fluidic soft robots.

Over the last two decades, robotics engineering has witnessed rapid growth in the exploration and development of soft robots. Soft robots are made of deformable materials with mechanical properties or other features that resemble biological structures. These robots are often inspired by living organisms or mimic their locomotion, such as crawling and swimming. This paper aims to assist researchers in robotics and engineering to design soft robots incorporating or inspired by biological systems with a more informed perspective on biological models and functions. We address the characteristics of fluidic soft robots inspired by or mimicking biological examples, establish a method to categorize soft robots from a functional biological perspective, and provide a wider range of organisms to inspire the development of soft robotics. The actuation mechanisms in bioinspired and biomimetic soft robotics would benefit from a clearer understanding of the underlying principles, organization, and function of biological structures.

Atomistic understanding on the surface formation mechanism of nanoscale scratches along different crystal orientations of silicon carbide

Single crystal silicon carbide has been widely used in many fields due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. However, these special properties of silicon carbide can lead to surface defects and subsurface damage in precision machining processes. In this research, high-speed scratching experiments and molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the surface formation mechanism of nanoscale scratches along the [1-210] and [1-100] crystal orientations of silicon carbide. For both the simulations and experiments, different scratching crystal orientations result in the formation of different amorphous patterns. The angle between the scratching orientation [1-210] and the amorphous pattern is 60°, while the angle between scratching orientation [1-100] and the amorphous pattern is 30°. The stress concentration during the scratching process along the orientations [1-210] and [1-100] is mainly located at the two edges and one edge of the amorphous patterns, respectively. The amorphous patterns along the < 1-210 > directions on the (0001) plane are caused by dislocations and slips on the {10-10} plane. This study reveals the material deformation mechanism and removal mechanism of silicon carbide along different crystal orientations scratching, providing theoretical guidance for the nanoscale machining of silicon carbide.

Piezoelectric energy harvests by the usage of a laminar pulsating flow circulating in a rectangular channel

Abstract This work develops a theoretical study of a piezoelectric energy harvester, perturbed through a fully developed laminar flow with an oscillating pressure gradient. Considering a fully developed hydrodynamic flow, the electric energy generated in the piezoelectric element is due only to shear stresses yielded at the inner surfaces of the channel. In this manner, a fraction of the viscous forces is converted into unitary deformations at the piezoelectric, and the other fraction is transformed to induced electric piezoelectric energy.&amp;#xD;Using dimensionless analysis, the formulation of resulting dimensionless governing equations for the fluid and the corresponding deformation and electric potential fields for the piezoelectric material constitute a conjugate problem, solved by considering harmonic solutions. Although the dimensionless power output is a multi-parametric function, due to the large number of dimensionless parameters involved, we find that&amp;#xD;the main behavior of the electrical power depends very sensitively on two fundamental dimensionless parameters: the Womersley number, α, associated with the oscillating flow and a parameter that measures the physical importance of the electrical energy produced by the action of the velocity field. For the first case, it is seen that the power increases if the Womersley number is decreased while for the second case, the inverse behavior is predicted. Therefore, there is a clear operation of the physical system for which better conditions can be reached by selecting and varying appropriately the assumed values of different dimensionless parameters.

Cyclic response and mechanical model of a rotational viscoelastic damper

This paper investigated the cyclic response of a new viscoelastic damper that utilized a rotational mechanism to enhance shear deformation in the viscoelastic material and increase its energy dissipation. Three damper prototypes were fabricated and subjected to displacement-controlled cyclic excitations with varying strain amplitudes and frequencies. For comparison, three conventional viscoelastic dampers, each containing an equivalent volume of viscoelastic material to the proposed damper, were also fabricated and tested. Results indicated that the proposed damper had up to three times larger loss factor and five times larger damping coefficient than the tested conventional viscoelastic damper. This study also presented two analytically driven equations to estimate the proposed damper's rotational stiffness and damping coefficient. A finite element model was proposed for simulating the damper in software, and its effectiveness was demonstrated.

