Elastic Limit Research Articles

Investigating dilation response in PET FRP-confined reinforced concrete: Experimental study

In compression, concrete undergoes dilation due to the Poisson’s effect. Beyond the elastic limit, rapid crack propagation causes unstable expansion, leading to stiffness degradation, reduced strength, and ductility. External confinement with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites effectively manages this dilation, maintaining core integrity at high strength and deformation levels. However, internal steel reinforcement, especially when poorly detailed, can hinder FRP's efficacy by inducing stress concentrations from longitudinal bar buckling, resulting in premature FRP failure. This study addresses this challenge by utilizing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) FRP with a large rupture strain (LRS) capacity to delay premature rupture to high strain levels. Experimental results on poorly detailed reinforced concrete (RC) externally confined with PET FRP are presented, with variables including PET FRP layers, longitudinal bar buckling length, and cross-sectional aspect ratio. Detailed discussions on the effects of these variables on lateral to axial strain ratio, dilation rate, and volumetric response of confined concrete are provided. Test results have shown that PET FRP effectively managed the unstable dilation of confined concrete, even with internal steel reinforcement. Following the yielding of lateral ties and the buckling of longitudinal bars, PET FRP efficiently handled local stress concentrations and redistributed internal concrete damage. Despite PET FRP's low elastic modulus causing significant lateral expansion, its LRS capacity maintained the integrity of the entire column under high deformation.

The Brittle Fracture of Iron and Steel and the Sharp Upper Yield Point Are Caused by Cementite Grain Boundary Walls

Brittle fractures of iron and steel above twinning temperatures are caused by cementite grain boundary wall cracks. These were revealed by an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). At temperatures below the ductile–brittle transition (DBT), cracks must propagate longitudinally within cementite walls until the stress is sufficiently high for the cracks to propagate across ferrite grains. Calculations using these concepts correctly predict the stress and temperature at the DBT required for fractures to occur. At temperatures above the DBT for hypoeutectoid ferritic steels, dislocations must be emitted across the walls transversely for plastic deformation to continue. This is responsible for the upper yield point at the elastic limit in these steels followed by a large drop in stress to the lower yield point. Here, the walls completely surround all of the grains. Where the walls are segmented, such as in iron, dislocations can pass around the walls, resulting in a gradual change from elastic to plastic deformation. The Cottrell atmosphere theory of yielding is not supported experimentally. It was the best available until later experiments, including those using the AFM, were performed. Methods are presented here giving yield strength versus temperature and also the parameters for the Hall–Petch and Griffith equations.

Design Factors of Ti-Base Abutments Related to the Biomechanics Behavior of Dental Implant Prostheses: Finite Element Analysis and Validation via In Vitro Load Creeping Tests.

This study has been carried out to analyze the influence of the design of three geometric elements (wall thickness, platform width, and chamfer) of Ti-base abutments on the distribution of stresses and strains on the implant, the retention screw, the Ti base, and the bone. This study was carried out using FEA, analyzing eight different Ti-base models based on combinations of the geometric factors under study. The model was adapted to the standard Dynamic Loading Test For Endosseous Dental Implants. A force of 360 N with a direction of 30° was simulated and the maximum load values were calculated for each model, which are related to a result higher than the proportional elastic limit of the implant. The transferred stresses according to von Mises and microdeformations were measured for all the alloplastic elements and the simulated support bone, respectively. These results were validated with a static load test using a creep testing machine. The results show that the design factors involved with the most appropriate stress distribution are the chamfer, a thick wall, and a narrow platform. A greater thickness (0.4 mm) is also related to lower stress values according to von Mises at the level of the retaining screws. In general, the distributions of tension at the implants and microdeformation at the level of the cortical and trabecular bone are similar in all study models. The in vitro study on a Ti-base control model determined that the maximum load before the mechanical failure of the implant is 360 N, in accordance with the results obtained for all the Ti-base designs analyzed in the FEA. The results of this FEA study show that modifications to the Ti-base design influence the biomechanical behavior and, ultimately, the way in which tension is transferred to the entire prosthesis-implant-bone system.

