Distribution Pattern Of Fibers Research Articles

Modeling and experimental investigations of mechanical properties of hybrid composite rods with gradient composition

The concept of creating a functionally gradient material characterized by a smooth change in composition was used in the fabrication of hybrid composite rods. A hybrid core structure with a glass fiber core and a carbon fiber shell was adopted as the basis. To reduce the risk of delamination at the core-shell interface, a gradual transition was implemented from the core of the rod, made based on high-modulus fiber, to the outer shell composed of low-modulus fiber. The strength and modulus of elasticity in bending for hybrid composite rods were modeled. Using the proposed model, an optimal scheme for distributing glass and carbon fibers across the cross-section of a composite rod was selected. Hybrid composite rods with a diameter of 25 mm, with the same matrix (31±0,1%) and fiber (69±0,1%) content, but with different distribution patterns of glass and carbon fibers along the cross-section, were manufactured via pultrusion technique. The bending strength and stiffness characteristics of composite rods were experimentally determined. Mechanical properties of rods with different reinforcement schemes were compared: homogeneous, core-shell, single, and double gradient. The results indicate that a hybrid rod with a gradient reinforcement scheme exhibits higher values of strength and modulus of elasticity during bending. The modulus of elasticity of the rod with the "double gradient" structure was 103 GPa, for comparison, the modulus of elasticity of the rod made by the "core-shell" scheme was 82 GPa. The simulation aligns well with the experimental data.

Using multi-threshold non-local means joint distribution method to analysis the spatial distribution patterns of binder and fibers in gas diffusion layers of fuel cells

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) in fuel cell plays a crucial role in mass transfer, electron conduction and structural support. The distribution of binder and hydrophobic agent directly affects the mass transfer and conductivity of the fuel cell. In this study, a multi-threshold segmentation-based image processing method was used to distinguish between pores, fibers, and binder in the GDL. The relationship between binder distribution and fiber density as well as the thickness of the binder layer was investigated. Specifically, the study first utilized a joint distribution map based on grayscale values and non-local means values, with global Rényi entropy as the optimization objective. A bee algorithm was employed to search for the global optimal point, achieving threshold segmentation of micro-scale images. Subsequently, by comparing the results of element segmentation using one-dimensional and multi-dimensional segmentation methods, a three-dimensional convolutional kernel of different sizes was used to obtain the distance from each point in the structure to the edge, effectively separating adherent fibers. Finally, convolutional methods were used to analyze the relationship between the thickness of the binder layer and fiber density. It was found that there is a positive correlation between thickness and spatial density of fibers when the fiber layer is thin. These research findings provide theoretical basis for the content and distribution of binder in the basal layer process of GDL fabrication, and contribute to a more accurate description of the microstructure and properties of actual materials, enhancing the understanding of the preparation process and microstructure properties of GDL in fuel cells. The image processing method utilized in this study enables the computation of crucial parameters within the GDLs' multi-component segmentation algorithm, utilizing a limited sample size. Additionally, it offers valuable insights into the spatial distribution characteristics of fibers and the presence of thin matrix layers. These findings highlight the potential of this method for future applications in the realm of realistic three-dimensional structural reconstructions, thus holding promising prospects for further advancements in this field.

Active Contraction in the Stable Mechanical Environment of the Tunic of the Ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi, a Polysaccharide-Based Tissue with Blood Circulatory System.

Halocynthia roretzi, a member of Ascidiacea, is covered with its own tunic, which is composed of polysaccharides, such as cellulose Iβ and sulfated chitin. H. roretzi has an open-vessel system, whose blood vessels and hemocytes are found in the tunic, so that the mechanical environment of the tunic could be carefully controlled because of its influence on hemocyte behaviors. While active deformation of the tunic and related phenomena have been previously reported, the mechanical environment in the tunic, which directly influences its deformation, has been rarely investigated. Meanwhile, the developments of actuators based on cellulose and chitin have been frequently reported. However, a cellulose-sulfated chitin actuator has not been proposed. In this study, the mechanical environment of the tunic, which has been rarely investigated despite its importance in the active deformation of the tunic, was evaluated using finite element analysis. A finite element model of the tunic, based on its histological characteristics as well as deformation patterns, was developed. The results showed that the shape of the tunic, the pattern of fiber distribution, and control of the water content influenced the mechanical environment.