Chain rigidity controlled aggregation ability and solid-state microstructures for efficient stretchable conjugated polymer films

Stretchable conjugated polymer films with good electrical performance under mechanical deformation are highly desirable for soft electronics. However, the mechanical and electrical properties of these films, particularly in conjugated polymer:elastomer blends, are not fully understood at molecular level. This study explores the relationships among molecular structure, aggregation ability, film microstructure, and the electrical/mechanical properties of three diketopyrrolopyrrole -based conjugated polymers (P1, P2, P3) with decreasing backbone rigidity and their corresponding polymer:elastomer blends. The most flexible polymer P3 shows strong aggregation, which forms highly crystalline fibers to produce fragile neat film and produces large isolated crystallites restricting charge transport in blend film. As chain rigidity increases, the P1 and P2 polymers show weaker aggregation, and produce smaller crystallites in neat films with enhanced ductility. P1 and P2 based blend films display nanocrystallites polymer networks with dispersed elastomer domains. As a result, we achieved near-constant charge mobility before and after stretching under 50 % strain for P2-based blend films with well-controlled pathways for both charge transport and energy dissipation. This study demonstrates the critical role of backbone rigidity in regulating the properties of stretchable conjugated polymer films, paving the way for more reliable and deformable materials in soft electronics.

Numerical analysis of fluid-thermal-structure coupling characteristics of CO2 booster pump valve

CO2 booster pump valves are key components in the CO2 oil drive industry, and their reliability is critical to the safe operation of pumping booster systems. Due to the special nature of CO2, heat transfer occurs during valve movement, which can cause damage to the valve body and poppet, and thus in-depth studies on CO2 properties are needed to better predict the locations where the valve is vulnerable to damage. However, relatively few studies have been conducted to analyze the fluid-thermal-solid coupling failure of CO2 booster pump valves. This paper establishes a multi-physics coupled thermodynamic model of CO2 booster pump valves, analyzes the transient simulation of valves at different valve openings, pressures and temperatures, and investigates the thermal properties of four different poppet materials. The results show that: with the increase of valve opening, the maximum deformation of the valve decreases sharply, and then tends to stabilize; in the process of pressure increasing from 4.77 MPa to 10.52 MPa, the turbulent kinetic energy inside the valve increases by about 78 %; it is also found that the thermal deformation of different poppet materials is directly proportional to the coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials, among which the deformation of aluminum alloy poppet is the largest. In addition, the results of thermal deformation and thermal stress distribution indicate that the failure region of the valve is usually concentrated in the poppet and its corresponding body wall. These results provide theoretical references for optimizing the structural design of CO2 booster pump valves and help reduce the risk of failure of CO2 booster pump valves.

The analytical curvature distribution model of columns and mathematical solution for pushover analysis

AbstractThe acquisition of a flexural backbone curve for columns primarily relies on finite element analysis and experiments, of which the complexity and high cost are significant challenges. Hence, this study proposes an analytical curvature distribution model (CDM) along the full height of the column, which is the key point of formula derivation and theoretical solution of the column backbone curve. The proposed CDM is a piecewise function model composed of linear and quadratic functions, with the characteristics of continuity and differentiability at the intersection point. The deformation compatibility equations, equilibrium equations, and material constitutive equations based on the variables of CDM are constructed to form an equation system, the solution of which can be theoretically determined by an iterative algorithm. Furthermore, 155 test specimen columns of different materials, for example, reinforced concrete, high‐strength reinforced concrete, and shape memory alloy are used to validate the proposed CDM and mathematical solutions of pushover analysis through three crucial indicators, that is, goodness of fit of backbone curve, ultimate displacement, and peak force, indicating strong practicability, high accuracy, and wider applicability. This theoretical method can be applied to deal with the key issues of interest during pushover analysis, that is, predicting the flexural backbone curves with different materials, determining the curvature distribution throughout the entire process of pushover analysis, and characterizing the evolution process of the plastic region.

Post-localized blast experimental investigation of mechanical properties and microstructural evolutions in austenitic stainless steel 316L

Mechanical loading causes material deformation, resulting in changes in mechanical properties due to microstructural alterations such as the multiplication of dislocations and evolution of grain morphology. Blast loading, a condition where materials deform at high strain rates, results in significant plastic deformation. This rapid deformation induces intense mechanical stresses, causing complex microstructural changes that influence the mechanical behavior and performance of the materials. Consequently, designing structures to withstand blast loading requires understanding the relationship between microstructure and property evolution. As the primary objective of this study, post-localized blast experiments have been conducted to elucidate the variability in microstructural response of Austenitic stainless steel (ASS) 316 L, characterized by its face-centered cubic crystal structure. Localized blast loads were applied to square test plates, 2 mm thick, with a circular exposed area of 106 mm in diameter. Quantitative mechanical property data from key zones within the deformed dome were determined through using a novel micro-tensile testing approach and nanoindentation tests. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique was employed to characterize the microstructural changes in the selected samples. The results revealed that blast loading induced complex mechanical and microstructural changes in ASS 316 L, including enhanced material strength, reduced ductility, and significant alterations in grain orientation and misorientation distributions. The materials underwent significant strain hardening due to the increased stress and deformation, resulting in a more resistant to plastic deformation and the greatest internal strain accumulations. Texture analysis underscored the influence of deformation geometry, with Goss and Copper emerging as predominant texture components.