Experimental investigation of the infill response under the inter-story drift level for different opening location

This paper investigates the response of infilled frames associated with inter-story drift ratio considering the central and eccentric window opening under the in-plane force. The behavior of the structure was studied by experimental and numerical approach. Experimental results show that the lateral load capacity in eccentric window frame (EW) is 1.17 times of central window frame (CW due to interruption of diagonal loaded action by the central opening. The elastic condition of CW frame and EW frame is obtained at lateral drift of 0.2% and 0.4% respectively. As a result of weak mortar interaction, the diagonal action of crack distribution emerges along the corner of the panel in testing A numerical simulation was performed and validated with experimental results. As the comparison of results, the elastic limit points coincide between the two approaches of numerical and experimental. However, the slightly difference occurs at the peak point. The similarity can be seen in the range of 80% to 100% in the value of peak load and displacement at peak load. The numerical investigation revealed that the highest stress distribution occurred along the diagonal axis, aligning with the results of the experimental investigation.

Stress Evaluation Using Finite Elements in a Manual Agricultural Tool

This study addresses the imperative need for efficient hand-held agricultural tools, particularly in challenging contexts like hillside agriculture, by focusing on the redesign and evaluation of a manual tillage tool. The objective is to comprehensively assess the stress and fatigue life of a redesigned tool, considering different manufacturing materials such as steels (AISI/SAE 4140, 4130, 1060), A356 aluminum, and nodular cast irons. Employing finite element method simulations and the Von Mises equation, this research confirms an optimal performance within elastic limits for all materials, mitigating the risks of plastic deformation or breakage during normal operation, with Von Mises stresses ranging from 8.39 to 16.30 MPa. All the tools yielded optimal results, meeting the critical requirements for soil penetration resistance, reporting no fatigue failures, and exhibiting useful life values over 1.75 x 1013 years. In terms of ergonomics, A356 aluminum stands out, as it is less heavy and implies a lower effort by the operator, promoting efficient tillage without compromising comfort. This research provides nuanced insights for the design of agricultural tools, emphasizing the harmonious balance between efficiency, longevity, and operator comfort in sustainable practices.

Dynamic response of rock sheds to successive rockfall impacts using lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) cushions: An experimental and numerical study

This study investigates the effectiveness of Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) as a novel cushion material mitigating repeated rockfall impacts on reinforced concrete (RC) slabs in rock sheds. Small-scale impact tests and finite element simulations analyze LECA particle size, cushioning material, block shape, and impact energy level influence on the dynamic response and damage. Results show LECA outperforms sand in attenuating impact forces and transmitted loads under successive impacts, which indicates a better protection effect on the substructure. Smaller LECA particles lead to wider stress distribution angles, longer impact durations, and lower peak forces. Block shape significantly influences impact force, with higher unified nose factors increasing forces. LECA cushions exhibit a dynamic amplification factor less than 1, indicating reduced transmitted loads compared to sand. Under high-impact energy conditions, the LECA cushion limits RC slab deflection within the elastic limit across all block shapes, while sand exceeds the elastic limit, potentially leading to structural failure. LECA mitigates flexural cracking and redistributes loads more uniformly, reducing overall RC slab damage compared to sand. However, localized failure modes require further optimization. This study highlights LECA's potential for enhancing rock shed structural safety and resilience against severe rockfall events, providing insights for optimal mitigation strategies.

How to catch a shear band and explain plasticity of metallic glasses with continuum mechanics

Capturing a shear band in a metallic glass during its propagation experimentally is very challenging. Shear bands are very narrow but extend rapidly over macroscopic distances, therefore, characterization of large areas at high magnification and high speed is required. Here we show how to control the shear bands in a pre-structured thin film metallic glass in order to directly measure local strains during initiation, propagation, or arrest events. Based on the experimental observations, a model describing the shear banding phenomenon purely within the frameworks of continuum mechanics is formulated. We claim that metallic glasses exhibit an elastic limit of about 5% which must be exceeded locally either at a stress concentrator to initiate a shear banding event, or at the tip of a shear band during its propagation. The model can successfully connect micro- and macroscopic plasticity of metallic glasses and suggests an alternative interpretation of controversial experimental observations.