GABA-immunoreactive neurons in the Central Nervous System of the viviparous teleost Poecilia sphenops

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) functions as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter within the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. In this study, we examined the distribution pattern of GABA-immunoreactive (GABA-ir) cells and fibres in the CNS of the viviparous teleost Poecilia sphenops using immunofluorescence method. GABA immunoreactivity was seen in the glomerular, mitral, and granular layers of the olfactory bulbs, as well as in most parts of the dorsal and ventral telencephalon. The preoptic area consisted of a small cluster of GABA-ir cells, whereas extensively labelled GABA-ir neurons were observed in the hypothalamic areas, including the paraventricular organ, tuberal hypothalamus, nucleus recessus lateralis, nucleus recessus posterioris, and inferior lobes. In the thalamus, GABA-positive neurons were only found in the ventral thalamic and central posterior thalamic nuclei, whereas the dorsal part of the nucleus pretectalis periventricularis consisted of a few GABA-ir cells. GABA-immunoreactivity was extensively seen in the alar and basal subdivisions of the midbrain, whereas in the rhombencephalon, GABA-ir cells and fibres were found in the cerebellum, motor nucleus of glossopharyngeal and vagal nerves, nucleus commissuralis of Cajal, and reticular formation. In the spinal cord, GABA-ir cells and fibres were observed in the dorsal horn, ventral horn, and around the central canal. Overall, the extensive distribution of GABA-ir cells and fibres throughout the CNS suggests several roles for GABA, including the neuroendocrine, viscerosensory, and somatosensory functions, for the first time in a viviparous teleost.

Stochastic buckling response of variable fiber spacing composite plate under thermal environment

The effectiveness of variable fiber spacing composite (VFSC) laminates subjected to thermal loading is compared with uniformly distributed fiber composite (UDFC) laminates. The higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) is adopted to develop a FE model for estimating critical thermal buckling load. Three types of fiber distribution patterns are considered to study the effect of the non-uniform spacing distribution of fiber on thermal buckling, and the results are compared with UDFC. Further, a surrogate model based on the radial basis function network (RBFN) is developed to examine the impact of composite properties uncertainty on the critical buckling response of UDFC and VFSC laminates under thermal loading. The RBFN model is found to be highly efficient and possesses a close match with Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Though the VFSC laminates possess a large deviation (standard deviation) in the buckling temperature, the stochastic effect (standard deviation/mean) shows relatively minimal variation in VFSC and UDFC laminates. The effect of each composite property is investigated for different lamination sequences and boundary conditions. From the sensitivity analysis, the thermal expansion coefficient of matrix [Formula: see text] is found to be the most sensitive property for all the investigated cases. Lastly, the RBFN model is utilized to quantify reliability parameters for multiple stochasticity levels.

On the identification of the ultra-structural organization of elastic fibers and their effects on the integrity of annulus fibrosus

Due to the complicated structure of the elastic fiber network in annulus fibrosus, existing in-silico studies either simplified or just overlooked its distribution pattern. Nonetheless, experimental and simulation results have proven that elastic fibers are of great importance to maintaining the structural integrity of annulus fibrosus and therefore to ensuring the load-bearing ability of intervertebral discs. Such needs call for a fine model. This work aims at developing a biphasic annulus fibrosus model by incorporating the accurate distribution pattern of collagen and elastic fibers. Both the structural parameters and intrinsic mechanical parameters were successfully identified using single lamella and inter-lamella microscopy anatomy and micromechanical testing data. The proposed model was then used to implement finite element simulations on various anterior and posterolateral multi-lamellae annulus fibrosus specimens. In general, simulation results agree well with available experimental and simulation data. On this basis, the effects of elastic fibers on the integrity of annulus fibrosus were further investigated. It was found that elastic fibers significantly influence the free swelling, radial stretching and circumferential shear performances of annulus fibrosus. Nonetheless, no significant effects were found for the circumferential stretching capability. The proposed biphasic model considers for the first time the distribution characteristics of elastic fibers at two scales, including both the principal orientations of all fiber families and the detailed distribution pattern within each family. Better understandings on the functions of collagen and elastic fibers can therefore be realized. To further enhance its prediction capability, the current model can be extended in the future by taking the fiber–matrix interaction as well as progressive damages into consideration.