Study on the characteristics particles of coarse grain material in high bench dump

Particle shape is an important factor affecting the strength and deformation of coarse materials in dumps. However, conducting research on particle shape in current laboratory experiments, and there exists no classification standard for the particle shape of the dump. Considering the project on high-bench dump in Jiangxi Province, based on the random particle construction method, this study determined the characteristic particles of coarse grain material in the dumping site by combining field investigation results, large-scale direct shear tests, and numerical analysis. Further, the influence mechanism of coarse grain content and characteristic particles on the mechanical characteristics of the dump were analyzed. The results showed that the increase in coarse grain content enhanced the irregularity of particle shape, increased the internal friction angle between particles, and reduced the cohesion of the dump. Moreover, with increase in the normal stress, the shear strength changed from insignificant to gradually enhanced, although the increasing trend slowed down. The constructed random particle model can well solve the effects of occlusion, nesting, and friction between particles that is neglected by the standard spherical particle model, and the fitting degree is better. The particle characteristics of coarse-grain materials in the dump were primarily block, strip, and flake. The three types of shape characteristics under low normal stress did not affect the mechanical properties of the dump. Further, with the increase in normal stress, the stress-strain curve reflected the shape characteristics and content of the dominant characteristics in the dump. Specifically, the block sample exhibited the dominant characteristics and the most content under the same normal stress, followed by the strip sample, with the flake sample exerting the least influence. The research results provide a theoretical basis for long-term safe operation, disaster monitoring, and early warning of high bench dump.

An alternative finite element formulation to predict ductile fracture in highly deformable materials

Abstract An alternative finite element formulation to predict ductile damage and fracture in highly deformable materials is presented. For this purpose, a finite-strain elastoplastic model based on the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) formulation is employed, in which the level of damage is described by the void volume fraction (or porosity). The model accounts for large strains, associative plasticity and isotropic hardening, as well as void nucleation, coalescence and material failure. To avoid severe damage localization, a nonlocal enrichment is adopted, resulting in a mixed finite element whose degrees of freedom are the current positions and nonlocal porosity at the nodes. In this work, 2D triangular elements of linear-order and plane-stress conditions are used. Two systems of equations have to be solved: the global variables system, involving the degrees of freedom; and the internal variables system, including the damage and plastic variables. To this end, a new numerical strategy has been developed, in which the change in material stiffness due to the evolution of internal variables is embedded in the consistent tangent operator regarding the global system. The performance of the proposed formulation is assessed by three numerical examples involving large elastoplastic strains and ductile fracture. Results confirm that the present formulation is capable of reproducing fracture initiation and evolution, as well as necking instability. Convergence analysis is also performed in order to evaluate the effect of mesh refinement on the mechanical response. In addition, it is demonstrated that the nonlocal parameter alleviates damage localization, providing smoother porosity fields.

On the nature of nano twin-induced shear band formation in a dispersion strengthened copper alloy under micro-mechanical loading

A key challenge in metallic alloys with high ductility is understanding how microstructural inhomogeneities influence shear localization, leading to localized plastic deformation and material failure. In this study, we explore the phenomenon of shear localization in coarse-grained copper, a material traditionally regarded as having low susceptibility to such behavior. Contrary to conventional understanding, our findings reveal that microstructural inhomogeneities play a pivotal role in inducing extensive strain localization during low strain rate micro-mechanical loading. The presence of fine precipitate particles leads to strain localization at small strains and low strain rates by activating shear localization driven by void formation mechanisms. Furthermore, nanoscale precipitates act as sites for dislocation pile-up within deformed structures of shear bands, leading to the formation of nano twins within these bands. Consequently, precipitate particles serve a dual role: contributing to strain localization and potential cracking, while also enhancing the alloy’s strength and ductility through nano-twinning mechanisms. This investigation offers a novel perspective on the interplay between material microstructure and deformation behavior, challenging existing paradigms in materials science.

STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF 1 AND 15μm PITCH VALUES ON THE APPARENT NANOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF LASER POWDER BED FUSION-PRODUCED CuCrZr ALLOY

Material deformation due to nanoindentation is well known. However, the deformation of a material, indentation cavity, and piled-up region drastically increases and nanohardness significantly decreases if the nanoindentation is performed in such a way that the deformation of one nanoindentation affects the others. This situation arises in various materials when they are subjected to tribological application such as pantograph assembly in electric trains and contact between the electrical power supply plug and pins. This situation has been addressed in this study and the quantitative reduction in nanohardness has been evaluated in detail. In this work, the nanoindentation was performed on the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) CuCrZr alloy specimen under a load condition of 4500[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N. This test was conducted at 100 points with an array of [Formula: see text] at a 1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m pitch value. Two significant findings were identified in this work. First, the indentation impression was smaller and the corresponding nanohardness and contact stiffness values were higher in the first column of 10 nanoindentations and the first row of 10 nanoindentations. The remaining 80 nanoindentations displayed contrasting behavior compared to the initial 20 nanoindentations due to the prior deformation of nearer regions. Nanohardness value decreased parabolically from the low deformation to the high deformation region. This finding was validated by increasing the pitch to 15[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m under the 4500[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N load conditions. The piled-up region around the impression of indentation changed from a semi-circular shape at a 15[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m pitch value to a cone shape at a 1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m pitch value. These findings will be beneficial for industries during the design of materials and will help reduce material failures resulting from tribological activities.

Experimental studies of sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings embedded in the internal structure of composite plates

The main purpose of this article is to study the structural characteristics of carbon fiber samples printed on a 3D printer, including embedded sensors, during 3D printing, through numerical and experimental studies. There is a widespread tendency to replace metals with modern composite materials. Various methods can be used to measure the destruction of the composite structure. Fiber Bragg array sensors are known as intelligent localized and global structural condition prediction devices for all kinds of structural applications, especially those using composite materials. In this work, we created control plates by impregnating a selected number of layers of carbon fabric with epoxy resin. Fiber-optic Bragg sensors were additionally located between the layers of carbon fabric. In the course of experimental studies, a fiber Bragg grating sensor was embedded in the middle of the sample, and a second sensor was attached to the finished surface of the sample. We conducted environmental tests to examine the durability of the additively manufactured standard’s components and the impact of integrated sensors on the composite sample. We applied the concept of equations, known as conjugate modes, and used the transition matrix method to solve them numerically. The scientific novelty of the work is the development of a new method and technology for measuring spatial deformation in composite materials using fiber-optic Bragg gratings.

Grain rotation mechanisms in nanocrystalline materials: Multiscale observations in Pt thin films.

Near-rigid-body grain rotation is commonly observed during grain growth, recrystallization, and plastic deformation in nanocrystalline materials. Despite decades of research, the dominant mechanisms underlying grain rotation remain enigmatic. We present direct evidence that grain rotation occurs through the motion of disconnections (line defects with step and dislocation character) along grain boundaries in platinum thin films. State-of-the-art in situ four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) observations reveal the statistical correlation between grain rotation and grain growth or shrinkage. This correlation arises from shear-coupled grain boundary migration, which occurs through the motion of disconnections, as demonstrated by in situ high-angle annular dark-field STEM observations and the atomistic simulation-aided analysis. These findings provide quantitative insights into the structural dynamics of nanocrystalline materials.

Digital Engineering in Photonics: Optimizing Laser Processing

This article explores the transformative impact of digital engineering on photonic technologies, emphasizing advancements in laser processing through digital models, artificial intelligence (AI), and freeform optics. It presents a comprehensive review of how these technologies enhance efficiency, precision, and control in manufacturing processes. Digital models are pivotal for predicting and optimizing thermal effects in laser processing, thereby reducing material deformation and defects. The integration of AI further refines these models, improving productivity and quality in applications such as micromachining and cladding. Additionally, the combination of AI with freeform optics advances laser technology by enabling real-time adjustments and customizable beam profiles, which enhance processing versatility and reduce material damage. The use of digital twins is also examined as a key development in laser-based manufacturing, offering significant improvements in process optimization, defect reduction, and system efficiency. By incorporating real-time monitoring, machine learning, and physics-based modeling, digital twins facilitate precise simulations and predictions, leading to more effective and reliable manufacturing practices. Overall, the integration of digital twins, AI, and freeform optics into laser processing marks a significant progression in manufacturing technology. These advancements collectively enhance precision, efficiency, and adaptability, resulting in improved product quality and reduced operational costs. The continued evolution of these technologies is expected to drive further advancements in manufacturing practices, offering more robust solutions for complex production environments.