An analytical model for axially compressed circular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) short columns with varied confinement factors

Accurate evaluation of the load-strain behavior of axially compressed concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) short columns is pivotal for engineering structures, and depends on precise prediction of the hoop-axial strain response. This study introduces a two-stage hoop-axial strain relationship that incorporates the initial Poisson's ratio and elastic limit to account for the initial linearity of concrete, and a reduction coefficient to take into account the effect of concrete strength on lateral deformation properties, based on a widely used hoop-axial equation. Experimental validation across a definite concrete strength range of 28 MPa to 125.3 MPa reveals improved predictions for the dilation rate of CFST columns subjected to axial compression, particularly for those columns fabricated with high-strength concrete (> 100 MPa). Subsequently, an analytical model consisting of the proposed two-stage strain relationship, a confined concrete model with inflection-point strain and residual strength, and the biaxial stress-strain relationship of steel tube is then established to estimate the compressive behavior of circular CFST short columns. Experimental verification over a range of confinements (confinement factor from 0.289 to 2.138) demonstrates the ability of the proposed analytical model to accurately capture the load-strain curves of circular CFST short columns, especially the post-peak behavior of those with confinement factors less than 1. The performance of the established analytical model in assessing the axial load-carrying capacity of circular CFST stub columns is investigated using a database assembled from available studies.

Study of the relationship between the strength limit and long-term fatigue of steel reinforcement of reinforced concrete structures with a long servise life in aggressive environments

It is known that the fatigue process begins with plastic deformation of the surface layers of the reinforcement metal. Moreover, the movement of dislocations in the conditions of repeatedly alternating stresses is observed at loads below the elastic limit of the metal. The rate of local plastic deformation during cyclic deformation is several orders of magnitude higher than the rate of deformation under static loading. Slip of dislocations begins in grains with a favorable orientation near the stress concentrators. With an increase in the number of cycles in the surface layers, the density of dislocations and the number of vacancies increases. When the basic number of NR cycles is reached, a surface hardened metal layer is formed with a large number of seed cracks, the size of which does not reach a critical value. An increase in the number of cycles cannot cause further development of destruction in such a layer. Only when the stresses exceed the endurance limit do the cracks reach a critical length, after which the process of their draining into the main crack begins with the propagation of the latter. The results of experimental studies indicate a strong influence of diffusible hydrogen on the static and cyclic parameters of crack resistance. It was established that with the increase of flooding, especially when the hydrogen content exceeds 5 cm3100g, both the static strength and long-term strength (fatigue-laziness) decrease sharply. Moreover, these areas of the hydrogen solution in the reinforcing steel are characterized by a viscous nature of fracture, while for heavily flooded reinforcement (from 5 to 12 cm3100g, brittle fracture by the mechanism of micro-split in the hardened (martensitic or troostite structure) is inherent. The analysis of the obtained experimental results made it possible to determine the optimal content of hydrogen in reinforcing steel (3-5 cm3 100g), the excess of which will cause a decrease in the crack resistance of the reinforcement in the process of long-term operation, especially in corrosive and aggressive environments. The issue of fatigue of reinforcing steels is very relevant today.

Shock response of gradient nanocrystalline CoCrNi medium entropy alloy

A comprehensive investigation of shock-induced deformation and spallation mechanisms in nanocrystalline CoCrNi medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) is conducted by large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, encompassing both gradient and homogeneous nanocrystalline structures. Under the shock velocity ranging from 0.2 km/s to 1 km/s, the effects of grain heterogeneity on shock wave propagation, spallation and defect evolution are examined. An inverse Hall–Petch relationship, where the Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) increases with larger grain sizes is observed within the grain size range of 3 to 12 nm for homogeneous nanocrystalline samples. Compared to the localized strain distribution either within grain interior (GI) or at grain boundaries (GB) in homogeneous nanocrystalline structures, gradient-grained counterparts exhibit compatible deformation along shock direction, which coordinates the load partitioning between GB and GI. As a result, lower densities of dislocation and stacking fault are triggered within the GI, while shear localization is mitigated at GB, leading to higher spall strength observed in the gradient nanocrystalline MEA samples at the same shock velocity. The results shed light on the insights of deformation and spallation mechanisms in gradient-grained MEAs under dynamic loading, which may open up a new avenue for the design of advanced structural MEAs with high strength and toughness.