Nonlinear 2D-DQ volume-preservative global–local dynamic analysis of composite sandwich plates with soft hyperelastic cores and viscoelastic Winkler-Pasternak foundations

Nonlinear large amplitude vibration and dynamic deformations of sandwich plates with composite face sheets and hyperelastic cores that encounter large thickness changes during the vibration are investigated here for the first time. Moreover, a new global–local zigzag hyperelastic plate theory that considers the incompressibility and large transverse deformability of the core, and employs transverse normal strains whose order is higher than that of the in-plane strains is proposed. The plate is resting on a viscoelastic Winkler-Pasternak substrate, exposed to various spatial and time distributions of loads, and experiencing a diversity of edge conditions. The governing equations of motion are obtained by using Hamilton’s principle, von Kármán’s assumptions, and the series expansion of the volume-preserving strain energy density function. A 2D differential quadrature (2D-DQ) technique is employed for the spatial discretization of a structure with both constitutive and kinematic nonlinearities, for the first time. The time-dependent combination of the nonlinear coupled motion equations and boundary conditions is treated by an iterative/updating Runge-Kutta time-marching technique and the effects of the thickness and aspect ratio of the plate, viscoelastic and shear parameters of the foundation, types of the edge conditions, constitutive parameters of the composite materials, fiber orientation angle, and magnitude and distribution pattern of the loads on the resulting dynamic lateral deflections are studied. Results reveal that while the vibration frequencies and amplitudes of the face sheets are quite different, the damping is more remarkable when stiffer cores are utilized. Moreover, the effects of the higher vibration modes are more apparent in looser edge conditions, smaller fiber angles, and special excitation frequencies.

Study on durability of transverse shear properties for novel carbon/glass hybrid fiber‐reinforced polymer bars in simulated concrete environments

AbstractDurability on the transverse shear properties of hybrid fiber‐reinforced polymer (HFRP) bar may control the cross‐sectional load‐bearing capacity and failure mode of the HFRP bar reinforced concrete members due to its strength degradation with time. Herein, the degradation of novel carbon/glass (C/G)‐HFRP bars were accelerated in simulated concrete environments at 60°C to investigate the effects of fiber volume fraction and distribution pattern, matrix resin volume fraction, exposure environment, and period on their transverse shear properties. The results displayed that the transverse shear strength of the samples reduced by 15%, 20%, and 8% after exposure to the simulated ordinary concrete, seawater sea‐sand concrete environments, and tap water for 6 months, respectively. The inward diffusion of water molecules and free hydroxyl ions caused the hydrolysis of matrix resin, etching of glass fiber and debonding of fiber/matrix interface, which were the incentives of the degradation of C/G‐HFRP bars. The increase of matrix resin volume fraction and the application of a waterproof coating were recommended to alleviate the degradation of fibrous composites in concrete environments. Finally, two prediction models were proposed to determine the transverse shear strength of HFRP bar before and after exposure to different harsh environments, respectively. The comparisons indicated that the predicted values were coincided with the experimental results.

Effects of microstructure characteristics on the transverse moisture diffusivity of unidirectional composite

Abstract To reveal the effects of the microstructure characteristics including fiber shape, void, fiber distribution pattern, and interphase on the transverse moisture diffusivities of unidirectional composites, the steady analysis method based on Fick’s law is adopted. The predicted numerical results are compared with the results from the analytical models to demonstrate the accuracy. From the simulation results, it is found that the increase in the oscillation amplification of non-circular fibers contributes to the orthotropy of diffusivity properties, which attributes to different barrier effects along different directions. The consideration of interphase relieves the barrier effects and the predicted diffusivity values are increased significantly. The effects of voids increase with the void volume fraction and are dependent on the voids’ location. If the fiber random distribution pattern is considered, it is found that the average values of predicted diffusivity decrease gradually with the increase in the number of oscillations.