Experimental study on laser-assisted machining of SiCp/Al composites considering laser preheating history based on in-situ observation

The application of laser-assisted machining (LAM) has been demonstrated to improve the surface integrity of SiCp/Al composites. The dynamic process of laser preheating affects the deformation mechanism of materials. In this paper, the laser preheating history under different parameters is characterized by the changes in peak temperature and instantaneous preheating temperature. SiCp/Al cutting experiments under different laser preheating histories are carried out based on the high-speed imaging system. The influence of laser preheating history on the shear angle and the spatial–temporal distribution of the physical information in the shear zone are analyzed by the digital image correlation (DIC) method. The deformation characteristics during the SiCp/Al composites cutting process under different laser preheating histories are discussed. Additionally, the influence of the laser preheating history on the surface integrity is analyzed according to the changes of the Al matrix and SiC particles under different combinations of peak temperature and instantaneous preheating temperature. It has been demonstrated that the deformation degree in the shear zone during LAM of SiCp/Al composites is depended on the material softening degree related to the peak temperature and the material deformation temperature dominated by the instantaneous preheating temperature. The deformation uniformity is primarily determined by the deformation temperature. An appropriate material softening degree and deformation temperature can improve the surface integrity. The results provide a foundation for further mechanism studies for cutting load and surface integrity in LAM of SiCp/Al composites.

Amine-impregnated elastic carbon nanofiber aerogel templated by bacterial cellulose for CO2 adsorption and separation

Carbon aerogel has become a promising electrode material for CO2 capture and capacitor due to its large specific surface area, well-developed pore structure, adjustable porosity and ultra-high specific power. However, most of the carbon-based materials suffer from poor mechanical properties, low recycling efficiency, and low adsorption capacity, making it difficult to be put into industrial applications on a large scale. Bacterial cellulose (BC) has an ultra-fine reticular structure, a modulus of elasticity that is several to more than ten times that of typical plant fibers, and high tensile strength. In this paper, BC was treated by unidirectional freeze-drying method, and the aerogels with ordered honeycomb pore structure were constructed by unidirectional growth of ice crystals, and the pyrolytic chemical properties of BC were adjusted by using (NH4)2SO4, which effectively prevented the shrinkage and deformation of materials during carbonization, and successfully prepared elastic nanocarbon fiber aerogels. At the same time, the introduction of (NH4)2SO4 made the material realize N doping in the carbonization process, providing more adsorption sites, which was conducive to the adsorption of CO2. Finally, the carbon fiber nanoaerogel was modified by TEPA to further improve its adsorption selectivity for CO2. The prepared elastic carbon nanofiber aerogel (CBCNT) has high CO2 adsorption performance and high selectivity, and its CO2 capture capacity is up to 4.88 mmol/g. At the same time, its capacitance also reached 246F/g.

A phase field finite element study and evaluation of sulfide stress cracking in DCB specimen testing

The challenges presented by sour environments rich in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) underscore the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of material behavior under such conditions. The cracking susceptibility of metals and alloys used for subsurface equipment in downhole oil and gas exploration operations is particularly concerning. The NACE Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) test has emerged as a widely used quality assurance tool in the petroleum industry, leveraging fracture mechanics principles to assess the environment-assisted cracking (EAC) resistance of metals and alloys. The DCB test evaluates the fracture toughness KISSC of materials in H2S-containing environments via assessment of the crack arrest, which serves as a vital parameter in structural integrity assessments to mitigate the risk of service-related failures from sulfide stress cracking (SSC). However, various studies suggest that different test parameters, such as arm displacement and initial notch, significantly influence KISSC. This work presents a detailed numerical investigation on a comprehensive simulation of the DCB test, examining the effects of different test parameters on KISSC prediction. A coupled deformation-diffusion phase field framework is adopted to simulate SSC in DCB specimens arising from a complex interplay between material deformation, hydrogen diffusion, and fracture. The numerical results show good agreement with experimental results reported in the literature and provide deeper insights into the factors affecting crack growth and arrest in DCB testing.

High creep resistance in amorphous/crystalline dual-phase nanostructured CoCrFeNiMn high entropy alloys

Amorphous/crystalline dual-phase metallic materials received great attention owing to their synergistic combination of strength and ductility. However, the mechanisms governing creep deformation in these dual-phase materials are largely elusive. In the present letter, the creep deformation of amorphous/nanocrystalline CoCrFeNiMn high-entropy alloy (HEA) films is investigated through nanoindentation creep testing. It is suggested that dual-phase HEAs exhibit reduced creep strain compared to their monophase counterparts, and even surpass the performance of coarse-grained variants. This behavior arises from diffusion processes within the amorphous phase and the capacity for nucleation/annihilate of dislocations at amorphous/nanocrystalline interfaces. Furthermore, it is proposed that the presence of glass shell significantly influences the creep behavior of dual-phase HEAs.