Electromagnetic estimation of mechanical stress in steel elements by using magnetic induction

We present here experimental verification of a theoretical model previously developed to estimate internal mechanical stress in steel-based elements by means of non-contact electromagnetic induction measurements. Results confirm the validity of the proposed model and demonstrate that stress below 50% of the elastic limit can be detected with standard electronics.

Shock properties of polycrystalline Mg investigated by molecular dynamics simulation

Magnesium (Mg) alloys have broad applications in aerospace, automotive, and military industries due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, poor plastic formability and susceptibility to brittle fracture limit their application. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the shock properties of polycrystalline Mg (polyMg) and analyzed the deformation mechanisms using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results showed that the plastic deformation mechanism of polyMg under shock-wave loading was primarily dominated by grain boundary slipping and grain rotation, followed by the formation of dislocations and twins within the grains. The shock stress of polyMg increased with the increasing shock velocity, but the Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) did not change below a shock velocity of <1.0 km/s. The wavefront surface width decreased as the grain size decreased, but the shock stress and HEL values remained unaffected. These results can contribute to a better understanding of the nanoscopic dynamic response mechanism of polyMg.

Elastic Stretch Limit Exceeding 10% for Silicon Wires with Submicron to Micron Diameters

It is significant to modulate the bandgap of crystalline silicon (c‐Si) by applying large strains on it through controlled stretch. However, investigations on the stretchability of c‐Si are still insufficient, especially for samples with feature sizes in the submicron to micron scale. In this work, the large stretchability of silicon wires with submicron to micron diameters (SiMWs) is reported for the first time by using vapor–liquid–solid grown ultralong SiMWs. The diameters of the SiMW specimens range from 400 nm to 1.8 μm. The loading speed for stretching SiMWs is 100 nm s−1. It is found that the SiMWs with micron diameter have a stretch limit over 10%, while the stretch limit for samples with submicron diameter can reach 12%. The results fill the gaps in the knowledge of micron‐scale silicon materials’ stretchability. The average Young's modulus of SiMWs is measured as 115 GPa. Cyclic loading tests indicate that the tensile deformation of SiMWs is elastic and reversible with no plastic deformation observed. In this work, it is shown that large stretch of SiMWs can be achieved without the need of harsh experimental conditions, which will greatly facilitate the study of large strain engineering on c‐Si to modulate their properties and broaden their applications.

Topology optimised novel lattice structures for enhanced energy absorption and impact resistance

ABSTRACT This study evaluates topologically optimized lattice structures for high strain rate loading, crucial for impact resistance. Using the BESO (Bidirectional Evolution Structural Optimisation) topology optimisation algorithm, CompIED and ShRIED topologies are developed for enhanced energy absorption and impact resistance. Micromechanical simulations reveal CompIED surpasses theoretical elasticity limits for isotropic cellular materials, while the hybrid design ShRComp achieves theoretical maximum across all relative densities. Compared to TPMS, truss, and plate lattices, the proposed structures exhibit higher uniaxial modulus. Manufactured via fused deposition modeling with ABS thermoplastic, their energy absorption capabilities are assessed through compression tests and impact simulations. The ShRComp lattice demonstrates superior energy absorption under compression compared to CompIED. Impact analyses of CompIED and ShRComp sandwich structures at varying velocities show exceptional resistance to perforation and higher impact absorption efficiency, outperforming other classes of sandwich structures at similar densities. These findings position these new and novel topologies as promising candidates for impact absorption applications.