Buckling Analysis on Resin Base Laminated Plate Reinforced with Uniform and Functional Gradient Distribution of Carbon Fiber in Thermal Environment.

The present paper aims to investigate the buckling load of functionally graded carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (FG-CFRP) composite laminated plates under in-plane loads in a thermal environment. The effective material properties of the CFRP composite are calculated by the Mori-Tanaka homogenization method. The theoretical formulations are based on classical laminate plate theory (CLPT) and the von Kármán equations for large deflections. The governing equations are derived based on the principle of virtual work and then solved through the Navier solution. Results are obtained for the critical buckling load and temperature effect of a simply supported plate subjected to in-plane loading. A detailed numerical study is conducted to provide important insights into the effects of the functionally graded carbon fiber (CF) distribution pattern and volume fraction, total number of layers, temperature, geometrical dimension and lamination angle on the buckling load of functionally carbon-fiber-reinforced composite plates. Finally, the validation is compared with the Reddy and finite element analyses, which show consistency with each other.

Tensile behavior analysis and prediction of steel fiber-reinforced-carbon/glass hybrid composite bars

This paper presents the uniaxial tensile experiment results and analysis of a new steel fiber-reinforced-carbon/glass hybrid composite bars (S-CG HCBs). The effects of carbon/glass ratio, steel fiber replacement ratio, fiber volume fraction and fiber arrangement over the cross section on the tensile properties of S-CG HCBs were investigated. In addition, a method for the tensile test of steel fiber was presented. Two damage modes of S-CG HCBs were analyzed based on carbon fiber fracture pattern. The results indicated that the tensile stress-strain relationship of S-CG HCBs could be modified by adding steel fiber. Meanwhile, the yield stress, rupture stress, failure stress, and stress drop at carbon fiber fracture could be controlled effectively by the changes of experimental variables. Finally, a tensile stress-strain model for S-CG HCBs was proposed considering the distribution pattern of carbon and steel fibers through a simple damage analysis.

Velvet Antler Peptides Reduce Scarring via Inhibiting the TGF-β Signaling Pathway During Wound Healing.

AimScar formation generally occurs in cutaneous wound healing in mammals, mainly caused by myofibroblast aggregations, and currently with few effective treatment options. However, the pedicle wound (about 10 cm in diameter) of the deer can initiate regenerative healing, which has been found to be achieved via paracrine factors from the internal tissues of antlers.MethodsEnzymatically digested velvet antler peptides (EVAP) were prepared along with other types of antler extracts as the controls. The effects of EVAP on healing of full-thickness skin wounds were evaluated using rats in vivo, and on myofibroblast transdifferentiation tested using transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced human dermal fibroblasts in vitro.ResultsEVAP significantly accelerated the wound healing rate, reduced scar formation, and improved the healing quality, including promoted angiogenesis, increased number of skin appendages (hair follicles and sebaceous glands) and improved the distribution pattern of collagen fibers (basket-wave like) in the healed tissue. Moreover, EVAP significantly down-regulated the expression levels of genes pro- scar formation (Col1a2 and TGF-β1), and up-regulated the expression levels of genes anti-scar formation (Col3a1 and TGF-β3), and suppressed the excessive transdifferentiation of myofibroblasts and the formation of collagen I in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we found these effects were highly likely achieved by inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway, evidenced by decreased expression levels of the related genes, including TGF-β1, Smad2, p-Smad2, α-SMA, and collagen I.ConclusionsEVAP may be a promising candidate to be developed as a clinic drug for regenerative wound healing.

Quasi Static and Fatigue Properties of Long Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide

In this experimental work, the quasi static and fatigue properties of a 40 wt.% long carbon fiber reinforced partially aromatic polyamide (Grivory GCL-4H) were investigated. For this purpose, microstructural parameter variations in the form of different thicknesses and different removal directions from injection-molded plates were evaluated. Mechanical properties decreased by increasing misalignment away from the melt flow direction. By changing the specimen thickness, no change in the general fiber distribution pattern transversal and normal to the axis of melt flow was observed. It has shown that with increasing specimen thickness the quasi static properties along the melt flow direction decreased and vice versa resulting in superior properties normal to the melt flow axis. At around 5 mm, an intersection suggests quasi-isotropic behavior. In addition, the fatigue strength of the material was significantly higher in the flow direction than normal to the flow direction. No change in fatigue life was observed while changing specimen thickness. The Basquin equation seems to describe the effect of stress amplitude on the fatigue strength of this composite. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate fracture surfaces of tested specimens. Results show that mechanical properties and morphological structures depend highly on fiber orientation.

Stochastic aeroelastic analysis of laminated composite plate with variable fiber spacing

In this paper, the dynamic and aeroelastic analysis of variable fiber spacing composite (VFSC) laminated plates are carried out. The effects and benefits of changing the fiber distribution pattern on natural frequency and mode shape are explored taking various boundary conditions. Taking cantilever boundary condition flutter characteristics of VFSC plate with different fiber distribution patterns are compared. Further stochasticity of flutter velocity due to randomness in material properties that could arise due to complex manufacturing and fabrication process of VFSC laminates is investigated. The perturbation technique is implemented to perform the stochastic as well as reliability analysis. Various parametric studies are conducted to check the accuracy and efficiency of perturbation technique, by comparing the results with that of Monte Carlo simulation and the first-order reliability method.

Production of an Animal Model of Semi-Yin and Semi-Yang Syndrome with Diabetic Ulcers and Study of Its Pathological and Metabolic Features.

Background To create an animal model for diabetic ulcers with semi-Yin and semi-Yang (SYSY) syndrome and to study the pathological and metabolic features of SYSY syndrome. Methods Firstly, based on the clinical characteristics of the SYSY syndrome of diabetic ulcer, an animal model of diabetic ulcers with SYSY syndrome being full-thickness skin defects was created by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally, infecting with Staphylococcus aureus, and gastrically administering senna. Secondly, the content and distribution patterns of collagen fibers, the expression of neutrophils and macrophage markers, angiogenesis, and the expression of IL-1β and IL-10 in the rats with Yang syndrome, Yin syndrome, and SYSY syndrome of diabetic ulcers at different time points were detected. Representative traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ointment of Yang syndrome, Yin syndrome, and SYSY syndrome was used to treat this animal model. The above indexes in each treatment group were detected. Finally, metabonomics was used to detect and analyze the changes of differential metabolites related to macrophage metabolism in Yang, Yin, and SYSY syndromes at different time points. Results An animal model of diabetic ulcers with SYSY syndrome was established. The pathological features of the SYSY syndrome group were chronic low-grade inflammatory reactions. On the third day, the SYSY syndrome group displayed lower expression of CD16, CD68, CD163, IL-1β, and metabolites related to M1-type macrophages compared with other groups. On the seventh day, the SYSY syndrome group showed lower expression of CD31, IL-10, myeloperoxidase, and metabolites related to M2-type macrophages. Treatment with Chong He Ointment, a representative TCM ointment for SYSY syndrome, reversed the expression levels of these indexes and promoted wound healing in the SYSY group. Conclusion SYSY syndrome presents a persistent pathological state of low inflammation, which may be caused by an insufficient activation of the M1-type metabolic pathway in macrophages in the early acute inflammatory stage, resulting in the incomplete clearance of pathogens and debris and continuous stimulation of macrophages to initiate the M1-type metabolic pathway. CD163, CD31, IL-10, and citric acid can be used as potential specific markers for the recovery and progression of SYSY syndrome.

Comprehensive topographical map of the serotonergic fibers in the male mouse brain.