Grain boundary migration and mechanical properties altering in Fe – 10Ni – 20Cr alloy under irradiation

Mechanisms of ∑5(210)[001] and ∑5(310)[001] symmetrical tilled grain boundaries migration in bicrystall Fe – 10Ni – 20Cr samples under irradiation were investigated by means of molecular dynamics. The density of radiation defects grows quite quickly up to a dose of ~0.02 dpa and then reaches saturation. This is due to balancing of the radiation defects generation and annihilation rates. It is shown that at the early stage of irradiation, grain boundaries began to deviate stochastically from their initial positions due to interaction with cascades of atomic displacements and absorption of structural defects. During irradiation, the grain boundary region thickened and became rough. With an increase in the radiation dose, size of the clusters of point defects (tetrahedrons of stacking faults and dislocation loops) increased. Interaction with large clusters of point defects led to the formation of bends on initially flat surfaces of grain boundaries. At small distances between the boundaries, the high driving force between the curved surfaces of grain boundaries significantly increased the rates of their approach. The average migration rates of grain boundaries before their direct interaction with each other were approximately 0.8 m/s. As a result of their approach, the grain boundaries were annihilated, the potential energy of the sample decreased abruptly, and the grains merged. The annihilation of grain boundaries ∑5(310)[001] required twice the radiation dose compared to the grain boundary ∑5(210)[001]. The direct interaction of grain boundaries with each other abruptly increased the velocity of their migration due to the emergence of a driving force from the curved sections of the grain boundary surfaces. Influence of the radiation dose on deformation behavior features of the samples under uniaxial strains was studied. With an increase in the radiation dose, the elastic limit decreased rapidly and reached saturation at an irradiation dose of ~0.01 dpa.

Synergetic impact of MgO on PMMA-ZrO2 hybrid composites: Evaluation of structural, morphological and improved mechanical behavior for dental applications

This work aims to demonstrate the effect of ZrO2 and MgO inclusion into the Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). To fabricate novel hybrid composites via heat cure method, various composites (PZM2, PZM4 and PZM6) were synthesized in the system [(95-x) PMMA + 5 ZrO2 + x MgO] (x = 2, 4, and 6) respectively. Density of the prepared composites were determined and varying between 1.035–1.152 g/cm3. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) followed by EDAX and mechanical testing were performed to evaluate the fabricated composite properties. Moreover, to explore the structure of the fabricated composites the 13 C CP-MAS SSNMR and 1 H-13 C Phase-Modulated Lee Goldberg (PMLG) HETCOR Spectrum were recorded which clarify chemical shifting and motional dynamics of the composites. Mechanical tests were performed by UTM and the obtained parameters such as compressive strength, Young’s modulus, fracture toughness, brittleness coefficient, flexural strength and flexural modulus are found to be in the range of 91–100 MPa, 0.48–0.51 GPa, 9.122–9.705 MPa.m1/2, 0.66–0.815, 51.03–42.78 MPa and 499–663 MPa respectively. Some more mechanical parameters such as proportional limit, elastic limit, failure strength, modulus of resilience and modulus of toughness were also calculated. Furthermore, tribological properties were also determined and the coefficient of friction (COF) was decreased by 17.4 % and 38 % for composite PZM6 at 20 N and 40 N as compared to the composite PZM2 and the lowest wear volume of 1.55 mm3 was observed for PZM2, whereas the maximum volume loss of 5.64 mm3 is observed for composite PZM6. To check out the biocompatibility, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the fabricated composites the Trypan-blue assay was also performed for PZM2 and PZM6 composites. Dissection on the gut of larvae was also performed on the both composites followed by DAPI and DCFH-DA staining. Therefore, these synthesized samples can be used for the fabrication of denture materials.

Stress – deformation relations of Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) under different conditions

In this study, precise samples of Scots pine wood were subjected to bending strength tests in air dry, moisture above LDN and steamed conditions. In the tests, in addition to resistance values, stress and deformation at the elastic limit, II. zone length and total deformation were investigated. As a result of the experiments, it was observed that the materials lost some resistance after the maximum load was reached in LDN and steamed samples, but they continued to carry the load. This situation has led to the need to create two different resistance classes: maximum bending tensile strength and bending fracture resistance. The maximum stress in bending and fracture resistance in bending was found to be highest in air-dried samples, while the lowest was found in steamed samples. In examining the elastic limit resistance and deformations, the highest values were found in air-dried samples, while the lowest values were found in steamed samples. In determining the II. zone length, it was determined that the II. zone length of steamed samples gave the highest value, while air-dried samples gave the lowest value. In determining the total deformations, it was concluded that while the most deformation occurred in the steamed samples, the least deformation occurred in the air-dried samples.

Tough and elastic hydrogel thermocells for heat energy utilization

Hydrogel thermocells possess great potential in the energy conversion field as they directly absorb waste heat from the environment to drive redox reactions for continuous electricity generation. However, achieving high toughness and good elasticity simultaneously in hydrogel thermocells remains a challenge because of the inherent contradiction of energy dissipation mechanisms, severely limiting their practical applications and lifespan. To address this, a skin-like hydrogel network with a highly dense interwoven network is developed to construct hydrogel thermocells with good elasticity and high toughness. The dense network structure can effectively disperse the stress and hinder crack propagation, thus breaking the contradiction between high toughness and good elasticity. The thermocell realizes a toughness of 460 J m−2 while reaching an elastic limit strain of 350 %, far exceeding the elasticity of previous stretchable hydrogel thermocells. Meanwhile, it exhibits ultra-low hysteresis and excellent fatigue resistance under tensile and compressive cyclic loads. Moreover, the thermocell can work stably over long periods, enabling stable voltage output even under compression, bending, and stretching. In addition, the thermocell can power the LED lamp and calculator, and can also be connected in series to form large arrays, thus rendering it an ideal power source for wearable devices.

Stress-induced changes in magnetite: insights from a numerical analysis of the Verwey transition

SUMMARY Magnetic susceptibility behaviour around the Verwey transition of magnetite (≈125 K) is known to be sensitive to stress, composition and oxidation. From the isotropic point (≈130 K) to room temperature, decreasing magnetic susceptibility indicates an increase in magnetocrystalline anisotropy. In this study, we present a model which numerically analyses low-temperature magnetic susceptibility curves (80–280 K) of an experimentally shocked (up to 30 GPa) and later heated (973 K) magnetite ore. To quantify variations of the transition shape caused by both shock and heating, the model statistically describes local variations in the Verwey transition temperature within bulk magnetite. For the description, Voigt profiles are used, which indicate variations between a Gaussian and a Lorentzian character. These changes are generally interpreted as variations in the degree of correlation between observed events, that is between local transition temperatures in the model. Shock pressures exceeding the Hugoniot elastic limit of magnetite ($ \ge $5 GPa) cause an increase in transition width and Verwey transition temperature, which is partially recovered by heat treatment. Above the Verwey transition temperature, susceptibility variations related to the magnetocrystalline anisotropy are described with an exponential approach. The room temperature magnetic susceptibility relative to the maximum near the isotropic point is reduced after shock, which is related to grain size reduction. Since significant oxidation and cation substitution can be excluded for the studied samples, variations are only attributed to changes in elastic strain associated with shock-induced deformation and annealing due to heat treatment. The shocked magnetite shows a high correlation between local transition temperatures which is reduced by heat treatment. The model allows a quantitative description of low-temperature magnetic susceptibility curves of experimentally shocked and subsequently heat-treated polycrystalline magnetite around the Verwey transition temperature. The curves are accurately reproduced within the experimental uncertainties. Further applications for analysing magnetite-bearing rocks seem possible if model parameters, such as for oxidation are included into the model.

Debye temperatures and nanostructuring of polyurethane auxetics

Based on experimental values of longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic wave propagation velocities and surface Rayleigh wave velocities were calculated phonon energies and Debye limiting frequencies and temperatures were determined of metal-filled polyurethane auxetics samples. Modeling the structural formations of such systems and obtaining the value of the lattice and Grüneisen acoustic parameter made it possible to find the root-mean-square displacement of the atomic groups of the macromolecule, as well as the limits of forced elasticity, shear deformation, and deformation of the interstructural bond. The relationship between Debye frequencies (temperatures) and Poisson's ratio, Grüneisen parameter, was established. A quantum-mechanical approach to the movement of electrons, atomic groups of macromolecules, thermal and sound phonons made it possible to estimate the size of nanoformations in the composition. The theoretical values of Poisson's ratio obtained based on models of polymer auxetics and processes of propagation of ultrasonic waves in such systems are analyzed.