It is well established that serotonergic fibers distribute throughout the brain. Abnormal densities or patterns of serotonergic fibers have been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. Although many classical studies have examined the distribution pattern of serotonergic fibers, most of them were either limited to specific brain areas or had limitations in demonstrating the fine axonal morphology. In this study, we utilize male mice expressing green fluorescence protein under the serotonin transporter (SERT) promoter to map the topography of serotonergic fibers across the rostro-caudal extent of each brain area. We demonstrate previously unreported regional density and fine-grained anatomy of serotonergic fibers. Our findings include: (a) SERT fibers distribute abundantly in the thalamic nuclei close to the midline and dorsolateral areas, in most of the hypothalamic nuclei with few exceptions such as the median eminence and arcuate nuclei, and within the basal amygdaloid complex and lateral septal nuclei, (b) the source fibers of innervation of the hippocampus traverse through the septal nuclei before reaching its destination, (c) unique, filamentous type of straight terminal fibers within the nucleus accumbens, (d) laminar pattern of innervation in the hippocampus, olfactory bulb and cortex with heterogenicity in innervation density among the layers, (e) cortical labeling density gradually decreases rostro-caudally, (f) fibers traverse and distribute mostly within the gray matter, leaving the white fiber bundles uninnervated, and (g) most of the highly labeled nuclei and cortical areas have predominant anatomical connection to limbic structures. In conclusion, we provide novel, regionally specific insights on the distribution map of serotonergic fibers using transgenic mouse.

Ostarine and Ligandrol Improve Muscle Tissue in an Ovariectomized Rat Model.

In postmenopausal women, hormonal decline changes muscle function and structure. The non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) Ostarine (OS) and Ligandrol (LG) have been shown to increase muscle mass and physical function while showing a relative low risk profile. Information about their effects on muscle structure and metabolism is lacking. To analyze this, two experiments were performed using ovariectomized rats as a standard model for postmenopausal conditions. In each experiment, 3-month old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n = 12 to 15). One group remained intact (Non-OVX), the other four groups were ovariectomized (OVX) and remained untreated for eight (OS Experiment) or nine (LG Experiment) weeks. Thereafter, rats of three of the four OVX groups were treated with OS or LG (with doses of 0.04, 0.4, or 4 mg/kg body weight/day) for 5 weeks. Then, uterus, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles were weighed, fiber size, capillary density, and enzyme activity (lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], citrate synthase [CS], and complex I) were analyzed. In the LG experiment, intramuscular fat content was determined in the quadriceps femoris muscle. All OS treatments resulted in a higher capillary density in the gastrocnemius and longissimus muscles compared with the Non-OVX and the OVX rats, whereas all LG treatments showed a higher capillary density compared with the Non-OVX group. Muscle fiber size and distribution patterns were not changed under either SARM. The CS activity was higher in the longissimus muscle under OS treatment. LG resulted in a higher activity of CS in the gastrocnemius and of LDH in the longissimus muscle. Both SARMs showed an uterotrophic effect, OS at 4 and 0,4 mg dosages, LG at 4 mg dosage. In sum, beneficial effect on muscle vascularization was observed for both SARMs with a stronger impact for OS. LG showed more effect on muscle metabolism. However, a higher muscle weight and intramuscular fat content observed after LG treatment (4 mg) as well as an uterotrophic effect of both SARMs at higher dosages could be considered as an unfavorable side effects and might be a limitation for their application at these dosages.

The Effect of Physical-Chemical Nature of UHMWPE and PPS Thermoplastic Matrices on the Formation of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of their Carbon Fiber Filled Composites

The effect of carbon fiber dimensions on mechanical and tribological properties of the composites based on two thermoplastic matrices of different physical-chemical nature (polyphenylene sulfide, PPS, and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, UHMWPE) is compared. It is shown that the supermolecular structure formed by compression sintering of PPS and UHMWPE controls the distribution pattern of carbon fibers in the matrix, which affects the level of tribological properties. The composites on a high-strength PPS-matrix, designed for structural/tribotechnical applications and loaded with short carbon fibers (70 μm), can be fabricated at a high loading degree (40 wt.%), which provides a five-fold increase in wear resistance and a 1.7-fold decrease in friction coefficient. The wear resistance increases due to the formation of a third body consisting of wear debris, which essentially reduces the friction coefficient. Loading the PPS with carbon nanofibers modifies the polymer matrix structure through the dispersion hardening mechanism but does not improve its tribological properties. Adding chopped carbon fibers (with a length of a few millimeters) into the PPS matrix gives rise to substantial hardening but significantly degrades the tribological properties. The UHMWPE composites can be manufactured via filling the matrix with 10 wt.% chopped carbon fibers evenly distributed in it. Carbon nanofibers are thought to be the most efficient fillers for the UHMWPE matrix of a spherulitic supermolecular structure in terms of increasing its wear resistance. They play the role of a solid lubricant medium (wear resistance increases 2.7 times, the friction coefficient is decreased twice). Comparatively long chopped carbon fibers of the millimeter range (2–3 mm) play a reinforcing role in contrast to the short carbon fibers measuring tens and hundreds of micrometers (70, 200 μm). They neither increase the friction coefficient nor result in the abrasive wear of the steel counterpart. The role of interphase adhesion, polymer matrix hardness, its chemical reactivity and supermolecular structure in forming the tribomechanical properties of carbon composites based on thermoplastic matrices of different physical-chemical nature is discussed.

Multiscale structural insights of load bearing bamboo: A computational modeling approach

Bamboo has been widely utilized as a load bearing material in building construction since ancient times by taking advantage of its excellent mechanical performances under loading as well as its low density and rapid growth. Applications of bamboo to engineering, architecture, and infrastructure require an in-depth understanding of the relationship between its morphology and mechanics, including how this regularly spaced segmental structure adapts to taking the applied loads. However, previous research on buckling behavior of structural bamboo considered it as a homogenous tube without multiscale structural features, and no reasonable explanation for the regular segment length was proposed. Here, we have implemented representative volume elements within the framework of finite element analysis to study the mechanical response of a bamboo culm under axial compressive load and systematically investigated how the bamboo's hierarchical structural features (e.g., gradient fiber distribution, periodic nodes, and others) contribute to its compression capacity. We find that column buckling is a critical failure mode that leads to the collapse of the entire structure, which can be disastrous. We observe that the gradient fiber distribution pattern along the radial direction significantly contributes to its strength. We find that the occurrence of fiber deviation at the node region reduces the strength of bamboo. Nevertheless, our results show that structural features such as external ridge and internal diaphragm play the role of reinforcement while the effect is more significant for bamboo than other plants with similar node appearance. Our work provides structural insights into the outstanding mechanics of bamboo. Such information could provide a guide for engineers to predict the material mechanics according to its structure, design bamboo-inspired composite materials, and construct high-performance architectures with bamboo accordingly.

Determination of the Chronological Order of a Laser Printing and Gel Pen Writing Without any Crossing Strokes

Laser printers and writing instruments are being exploited by the forgers to produce fabricated documents. They often produce such documents by appending genuine signature on a blank sheet and later printing on it. Often these fabricated documents do not contain intersection of strokes and may pose a difficulty to forensic document examiners in analyzing cases related to such documents. Keeping in mind the limited research work done on nonintersecting strokes, the present study has been conducted with an aim to determine the sequence of nonintersecting strokes of gel pens and laser printers. Three hundred samples of nonintersecting strokes of gel pen ink and laser printing were prepared. Of these 300, 150 had laser-printed text below the gel pen strokes and the remaining 150 were prepared with gel pen stokes below the laser-printed text. The samples have been analyzed using Nikon SMZ 800N stereomicroscope. Three micro-conformation features, that is, pattern of toner distribution, ink distribution, and fiber distribution have been observed in the samples. The results demonstrate the successful establishment of sequence of nonintersecting strokes in case of gel pen and laser-printed documents by the determination of micro-conformation features.